It is no secret that UW-Madison is a great place to go to college. We have everything: the respect of universities nationwide for being an academic leader and a distinguished research institution, national championship titles, and a locale that boasts great restaurants and nightlife. Last week, when Playboy magazine ranked UW-Madison No. 1 on its list of top 10 party schools, some began to worry that this was yet another indication that the public perception of UW-Madison centers on drinking, partying and now nudity — rather than the rigorous academic agenda.

Being named the No.1 party school by Playboy is undeniably fun and certainly something to brag about to friends at other schools. We did, after all, top universities like the University of California –Santa Barbara and the University of Arizona — both competitors in the realm of party schools.

Also, the magazine's publicity manager, in a statement to The Badger Herald, did not overlook the other assets UW-Madison offers. She cited UW-Madison students as having the "best of both worlds" by receiving top-notch education along with a variety of social opportunities.

The publication also claims that the rankings are not based solely on partying on campus, but also on academics, athletics and the local atmosphere.

Inside the magazine, though, the party school rankings are centered far more on alcohol consumption than the other more positive aspects of the universities. On Playboy's website, the introduction to the rankings says, "Why pay top dollar to study with boring scholars when you can spend your college years where your BAC is as high as your GPA?"

The Campus Crib Sheet, or the abridged version of why Wisconsin was named No.1, summarizes campus life in categories primarily based on sex or drinking. For example, listed under UW-Madison are the best party, hookup spots, favorite drinking game and favorite beer. There is one area paying tribute to notable alums.

In the photograph accompanying the article on UW-Madison, 19 UW women are seen either completely nude or with remnants of Wisconsin attire on. With them are the men of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. The boys, not surprisingly, appear elated, and each is positioned accordingly — some even lucky enough to have naked girls sitting on their laps.

Certain members of The Badger Herald staff are also happy. Last week they applauded the ranking, saying that it is reason to celebrate even more than we already do. In fact, they said that the ranking is "something worth drinking to."

Sorry, but I'm confused. What, exactly, does this have to do with UW academics? Athletics? Local atmosphere?

In reality, there are issues facing our campus that need just as much attention as any Playboy centerfold. How about the fact that the Associated Students of Madison can't get their act together and have now cancelled two student elections, conceivably jeopardizing the possibility of an election occurring at all? The technological difficulties that ASM experienced have resulted in voting mayhem that needs to be addressed and prevented in the future.

And don't forget our athletic achievements. The men's hockey team beat Boston College to take Wisconsin's sixth NCAA hockey title. With both the men and women's hockey teams winning national championship titles, we became the first Division I school to win both hockey titles.

Politically, there is also plenty going on in need of attention. In an effort to further protect the youth of Wisconsin, Gov. Doyle signed a bill into Congress last week that will allow repeat sex offenders to be sentenced to life in prison. Madison is a political hotbed — but is anyone even paying attention?

We go to a great school. We have great professors and a great research component to our university. Yes, we also have the famous Halloween party on State Street and the Mifflin Street Block Party. It's OK to celebrate the fun aspects of UW, but it's sad to think that in a few years, we will just be acknowledged for our ability to take shots and binge-drink five nights a week. Let's not forget the academic — it's part of why we came here, right?

Emily Friedman ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in journalism and legal studies.