Feb, 2001.
Volume 43, No. 18

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The Carillon brings you the weekly news from the University of Regina.

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College West's Around the World tour features different theme rooms and no shortage of alcohol.
photo by Rick Lorenz

Early last week, College West residents received a notice in their post boxes.

"This was just a reminder to residents what our alcohol policy is," said Beverly Dzikowski, assistant manager at the University of Regina residence.

She was referring to the restriction of alcoholic beverages in public areas such as the TV rooms or residence hallways.

"It would be just like if I was taking a beer down the main hallway in any building," she says.

The timing of the notice was no accident. "This coming weekend there is a big party going to be going on," she said Friday afternoon. "That's typically where we have the problems, where they end up drinking in public areas."

Around the World is a popular, semi-regular event among College West residents. A number of suites have theme-specific decorations and drinks.

Last Friday night, there was an old-school rap suite featuring The Jive Turkeyz, who served gin and juice. Another group paid homage to Road Trip movie, and featured a cocktail they called the Snakebite.

Tickets provide for all-you-can drink for $10 if hosting, and $15 for guests.

Since the drinking takes place in private suites, it is, ostensibly, not in violation of College West's rules.

Jordon Utke (a.k.a. Jive Turkey DJ Honkey), a veteran of two such parties, says: "They were fun. It got everyone together in a good environment. Not too much trouble was had I don't think. Everybody had a good time."

Security guards in charge of enforcing the regulations agreed with the assessment. "Everything went well," according to commissionaire John Pinsecki.

There had been incidents of vandalism in the past, according to Dzikowski. Last Friday, there were none reported.

Although most students think the drinking policies are reasonable, there are elements of it that some find bothersome.

For instance, a suite is considered a public area if the door is open.

"Well, unless you're throwing beer on people out in the hallway, I don't think it's a big problem," says first-year resident and pre-Journalism student Jana Lupul. "Just don't drink in the hallway and don't play your music too loud."

Another first-year resident, Melanie Tannas, agrees. "That's just stupid," she said, in reference to the open-door policy. She feels university students are mature enough to regulate themselves.

First-year resident Jack Talsma wishes there was a bit more freedom as to where one can drink.

"I think there should be a TV room that you can drink in, because I don't like watching sports and not being able to have a beer.

"I think everyone's old enough that they can handle having a few beers in front of the TV without breaking the place."

Lupul suggests that the drinking policies can foster mistrust between students and Resident Assistants.

"I think you should use your own judgment for [drinking and playing music], rather than having to have a [Residence Assistant] snitching on you."

Quentin Hauta is an RA, but doesn't think that has been a problem.

"We're all residents here," he asserts. "[RAs] follow the same rules. We're here to help the residents. We're not here to get people in trouble. We're trying to make this a good environment for the residents to live in. That's our job."

Students who are found to be drinking in public areas are told to return to their suites, according to the notice.

Talsma received a written caution for having a drink while watching the Vanier Cup in December.

"It just said 'This is a warning. If you get caught again, we'll have to put you under the Disciplinary Committee.'"

The Committee is composed of residents, according to Dzikowski, who will decide what kind of action to take against students. "Typically it's just a fine," she says.

Talsma says he's not upset he received a warning for drinking. He just wishes the rule wasn't in place.

"Everyone knows that people drink in the TV room. It's a joke," he suggests. "Why don't they just do away with it?... The rule has no point to it. It gets disobeyed on a daily basis."