COLUMN: Serious heath issues overlooked at USD

The following column is dedicated to the administration of this fine university. As a student, there are certain issues I feel they have done an excellent job of ignoring, and I would like to appeal to them to make a change.

I realize you have been out of college for many years and may not be familiar with the types of issues students contend with these days. This is the only logical reason I can think of for your indifference.

The first of these is the binge-drinking culture. You do not do enough to properly acknowledge the fact that the majority of college students spend a significant amount of time getting drunk.

Binge drinking looks a lot different on paper than it does in real life. On paper, it’s defined as five or more drinks in two hours for men and four or more drinks in two hours for women. Seems harmless enough, right?

In reality, it doesn’t happen this way. I know ladies who can take five shots in under five minutes and guys who can drink an entire 30-pack of beer in one sitting. I know my own drinking habits would probably shock you — and I’m considered a lightweight.

The concept of a “dry campus” seems absurd to me. Students are going to drink whether they are of age or not. I find it irresponsible to punish students for drinking in their dorm rooms where they are generally safer. It forces them to go elsewhere, where they are more likely to find themselves in physically and legally dangerous situations.

Then there’s the hook-up culture. I realize many of you probably have certain religious beliefs which conflict with birth control. However, casual sex happens and with it comes STDs and unwanted pregnancies. I assure you people will make responsible choices if you provide them with the information and resources to do so.

Date rape and sexual harassment/assault are another big issue. Nobody asks to be raped nor does anyone deserve it just because of their attire or attitude. Furthermore, when someone feels taken advantage of, it can be very difficult to articulate their feelings for fear of judgment and blame from others.

For those who find themselves unwilling to participate in the drinking culture, college becomes a very lonely place and depression can easily take hold. People who are depressed often have trouble talking to others about it. They feel as if they are a burden or as if nobody really cares.

Such feelings can lead to suicide, an issue I recently noticed you’re very uncomfortable acknowledging.

Instead of sending out mass emails to students with a list of numbers to call if they have suicidal thoughts, you should openly encourage students to talk to a real human being. An unfamiliar voice on the phone can often increase feelings of alienation.

These are only a few of the issues I feel need to be addressed. Your continuous refusal to acknowledge these issues is harmful to both your students and your image. Speaking from experience, I have often felt the university has provided me with little support when I have needed it the most.

Instead of making us take useless classes like XDIS, why not require every student to take an “Introduction to College Life” class? You can talk about these kinds of issues in a constructive, informative manner which will benefit everyone. Such a program would make you more likely to attract students, funding and positive publicity.

Student health is an important issue that should be given top priority. Ignoring these issues will not make them disappear. I sincerely hope this column encourages intelligent discussion and that in the future you will create policies with students in mind rather than your public image.

Reach columnist Betsey Horton at [email protected].