Drive My Car

Dear Dec,

University President Casteen set up the Task Force on Alcohol Abuse following the December 1, 1997 alcohol-related death of a fourth-year student. It is unfortunate that it took a students life to make the university respond to its alcohol-related problems. In the months since, countless articles have been printed concerning a number of related topics, including both fraternity and residential drinking. Although such incidents could be regarded as isolated, they are exposing a major problem here at the university: the lack of social alternatives to the fraternity-sorority party lifestyle. Students are not fully aware of the other opportunities in the Charlottesville area.

The problem begins when first years arrive for orientation. The five days between moving in and the beginning of classes offer a real challenge for students to define themselves. This week is full of mandatory activities and information sessions with residential advisors, but there is little information given out concerning activities for students to participate in during free time. Due to the lack of appealing alternatives, a large portion of the class finds its way to Rugby Road and the world of underage drinking within the first weeks of school. The focus during this time period needs to be on getting students involved with organizations or into groups that can productively serve the university. Activities that spark interest in student participation, such as the sign-up day in the amphitheater, should be just as mandatory as the Grounds for Discussion seminar that deals with alcohol related situations.

If new students do not become active in one of these clubs or organizations and meet upperclass students, it is very difficult for them to ever venture off grounds during their first years. While in the first semester students are not even allowed to bring a car to the university, a policy that drastically reduces their opportunities to familiarize themselves with the new city. Without being able to venture away from the university itself, the student body is thrown into only those activities within walking distance. Far too often this is limited solely to the fraternity-sorority scene on the weekends -- an unanticipated negative consequence of the no-car policy.

The second semester of my first year was drastically different from the first, mostly due to my access to transportation. I participated in numerous activities away from school, all of which would have been impossible without a car. On the weekends I was able to go to see a movie or out to dinner and am no longer limited to what is nearby. The most enjoyable and fulfilling activity that I participated in since arriving here was one evening when my friends and I all drove to a lake northwest of the city. We swam in a lake for a few hours and enjoyed the relaxation of being in nature. I was filled with a sense of deep satisfaction to be in a totally natural place, unrestrained by the limitations of being at school.

The city of Charlottesville and the entire Shenandoah region offer many opportunities like this for students to explore and learn about nature. Why should we be barred from such exploration in our first semester? The student body should be encouraged to enjoy the area within a driving distance of school; this area is one of the most attractive features of the university. If initially given the choice I am sure many new students prefer to spend their time away from grounds in natural surroundings, rather than being confined on grounds.

Allowing first year students to drive during their first semester is not the answer to every problem. However, this freedom might enable students to avoid getting sucked into what seems like the only consistent activity around grounds -- excessive drinking. Even factors as seemingly small as the car policy for first years can prevent students from fully developing withing the university environment and ultimately lead to more severe consequences. Sincerely,

David J. Stewart
CLAS II