While most would believe finals would cause an increase in student’s dependence on alcohol, the numbers do not suggest that at Southeast Missouri State University.
According to Assistant Dean of Students Dr. L. Randy Carter, the rate of alcohol-related incidents do not show a noticeable increase. Students are more likely to get counseling to manage their stress than to drink excessively during the weeks leading up to finals.
Carter highlighted the different programs Southeast has in place to make sure the potential problems are prevented before they happen.
“We start the education process before they come … and once they get here, we try to educate them about the responsible use of alcohol,” Carter said.
Carter believes that through programs like Responsible Redhawk, My Student Body and Partners in Prevention, Southeast doesn’t see a spike in alcohol-related problems around finals.
Carter suggested the peak times for alcohol use among students are around the first few weeks of school and homecoming, implying that alcohol use on campus is more closely linked to partying as opposed to stress management.
According to Dr. Carter, these numbers suggest that students are handling their stress in more positive ways at the university.
