2008 Woodie Awards
Breathaliyzers will not be present at dance
Despite past issues, attendees will not be tested before admittance
E'shayla Kelson - STAFF WRITER
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
Student Life decided against the use of breathalyzers this year for homecoming after they thought of several options to prevent students from drinking over the limit.
Jay Prescott, vice president for student affairs, said they are not using breathalyzers because he expects students of-age to be able to drink responsibly and socialize and have a good time in a respectful and safe manner.
"Instead, we will be doing some educational things like alcohol awareness activities during the week of homecoming so students will be proactive in the way they think about their drinking," Prescott said.
This year, more structure will be put in place as far as more staff, security and police officers, according to Prescott. Transportation buses will be available for students to ride if they have been drinking.
"I really hope because we are having the additional security ahead of the transportation it will eliminate any activities that may bring a negative bend," Prescott said.
Hallie Beeler, graphic design and graphic journalism sophomore said she agrees.
"We will just have to see how things go this year. Hopefully people will come out and have a good time but not get completely out of control."
According to Prescott, if a student does show up to the bus intoxicated, they will be asked to leave. If they show up to the dance, they will be unable to get in and if they don't abide by the rules, they will be arrested and go to Polk County Jail for the night.
It will be based on the staff, security and police officers judgment to see if the students are taking care of themselves and making the right decisions.
"Usually our students are very good with responding to the structure we provide," Prescott said. "When we make structure like this out students typically do the right thing."
This year wrist bands are provided for the students who are underage. Students under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink at all. According to Prescott, at a minimum if an underage student is found purchasing or drinking alcohol, they will be excused from the dance and then a decision will be made from there by the police who are on duty.
Jay Prescott, vice president for student affairs, said they are not using breathalyzers because he expects students of-age to be able to drink responsibly and socialize and have a good time in a respectful and safe manner.
"Instead, we will be doing some educational things like alcohol awareness activities during the week of homecoming so students will be proactive in the way they think about their drinking," Prescott said.
This year, more structure will be put in place as far as more staff, security and police officers, according to Prescott. Transportation buses will be available for students to ride if they have been drinking.
"I really hope because we are having the additional security ahead of the transportation it will eliminate any activities that may bring a negative bend," Prescott said.
Hallie Beeler, graphic design and graphic journalism sophomore said she agrees.
"We will just have to see how things go this year. Hopefully people will come out and have a good time but not get completely out of control."
According to Prescott, if a student does show up to the bus intoxicated, they will be asked to leave. If they show up to the dance, they will be unable to get in and if they don't abide by the rules, they will be arrested and go to Polk County Jail for the night.
It will be based on the staff, security and police officers judgment to see if the students are taking care of themselves and making the right decisions.
"Usually our students are very good with responding to the structure we provide," Prescott said. "When we make structure like this out students typically do the right thing."
This year wrist bands are provided for the students who are underage. Students under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink at all. According to Prescott, at a minimum if an underage student is found purchasing or drinking alcohol, they will be excused from the dance and then a decision will be made from there by the police who are on duty.
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