Such isolated incidents draw attention to drinking and increase demands to fix the perceived problem. 43 percent engage in binge drinking, defined as five or more drinks in one sitting for males and four or more for females. The numbers do not stray from national figures - studies disturbingly illustrate that slightly less than half of college students binge drink. Obviously, a problem exists. When the media focuses on drinking as a national issue, University officials feel pressure to improve the situation.
Pressure comes from all angles.
Parents of prospective and current students have legitimate concerns. Thus, a school known for dangerous drinking is disadvantaged in attracting students and their parents who pay the bills. Like it or not, the University has a reputation as a drinking school, placing it under harsh scrutiny considering its high national rankings and standing. Reputed as among the best universities academically, we inevitably will be called to account for our bad boy image. Richmond plays its own role.