ALSO on UWI ..Bans AlcoholRestrictions introduced to stem abuse by students
A shocking revelation of alcohol abuse among male students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus has come to light in a study done by Dr Neil Singh, head of the Health Unit of UWI.
In a report in a UWI Alcohol Policy, Dr Singh noted that of the 1,800 student population, 70 percent drink alcohol but 38 percent of males go on a drinking binge.
He said that while female students on average do not drink alcohol or drink responsibly, male students have a high score of 5.5, which he said is very high.
The female students were given a score of 3 (the responsible range is 1-4).
According to the study, 63 percent of the UWI students are female, while 37 percent are male.
Of the student population, 75 percent are between the ages of 18 and 25.
Dr Singh said the effects of alcohol abuse leads to physical fights, risky sexual behaviour, drinking and driving, anxiety and depression and inability to cope with academic studies.
He said university is a time of freedom where students are either living on campus, residence halls, in a community far from home.
Dr Singh said freedom comes with certain liberties and responsibilities and some students find it difficult in dealing with the freedom and invariably fall prey to the evils of the society.
The medical practitioner said the UWI Health Unit provides free counseling services for students with a variety of psychological issues involving alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety.
He said that a policy is being put in place to stem the tide of alcohol abuse by banning the use of alcohol in public places, with the exception of approved events (where the area used to serve alcohol is a licensed space). The term “public space” refers to any area to which university community members have general access.
The use of alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited, with the exception of approved events (where the area used to serve alcohol is a licensed space). Alcohol can be consumed at licensed and private Spaces.
However, residents on halls are also governed by the Alcohol Policy.
Dr Singh said UWI has designated the Campus Bar as the main designated private space on campus where students and staff are permitted the responsible use of alcohol.
The designated hours for the sale of alcohol or distribution of alcohol throughout the campus, regardless of the nature of the event (private, public or administrative functions) will be from 4 pm to 11 pm.
Under the new policy there will be no marketing or sponsorship of alcohol beverage on campus. In addition, sponsorship from alcohol beverage companies for academic funding, scholarships, bursaries, and sporting and recreational events is also prohibited.
The Alcohol Policy states failure to comply with regulations will result in disciplinary action including fines, suspension or expulsion from the University, and immediate cancellation of events for further legal action.
Students of the university, however, will be penalised on a three-strike system as outlined in the Appendices of the Alcohol Policy.
http://www.tntmirror.com/2012/01/15/uwi-bans-alcohol
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