However, despite the declining number of arrests, excessive drinking is still a serious campus problem, Adsit said. We think our campus deserves better. UW is one of 10 universities nationwide to receive a six-year grant from the RWJ Foundation. The grant, which began in 1996, will run through 2002. We're looking to shift the culture.
Incoming freshman are one important target of the project.
Project organizers also want to promote campus activities that will serve as alternatives to drinking. RWJ organizers are currently working with the Southeast Recreational Facility and the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board to have programs set in place by the time the six-year grant is gone. It's not about being anti-alcohol. Changing the binge drinking culture will take a long time, but we're pretty optimistic.