The Colby Echo

Issue date: 2/9/07 Section: Opinions

The beginning of the semester is a time for reflection, and we should take this opportunity to look back on the problems that we encountered last semester. Many of the problems that we have across campus can be easily avoided or improved upon. Let's look back on last year by the numbers: we were responsible for over $30,000 of damage and fines during last semester, almost 250 false fire alarms, 102 open containers, and 191 noise complaints. On campus there were also 44 unregistered parties, 92 liquor law violations, and 97 underage drinking citations. Most of these actions occurred on the weekend and occur in conjunction with excessive alcohol use. These are not statistics that should inspire pride among students.

Students from across campus and members of the Student Government Association have been working together to create an initiative by students and for students to encourage Colby to Party Right. Partying right does not mean having less fun, but encouraging every Colby student to remain a responsible member of the Colby community. Change is possible, but that it must start with us, the students. Only by working together as a student body and making a concerted effort for change can we improve the campus climate.

Let's make a pledge to party right. We should be proud of our campus, not embarrassed by the messes that we wake up to on Sunday mornings. We should be able to have fun while being responsible, and make our dorms a place where all can have fun and feel safe. With Loudness upon us, there is no better time for us as students to take more responsibility for ourselves.

How do we change? Start small. Be a responsible friend, neighbor, dorm-mate, and student. When you go out on the weekend, take care of yourself, your friends, and those around you. Make smart decisions -many of the fines that we incur are easily avoided. Be nice to Security. Want to have a party without noise violations? Talk to your neighbors ahead of time. Want to avoid open containers? Don't carry open drinks in the hallway. It's the small things. If we all make an effort to party right, then we can change the campus, one night at a time.

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