WSU = Party School?

I was recently selected to be an admissions student blogger for WSU.  The blog itself isn’t quite ready for prime-time, public consumption.  But here’s a lengthier post which I thought I’d also share on my personal blog, here.

Short version: Every school will have parties where alcohol may be present. WSU is a dry school, and serve consequences await those who violate this policy. As a current student, I can confidently state that the small amount of partying which occurs in situations unaffiliated with the university is negligible and easily avoided – students have to go looking for the parties to find them.

Long version of this post can be found below:

This past week was a busy one. In the past three days, I’ve led three tours and guided two large groups visiting campus from various high schools across the state.

As a third year Cougar Connector for Washington State University, I’ve grown accustomed to answering common questions from parents and students alike. I’m constantly asked questions ranging from the multicultural percentage at WSU, to what students can do in their free time, or how is WSU superior to UW, and if we ever get used to the hills which out campus sits on. While all these questions are valid, and can be addressed in later posts, one question perpetually comes up during conversation (over a dozen times over these past three days): “Is WSU a party school?” Let’s dive deeper into this “party school” reputation.

First off, every university will have parties. I have friends who attend schools such as Seattle University, Gonzaga and Seattle Pacific University – all religiously founded, private institutions. All have confessed to taking part in parties or have heard about parties where alcohol is present. It’s like this all around the nation, there is no university in existence where not a single minor in the study body hasn’t consumed alcohol in a social setting. With that in mind, let’s look at WSU’s position on alcohol and its consumption.

WSU is a dry school. No event affiliated with the university is allowed to contain or serve alcohol – even if every individual in attendance is over the age of 21. WSU is firm on this policy, to the point where beer isn’t even served at football or basketball games – one of the only universities in the nation where this is the case. Ask any event coordinator, alcohol is generally more profitable than all the other items on the concession menu – combined! WSU has really put their money where their mouth is on this issue. The only place on campus where alcohol is served is at a full-service restaurant in the CUB – and if alcohol wasn’t permitted, the restaurant wouldn’t have the revenue to exist.

4/7 Update: I was corrected today during a training meeting.  WSU is NOT a dry school in every sense of the word.  We do have some residence halls where alcohol is permitted if you’re of age.  There are also some events where alcohol is present, such as wine tastings or activities which take place prior to football games.  I stand corrected and apologize.

But what about off-campus activities? Sometimes we forget, but college students – including those at WSU – are independent and mature adults capable of making their own decisions. However, if they do break the law by consuming alcohol or drugs, they will face severe and serious consequences.

WSU students caught breaking any type of law – alcohol or not – will receiving a double serving of punishment. The first swing comes in the form of Washington State police. You will get your typical DUI/MIP citation which can involve jail time, probation, community service hours and/or large fines. The offence also goes on your record – something which stays with you for a long, long time.

In addition, students will face an additional swing from the WSU Conduct Board and will receive a strike on their file; three of these strikes will lead to immediate expulsion from the university – regardless if you got them all your freshman year, or if you got them over a six year period. While each case is reviewed individually, students charged with DUI or MIP can expect to take a mandatory class which they pay for and a probationary period afterwards – complete with periodic meetings with a conduct officer.

As you can see, WSU is serious about its status as a dry school, and is vigorously defending this mindset the best they can. However, old reputations and beliefs take time to change – which is why word continues to float around of WSU’s party school characteristics.

Personally, I can confidently attest and claim that most students do not participate in parties or social gatherings where alcohol is likely present, and many, many of the students who do attended these events do/did not drink while they are/were underage. Furthermore, students will never hear of these functions in the university setting or from the student leaders, and will have to take the initiative themselves to obtain the details on these parties. If you’re not interested in partying, you won’t ever hear about it.

I hope this can help students and parents who have been comparing WSU to other alternatives and found the party school reputation as a negative towards the university. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me personally.

Thanks for reading and, as always, Go Cougs!