First-year students at Wartburg may be cutting back on drinking. In the fall term, write-ups for freshmen drinking or possessing alcohol dropped significantly from past years.

Residence hall directors and resident assistants in Clinton Hall and Centennial Complex, the first-year residence halls, have all reported they are seeing less alcohol use among students.

Residential Life staff is excited about the change and are trying to understand what has caused the positive turnaround. One reason the numbers are down could be because of a new policy.

As of September, Clinton Hall and Centennial Complex have become completely alcohol-free. Anyone found with alcohol in the buildings will be written up, regardless of age.

Clinton Hall Director CJ Yerington said the change was made to make the rules more concrete. 

“The change is less of a policy change and more a change of attitude. There’s probably 97 percent of our first-year students who live on campus within Clinton Hall or the Complex,” he said.

RAs and residents explain decrease
However some resident assistants doubt whether the policy change has made first-years less likely to drink.  

“Alcohol write-ups in the dorms are less this year because the rules are more black-and-white and students are finding other venues to do their business,” Hannah Piper, a resident assistant, said.

Some freshmen argue the change is not caused by fear of getting caught or because of new consequences. Many are simply seeking ways to have fun without using alcohol. 

Kelli Hobart, a first-year living in Centennial Complex, said between friends and work, she doesn’t have time to worry about drinking.

“I personally do not drink because I find that having fun you should probably remember it so you can make college memories. I really like hanging out with my roommate,” she said.

Regardless of the reasons behind the drop in alcohol use, Wartburg’s Residential Life staff is thrilled with the difference they have seen.