In light of the July 16 riot, the university blamed excessive alcohol consumption for students' behavior but hesitate to institute any new regulations on student drinking.

"The situation was a direct result of excessive alcohol consumption," said Steve MacCarthy, executive director of university relations. "We're very disappointed that Penn State students would do anything this irresponsible and this stupid."

Despite the role alcohol played in the situation, MacCarthy said there would be no immediate change in alcohol regulations by the university. Rather, Penn State will continue to work to increase public awareness of the dangers of binge drinking, he said.

"We'll continue our efforts in the community and on campus to educate people on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption," he said.

MacCarthy said it was frustrating that for the second time in three years the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts was marred by excessive drinking.

"It's so disappointing that after all of the problems we had two years ago, and after all of the university's efforts to increase awareness of those problems, that we still see this happen," he said.

Although Penn State President Graham Spanier could not be reached for comment, MacCarthy said Spanier was extremely displeased by the events early Sunday morning.

"Mr. Spanier is embarrassed and outraged by what happened," he said.

Although not all of the people involved in the riot were Penn State students, MacCarthy said student involvement in Sunday's events was significant.

"Eleven of the 15 people arrested were students, so obviously Penn State students played a large role in what happened," he said.

Students arrested for their actions during Sunday's events could be facing punishment by the university in addition to criminal charges, MacCarthy said.

"Those involved will be dealt with in a serious manner, just like the last time," said MacCarthy, referring to the disciplinary action taken by the Office of Judicial Affairs against students involved in the riot of 1998. The office suspended six students from the university, placed two others on deferred suspension and gave three students disciplinary probation.

Joe Puzycki, director of judicial affairs, said although disciplinary action against those arrested is likely, the exact action that will be taken depends on the charges against each individual.

"Students were cited for everything from standing on sidewalks to assaulting officers," Puzycki said. "The range of punishment could cover anything from community service to expulsion."

Regardless of the method of discipline, Ben Weagraff (sophomore-international business) said punishment is definitely deserved.

"You should be responsible for your own actions," he said. "(The arrested students) shouldn't get off scot-free."

While arrests might not be the perfect solution, said Joe Manojlovich (senior-computer science), something needs to be done to change people's perception of the festival.

"We've got to change the way arts fest is viewed, so it's not just a drunken party," he said.