The number of students at the University of Florida that were sent to the hospital for alcohol-related problems has dropped substantially. Eight students living on campus went to Shands at University of Florida or other area hospitals for alcohol poisoning, compared with 26 students in the fall of 2006. The period coincides with a time in which University of Florida has increased advertising campaigns, educational efforts and punitive measures targeted at reducing alcohol abuse.
“I really do think that we’ve just worked at it for a while and we’re beginning to see results from what we’ve done,” said Virginia Dodd, an assistant professor in the University of Florida’s department of health education and behavior. Dodd has worked on efforts at the university to lessen student drinking.
Falling rates for binge drinking and a drop in University of Florida’s party-school ranking are one explanation for the drop in hospital visits. Some believe that UF’s rising academic standards mean students are less likely to drink to excess.
“The more difficult it is to get into the university, it does change the culture,” said Rob Zeller, a bar owner in Gainesville.