Student organizations shaken, stirred

by Badger Herald Editorial Board

Wednesday, February 21, 2007 00:00

Earlier this week, students learned of a new proposal by the University of Wisconsin administrators that would set limitations on the amount of drinking done by student groups. The proposal — which incited so much fury that some student leaders felt compelled to drink in protest Monday night — is in its early stages, but administrators are hoping the new policy could lead to safer partying at student organization-sponsored events. Another goal of the proposal is to prevent the risk of an alcohol-related incident turning into a costly liability for student leaders, their respective organizations or the university. We think this plan is a reasonable measure to mitigate liability and ensure better accountability for the use of student-segregated fees.

The policy is not aimed to prevent drinking by student groups altogether; it simply seeks to provide guidelines as to how student groups should handle alcohol consumption at sanctioned events. Some provisions of the policy include prohibiting underage drinking, disallowing the use of student funds to purchase alcoholic beverages, and banning parties at unlicensed facilities.

What's more, according to a list of talking points provided by UW Communications, UW is the only college in the Big Ten that doesn't have any policy in place regarding student organizations and drinking — which is clearly an oversight.

While some student groups are vocally opposed to this proposal — alleging the terms of the policy are "vague" and would be a hindrance to crucial organization events — the proposal is in its early stages, and the language of the plan is not yet set in stone.

The purpose of student organizations on campus is to encourage student involvement and offer leadership opportunities. Though having special events to promote the social aspect of these groups is an advantage, it should not give students carte blanche to do whatever they want at organization gatherings.

It would behoove student organization members to work with administrators in the drafting of the policy; the Student Organization Office says it is willing to work with students and welcomes their input on the issue.