Professors weigh in on the effect alcohol has on academics
Erin Keenan Lowry
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Features
Thursday night, or "thirsty Thursday" as commonly called by students, often starts the weekend at St. Bonaventure University.
For many students, a common way to spend weekends is by drinking alcohol. Students said they drink in dorm rooms, off-campus housing and bars.
While drinking may start on Thursdays for some, many classes don't end until Friday afternoon. Professors addressed the issue of student drinking in relation to attendance and performance in class.
"Any type of substance abuse will show," said David Levine, professor of computer science.
Levine said the university has a reputation as a drinking school but reputation does not always match the reality of the situation.
Some professors see differences in drinking habits today compared with when they were in school.
"Today it appears it is more about drinking to get drunk," said James Miller, lecturer in the school of arts and sciences.
"There is a difference in student drinking. When I was college age it wasn't about getting drunk. People would go out and drink a few beers, but it was about being social and having a good time," Miller said.
In order to combat potential absences in his Friday morning classes, Miller gives random quizzes that force students to attend class. And while he does not take roll each class, he said he does not see a noticeable drop in Friday morning attendance.
Dr. Ed. Simone, department chair of visual and performing arts, said he has seen a drop in attendance for his Friday morning classes. He said the decrease is not a drastic one, but there tends to be some students missing.
Former vice president of academic affairs Skip Saal suggested to faculty that they schedule tests and quizzes on Friday to cut down attendance issues, said Denny M. Wilkins, associate professor of journalism and mass communication.
In order to ensure that students are not skipping classes any day of the week, Wilkins has a strict attendance policy.
For many students, a common way to spend weekends is by drinking alcohol. Students said they drink in dorm rooms, off-campus housing and bars.
While drinking may start on Thursdays for some, many classes don't end until Friday afternoon. Professors addressed the issue of student drinking in relation to attendance and performance in class.
"Any type of substance abuse will show," said David Levine, professor of computer science.
Levine said the university has a reputation as a drinking school but reputation does not always match the reality of the situation.
Some professors see differences in drinking habits today compared with when they were in school.
"Today it appears it is more about drinking to get drunk," said James Miller, lecturer in the school of arts and sciences.
"There is a difference in student drinking. When I was college age it wasn't about getting drunk. People would go out and drink a few beers, but it was about being social and having a good time," Miller said.
In order to combat potential absences in his Friday morning classes, Miller gives random quizzes that force students to attend class. And while he does not take roll each class, he said he does not see a noticeable drop in Friday morning attendance.
Dr. Ed. Simone, department chair of visual and performing arts, said he has seen a drop in attendance for his Friday morning classes. He said the decrease is not a drastic one, but there tends to be some students missing.
Former vice president of academic affairs Skip Saal suggested to faculty that they schedule tests and quizzes on Friday to cut down attendance issues, said Denny M. Wilkins, associate professor of journalism and mass communication.
In order to ensure that students are not skipping classes any day of the week, Wilkins has a strict attendance policy.
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