Students living in dorms this year may think twice before inviting their friends over for a few beers due to a new device being put into use. The Alco-Screen saliva alcohol test strips will be used to identify any students who have consumed alcohol or to detect the presence of alcohol in any liquid.
“Almost every assault and many noise violations and problems stem back to alcohol use,” said Eric Murray, vice president for Student Services.
The main purpose of the strips is to determine if a student has consumed alcohol. Any students with alcohol containers, empty or full, may be tested. Students may also be tested if involved in any kind of altercation or assault. The two previous assaults at NIC were alcohol related.
According to the Core Institute, an organization that surveys college drinking practices, 90 percent of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the assailant or the victim.
“Many students when confronted claim they haven’t been drinking,” said Paula Czirr, residence life manager. “These strips will be able to prove their innocence.”
When placed in the mouth the strips will change color, ranging from a light green-gray to a dark blue-gray depending on the person’s blood alcohol concentration. They provide accurate results within a few minutes.
There are serious consequences for those who are caught. The first offense may result in a $100 fine, an addiction assessment performed by a counselor, community service and probation for the remainder of the school year. A second offense results in immediate expulsion from the residence hall.
The residence hall has a no-alcohol policy regardless of age. There are currently six students of legal drinking age who reside in the dorms. They are allowed to drink, but cannot bring alcohol into the dorms.
Every student residing in the dorms had to sign a form this year consenting to testing under certain circumstances. Only a couple of students complained about it, but eventually signed away.
The strips have been proven successful when used on other college campuses. The number of incidents this school year will be compared with last year to decide if the strips are an effective deterrent at NIC.
The strips have not been used so far this year.
