Several campus groups will team up across campus this week to recognize National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.

The theme this year will be “Know Your Limits” and will focus on possible consequences when students drink in excess.

Events will be held during the week that will help to illustrate that concept for students and will provide an alternative to drinking.

Monday through Thursday students will have the opportunity to use the climbing wall from 6:30 to 10:45 p.m. in McPhee. Tuesday through Thursday in the East Blugold Lobby of Davies Center, the Peer Health Educators will have a “Know Your Limits” booth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday is “Dead Day” – a cross display that will be constructed on the Campus Mall. In addition, as part of the Peer Health Educators Wellness Series, “Don’t Bottle It Up!” will be presented at 9 p.m. in Putnam Hall.

Lieutenant Dave Sprick of the University Police Department said despite efforts such as these, alcohol consumption remains a continuing problem.

“Alcohol is the No. 1 drug problem on campus,” Sprick said. “It’s certainly the cause of many serious problems. Any sort of crises will often be exacerbated by alcohol or drug use.”

According to statistics, however, the situation is not as bad as it used to be.

According to the Campus Police Web site, liquor violations dropped from 277 in the 1999-00 school year to 156 in 2000-01. Drunk driving violations also fell from 40 in 1999-00 to 30 in 2000-01.

Sprick was unsure of the specific cause for the decreases but suggested the reason may lie in changing social values.

“It’s difficult to explain (the reduction in citations). I think that people are being more careful,” Sprick said.

“People still drink, but not to the extent and seriousness that I used to see. It’s just not as socially acceptable.”

Health Services, Peer Health Educators, University Recreation, Housing and Residence Life, Residence Hall Activities Board, National Residence Hall Honorary, United Hall Council, Activities and Programs and University Activities Commission are all are taking part in the planning and funding of the week’s awareness activities.