“Slow Your Roll” This School Year

It is a stereotype of all college students to be huge partiers and get drunk every weekend. We have Animal House to thank for that impression as well as the belief that this type of behavior is enjoyable and harmless for all involved. One committee on campus would like to change that mentality.

Every fall, St. Ambrose helps students to see how dangerous these activities can be by sponsoring Bee Responsible Week. This year’s theme is “Slow Your Roll,” and is taking place Oct. 7 through Oct. 11. The SAU Student Handbook says, “By collaborating with community members, the University is able to educate the Ambrose community about alcohol use, abuse, and the effects these choices have on users and friends.”

The events during the week range from mocktails to a beer dodgeball tournament to testing students’ general knowledge.

Monday night from 9 – 11 pm saw large groups of students filing around the Rogalski Center patio tasting mocktails from various clubs and organizations on campus. While the students danced to music from DJ Otter and MC Flatfoot, members of SAAT (Student Assault Awareness Team) slipped skittles into students drinks. These were not harmful skittles, but they were meant to represent how easy it is for anyone to tamper with drinks in a real-life setting.

Tuesday night SAAT sponsored “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” This was a reading that shared stories of people who have been sexually assaulted or whose voices are usually silent. After this was a Beer Goggle Dodgeball Tournament in the Lee Lohman sports arena from 9 pm to midnight.

Wednesday night was all about the Beehive. A costume party was held and was followed by a dance to celebrate Bee Responsible Week and the new Beehive.

Thursday’s lunch in the cafeteria saw students testing their knowledge and earning a chance to win prizes.

These events were sponsored by the Bee Responsible Week Committee, Late Night at Lee Lohman Committee, SAAT and Residence Life. The goal of the week is not to shun the use of alcohol, but rather to raise awareness for the potential dangers. From how it can impair a person physically, to bad choices that could be made while under the influence, this week’s purpose is to encourage students to create a safe environment for themselves and be cautious of what can happen. As funny as some may find the movie Animal House, living with the consequences of the decisions they make in the movie are anything but hysterical.

Photo courtesy of www.blog.purplecreative.co.uk