Penn State is continuing to keep its eye on underage and binge drinking.

Recent studies conducted by Penn State Pulse show the university is continuing its campaign. Its goal: not to eliminate alcohol use, but rather to promote responsible behavior.

The Penn State Pulse's student drinking findings for 2001 confirm that 20 percent of students polled said they do not drink alcoholic beverages. Out of the 80 percent remaining, half reported drinking "responsibly," which is defined as consuming 1 to 4 drinks at a time when socializing. Thirty-one percent said they consume 5 to 6 drinks, which matches the definition of "binge drinking," according to the report.

"Our number one health safety issue is excessive consumption of alcohol," said Bill Asbury, vice president of student affairs at Penn State.

He added that the administration's intent is not to make the university dry, but rather to reduce the behavior associated with binge drinking.

"We are not reinstating prohibition here," he said.

The Penn State Pulse's surveys showed that effects of one's own drinking for this year include having a hangover (74 percent), doing something later regretted (40 percent), missing a class (36 percent), forgetting where one was or what one did (34 percent), and arguing with friends (32 percent). The findings also showed that 18 percent get hurt or injured while drunk and only 1 percent have needed medical treatment for an alcohol overdose in the past year.

"We are also concerned with the secondary effects," Asbury said.

These effects for 2001 include having to baby-sit a drunken student (60 percent), having studies or sleep interrupted (60 percent), having a serious argument or quarrel (34 percent) and having been insulted or humiliated (29 percent).

To tackle these findings, Penn State has continued to promote its message through the current alcohol awareness campaign implemented by University Health Services.

When students were asked if they had heard or seen the different components of this sponsorship, a majority replied that they had noticed the "drink smart" posters (72 percent), Collegian ads (60 percent) and CATA bus posters (54 percent).

The university also has instituted a wide range of programs, such as Late Night-Penn State.

"Our objective is to give students choices," Asbury said.

But not everyone is convinced that those targeted are taking advantage.

"I'm not positive these programs are hitting the 30 percent," said Justin Zartman, president of the Undergraduate Student Government. "But it's important to offer things such as Late Night."

Zartman added that this HUB-Robeson Center weekend program seems to have reached the incoming class, citing that attendance has increased to 5,000 on the average weekend.

In response to the opinion that drinking is synonymous with college, Zartman recognized that some students go to school with the misconception that heavy drinking is a rite of passage.

"College is not about drinking to disrupt your life and your purpose for being here," he said.

Town Senator Mike Fazio also agreed that these programs serve an important purpose, but suggested they be expanded to after hours.

"There should be a safe environment for students to go to after the bars close," he said.

Fazio added that although he concurs with President Graham Spanier and the administration's message, there could be a better way to present it to students.

In addition to the campaign and programs, the university also is trying to bridge the gap with student organizations.

"Pro-active things are being done to get a handle on the relationship between the administration and the Greek community," Asbury said.

He added that he wants fraternities and sororities to live up to their own expectations and that many sororities have already taken up this issue and gone dry.

"We are continually working hard to make these policies successful," said Panhellenic President Bridget McCarthy. "We are taking a stand and trying to be more responsible as the largest female organization on campus."

She added that sororities will not sponsor or co-sponsor alcoholic functions in fraternities without taking certain measures or will just move to a third-party vendor.

Jon Brooks, president of the Interfraternity Council, said that his group's risk management policies are equipped to deal with drinking sensibly.

"We follow the guidelines and function with alcohol responsibly," he said.