First-year students are faced with countless challenges such as figuring out the meal plan, realizing that leaving laundry in the washing machine after the cycle is done leads to wet clothes on top of the machine and managing the freedom that comes with being away from home.
During Plattsburgh State’s opening weekend, incoming students had a chance to attend workshops regarding their wellness as college students.
Danielle Attanasio, PSUC Residential Curriculum Coordinator and Hall Director of Moffitt Hall, is involved in the process of educating students in the residence halls.
Attanasio said tracking ones consumption goes with knowing the standards of different alcoholic beverages. Although each has a different percentage of alcohol, a 12 fl oz. beer, 5 fl oz. of wine and a 1.5 fl oz. shot of spirits individually equal one standard drink.
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it increases the production of urine and if the individuals don’t replace those fluid (with water) they are more likely to get a hangover.
Early dehydration symptoms include dizziness, lack of energy, drowsiness and a dry mouth, which can enhance symptoms of drunkenness. An easy alternative to replacing fluids is drinking a glass of water between each drink, according to MedicalNewsToday.com.
Being aware of her surroundings led PSUC senior human development and family relations major Alexandra Marchisotto to develop a tactic when addressing intoxicated individuals.
“Whenever I see that a girl is too intoxicated, I try to give them alternative plans,” Marchisotto said. “I usually suggest that we go grab a bite.”
Marchisotto also suggested the girl should not talk to a strange guy if she is under the influence of alcohol.
Along with self awareness is becoming acquainted with the community and tolerable behavior. For example, an open container and public urination will result in a ticket and a trip to the courtroom.
There are many resources on campus for students. PSUC Senior marketing major Giovanna Traugott recalled a party in which the police searched a fraternity house looking for a 17-year-old girl whose parents reported missing.
“The Fraternity and Sorority Life office implements a rule in which the hosts and the guests need to be on a list before attending a party, that night perfectly exemplifies why the policy is in place,” Traugott said.
Other policies like the Medical Amnesty Policy protects individuals when they seek medical attention due to the consumption of illegal substances.
The PSUC Health Center offers contraceptive methods and hangover to-go bags. These are located near the University Police entrance and are available throughout the weekend.
Title IX also offers online anonymous reporting, as well as a safespace located in 151 Hawkins Hall, where students can speak to a professional and be in control of the situation.
The RA on duty’s phone number as well as University Police’s number are also resources for students. University Police can drive students to their dorms if anything happens
In case of an emergency, emergency stations, recognized by their blue lights, are located throughout campus for students convenience. When pressed, University Police is directly contacted, and an officer is immediately dispatched to the area.
The Center for Student Involvement hosts events alternative to going out. Late Night Weekends at the Sundowner on Fridays and Saturday nights offers board games, crafting sessions and more.
Residence halls also hold events on the weekends. On every Saturday at 8 p.m., Moffitt Hall hosts a bingo night as well as trivia night on Thursdays in Wilson Hall.
“People come to college and think that they are going to be dragged to parties and forced to drink, the reality of it is that not everybody is drinking all the time, even though that’s how movies and social media makes it seem,” Attanasio said. “If you don’t want to participate in those things you don’t have to, this is why we program events during the weekends.”
Email Carla Pimentel at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
