Spring Break
'Blackout' survey increases attention about Spring Weekend
Perry Robbin
Issue date: 10/31/08 Section: News
The results of a survey about UConn undergraduate students' Spring Weekend experiences have brought more attention to the event in the form of a front page Hartford Courant article. The survey's release, the Courant article and Wednesday's Board of Trustees' meeting to discuss Spring Weekend, have recently raised the profile of spring Weekend and its traditions.
The survey, conducted by UConn's Center for Survey Research and Study (CSRA) and commissioned by the Department of Wellness and Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Services, found that a quarter of students responding to the survey had blacked out during Spring Weekend festivities. The survey also reported that 12 percent of students responding have passed out during Spring Weekend.
Blacking out is defined in the study as being conscious, but due to use of alcohol and/or other drugs, not being able to recall what you have done. Passing out is defined in the study as loss of consciousness as a result of the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
While the Hartford Courant article focused on UConn students blacking and passing out, and the problems and dangers underage and binge drinking, the CSRA survey also contained indications that the majority of UConn students enjoy Spring Weekend.
A majority of students surveyed reported that they drink during Spring Weekend, that Spring Weekend is a UConn tradition and that they feel safe during the weekend. The main concern of students, based on the results of the survey, is the danger posed by uninvited guests participating in Spring Weekend events.
According to the survey results, obtained from courant.com, 2,571 UConn undergraduate students over the age of 18 responded to the survey. Of those, 89 percent said they got slightly drunk, and an additional 41 percent said they got severely drunk.
Additionally, 89 percent of students who responded believe Spring Weekend to be a UConn tradition, and 85 percent agreed that Spring Weekend is a good stress reliever before final exams. Of students surveyed, 87 percent said they did not feel threatened or unsafe during Spring Weekend, 71 percent of students responded said they felt that invited guests of students add to the celebration, while 79 percent felt allowing uninvited outsiders makes the event less safe. Also, 36 percent of students surveyed said they would like to see alternative activities offered during Spring Weekend.
Christine Kraus, associate director of the CSRA, said that this is not the first time the CSRA has conducted a Spring Weekend study, having done a paper survey about many of the same issues in the spring of 2006.
An open meeting of the Board of Trustees' student life committee was held to assess student reaction to Spring Weekend.
An e-mail sent to the UConn community by Louise M. Bailey, Chair of the Board of Trustees' student life committee, stated the committee's intent is to give recommendations that will refocus Spring Weekend to celebrate academic achievements and the end of the school year. Additionally, the committee wants to significantly reduce or eliminate the focus on alcohol and other substance use, as well as risk of injury and damage to property.
The committee will present its recommendations before this year's Spring Weekend.
The survey, conducted by UConn's Center for Survey Research and Study (CSRA) and commissioned by the Department of Wellness and Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Services, found that a quarter of students responding to the survey had blacked out during Spring Weekend festivities. The survey also reported that 12 percent of students responding have passed out during Spring Weekend.
Blacking out is defined in the study as being conscious, but due to use of alcohol and/or other drugs, not being able to recall what you have done. Passing out is defined in the study as loss of consciousness as a result of the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
While the Hartford Courant article focused on UConn students blacking and passing out, and the problems and dangers underage and binge drinking, the CSRA survey also contained indications that the majority of UConn students enjoy Spring Weekend.
A majority of students surveyed reported that they drink during Spring Weekend, that Spring Weekend is a UConn tradition and that they feel safe during the weekend. The main concern of students, based on the results of the survey, is the danger posed by uninvited guests participating in Spring Weekend events.
According to the survey results, obtained from courant.com, 2,571 UConn undergraduate students over the age of 18 responded to the survey. Of those, 89 percent said they got slightly drunk, and an additional 41 percent said they got severely drunk.
Additionally, 89 percent of students who responded believe Spring Weekend to be a UConn tradition, and 85 percent agreed that Spring Weekend is a good stress reliever before final exams. Of students surveyed, 87 percent said they did not feel threatened or unsafe during Spring Weekend, 71 percent of students responded said they felt that invited guests of students add to the celebration, while 79 percent felt allowing uninvited outsiders makes the event less safe. Also, 36 percent of students surveyed said they would like to see alternative activities offered during Spring Weekend.
Christine Kraus, associate director of the CSRA, said that this is not the first time the CSRA has conducted a Spring Weekend study, having done a paper survey about many of the same issues in the spring of 2006.
An open meeting of the Board of Trustees' student life committee was held to assess student reaction to Spring Weekend.
An e-mail sent to the UConn community by Louise M. Bailey, Chair of the Board of Trustees' student life committee, stated the committee's intent is to give recommendations that will refocus Spring Weekend to celebrate academic achievements and the end of the school year. Additionally, the committee wants to significantly reduce or eliminate the focus on alcohol and other substance use, as well as risk of injury and damage to property.
The committee will present its recommendations before this year's Spring Weekend.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Michael Galchus
posted 10/31/08 @ 8:58 AM EST
How could this article be passed off as news. The Courant article made no sense and neither does the Daily Campus article.
Both stated that the survey indicated 41% of the students responding drank heavily at Spring Weekend, the Courant article also stated that 25% blacked out. (Continued…)
Fred
posted 10/31/08 @ 12:20 PM EST
I have seen this topic now in 5 different newspaper and each time, the numbers change. The story is wrong based off of the data. I agree with Mr. Galchus from the previous post up top. (Continued…)
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