Editor’s note: This is the last in a four-part series on alcohol use.

UW-Eau Claire has its problems with drinking, as tragic accidents and the number of alcohol-related offenses show, but some say the university is not alone in handling the issue.

“UWEC is not unique in the challenges it faces in alcohol use,” alcohol education coordinator Sarah Harvieux said.

She added, however, that “we do definitely have a problem” with alcohol use at the university.

Some numbers are up this year, such as the number of students sent to detox and the number of underage citations given, but Harvieux said there are different explanations for the increase.

One is that there is more use overall, she said. The other is that better training has taken place for student leaders, such as RAs, to know what signs to look for in students who are intoxicated.

Harvieux said she prefers the latter. But there are still things that need to be done about alcohol use, she said.

“We’re dealing with a societal concern,” she said. Efforts to educate students about alcohol use involve changing perceptions of the substance, she said.

Student Senate President Adrian Klenz said alcohol use is just part of our culture and many consider it a rite of passage.

“I think we would be foolish to think we could stop this,” he said.

A Senate committee was formed to address complaints that arose from this year’s Homecoming festivities. The group has met three times and has submitted a proposal to the University Activities Commission.

In an effort to minimize problems during and after the parade on Water Street, the committee is looking at moving the parade route, Klenz said.

The proposal also suggests having a block party on Water Street near Haas Fine Arts center before the football game, instead of having festivities in Carson Park.

The parade and event in Carson Park are paid for with student segregated fees. Klenz hopes the changes will decrease alcohol-related complaints during the parade and encourage student participation in the pre-game party that the fees pay for.

If the proposal is approved, Senate will vote on a resolution on the changes and give the final decision to the chancellor.

“Student Senate is not going to allow the administration to do things not in the interest of students,” Klenz said.

Associate Dean of Students Bob Shaw agreed that students should make the final decision about the Homecoming parade. He would, however, like to see it move from Water Street, where some bars open earlier than usual with drink specials for spectators.

“We don’t have to reinforce this behavior,” he said.

Drink specials, such as those given for birthdays or happy hour, are irresponsible, Shaw said.

He has been meeting with bar owners, asking them to end drink specials.

He also is revisiting a keg ordinance that was voted down two years ago by the City Council. The ordinance would limit the number of kegs sold to individuals.

“We’ve always been concerned (about alcohol use at Eau Claire),” Shaw said, “but no one knows how to control it.”

Harvieux said there are some things faculty and students can do.

“It is important that all faculty and staff address this topic proactively,” she said.

Faculty members should continue to hold classes on Fridays and encourage students to study, rather than beginning the weekend on Thursday nights, she said.

Staff and faculty members also should watch students’ behavior and address it with the tools available, she added.

Students should monitor their consumption of alcohol, especially at bars where the size of shots often varies, she said. They must also look out for their friends.

“Don’t be afraid to step up and make a decision that could potentially save a person’s life,” she said.