Study Demonstrates Strong Student Support for Campus Alcohol Policies

Results of a recent EDC study indicate that there is strong support among college students for policies that restrict alcohol use on campuses. The findings are in sharp contrast to anecdotal reports that students do not favor such measures.

The data is from the Social Norms Marketing Research Project, a five-year study being conducted by EDC and the Golden Key International Honour Society. A project of EDC's Health and Human Development Programs, the Social Norms project is funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the U.S. Department of Education.

The Survey of College Alcohol Norms and Behavior was administered in the spring of 2000 to 5,400 randomly selected students at 18 colleges and universities. The study not only showed that students underestimate their peers' support for alcohol restrictions, but data released last year indicate that they overestimate the degree of drinking among their peers.

"These significant findings will give administrators the support they need to make substantive policy changes, which could make a real difference in reducing campus alcohol use," said Laura Gomberg, the Social Norms project director at EDC.

Following are some of the policies covered in the survey, and the data on "actual" versus "perceived" student support for them.

Prohibition of kegs on campus: While 58.4% of students surveyed were in favor of this policy, only 26.2% of students believed there was student support for it.

Stricter penalties for students:
· 77.1% of students supported stricter disciplinary sanctions for students who repeatedly violate campus alcohol policies, yet only 45.6% of students believed other students support this measure.
· 66.3% of students supported stricter penalties for those who use false IDs to purchase alcohol illegally; only 30.5% of students believed other students support this policy.

Restriction of advertising that promotes alcohol consumption at on-campus parties and events: 55.3% of students supported this policy; only 23.8% of students believed other students support it.

Undercover operations at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores: 52.4% of students supported this measure to increase compliance with underage drinking laws, yet only 20.1% of students believed other students support it.

Making all residences on campus alcohol-free: 42.3% of students supported this policy, while only 18.9% of students believed other students support it.

William DeJong, principal investigator of the Social Norms project, noted that the findings will give voice to the "silent majority" on campuses, who favor measures that restrict alcohol use. "Up until now, the most vigorous student voices we've heard have been those protesting policies that restrict alcohol use. This study gives voice to the majority."

For more information about the study, contact Laura Gomberg at lgomberg@edc.org.

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This page was last updated on 3/13/01.

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