Students at Central Connecticut State University are toasting a new pilot program that will allow those 21-years-old or older to have and drink alcoholic beverages in their dorm rooms.
“I think it’s a good idea in general just bring more students on campus,” Nicky Florestal, a CCSU sophomore, said.
For decades students have not been allowed to bring booze into the dorms.
“We want to keep our older students on campus. They serve as great mentors to our younger students,” Michael Jasek, CCSU Student Affairs vice president, said.
That’s part of why Jasek says for years the school has been considering changes to the alcohol policy.
Soon eligible students can request to live in two dorms where drinking will be allowed with exceptions starting this fall.
“That limit is within the resident’s room. It’s not in the hallways or any common areas, such as lounges, kitchens,” Jasek said.
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Students can only keep a six-pack of beer, a bottle of wine or a small liquor bottle.
Jasek says any potential problems will be handled like they are now, including with Resident Assistants or police.
“We’re hoping by doing this we’re providing a safer environment for our students. They’re not driving around as much. They’re staying on-campus where it’s safer for them,” Jasek said.
Along with this Jasek says there will be opportunities to teach young adults about drinking responsibly.
Questions remain if the change will in fact keep older students in the dorms.
Sophomore Emma Sullivan is moving off-campus next year and says the new option isn’t changing her mind.
“I don’t think so. I think we just like to have our own home,” Sullivan said.
School staff say in a year they will evaluate how the program is going.
We’re told Southern has a similar policy and it’s going well there.
