Living in frats is usually cheaper than dorms, said Strader, the Theta Chi member, though the social activity costs, including partying, are higher. A Harvard study found that four out of five fraternity and sorority members are binge drinkers, compared to two out of five for the general student population. A Cornell study of 61 campuses found fraternity and sorority members drink significantly more than the general student body. That shouldn't surprise anybody, said UF's Gerardo Gonzalez, a pioneer researcher on student drinking patterns. But that is changing slowly.
Fewer members flunk out, and academic-oriented students are more likely to join.
Sina, the UF dean, is optimistic that reforms will take hold on the Gainesville campus. But I'm not ready to give up,'' she said. Negative news coverage of these issues is pervasive and may serve to reinforce exaggerated misperceptions of actual substance use norms. Our awareness of this news coverage should strengthen our resolve not only to address AOD problems on campus, but also to advocate for news coverage that draws public attention to the responsible majority of college students. No official support or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education is intended or should be inferred.