Alcohol Sadness at USM

On October 24, 2011, a student from the University of Southern Mississippi told about her heartbreaking loss when her friend died because of a drunk driver. Other students told similar stories as the Wellness Ambassadors and Students Against Destructive Decisions hosted a program in the community that remembered beloved people. There were also some who told about how they overcame their struggles after horrible alcohol-related events.

Jump back just a couple of weeks and there was a story about one of the fraternities on Mississippi State University’s campus. The Kappa Sigma violated the school’s alcohol policy by allowing liquor at one of their recruitment parties. Now, the person who was charged for the possession of alcohol by a minor was actually from another University. Nevertheless, it was allowed into the party, and now there are consequences.

In case you aren’t aware, the MSU student code of conduct prohibits any student to unlawfully possess, consume or sell alcohol on campus." The constitution of the Interfraternity Council also prohibits alcohol from “any informal recruitment events."
Thomas Bourgeois is the dean of students at MSU, and he said that the organization and its members will now have disciplinary sanctions. "Both the individuals and organizations are subject to sanctions if they are found responsible for violations of our student code of conduct or the law. One does not exempt the other, he said. He added, "All members will have to go through an educational training program regarding their violation of the rush rules. The chapter is placed on probation and is not allowed to have any social activities for one year." The fraternity was also forbidden to participate in formal rush, although they will be allowed to induct new members later on and will do spring rush.

Bill Kibler is the vice-president for student affairs and he promised that, “MSU is very involved in educating both members and recruits in the policies regarding alcohol, hazing and other regulations pertaining to new member recruitment and other activities of Greek organizations.”

One of most poignant educational tools is a video that tells about a student who died because of alcohol poisoning on “bid” day. It’s been reported that this video really affected a lot of students and thus has deterred a lot of alcohol abuse.