Everything you need to know before that red party cup ends up in your hand.

We won’t try to talk you out of drinking on a Friday night. No one else will, either. College is about making decisions for yourself, and who are we to tell you how to spend your time, right? We just want you to be safe.

Here are a few things you should read before that first big kegger:

– You probably think it would never happen to you, but drinking can be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 79,000 deaths caused by alcohol use each year in the U.S.

– People who are new to drinking typically have low tolerances for alcohol. So don’t overdo it. When you drink too much and pass out, your gag reflexes (which prevent choking,) and your breathing can be suppressed. People who’ve drank enough to pass out are at risk of choking to death on their own vomit or suffering from alcohol poisoning, which results in emergency room visits or sometimes, death.

– Yes, we have police officers. The IU Police Department monitors campus constantly, especially on weekends and around the residence halls. An underage drinking ticket, officially named a minor consumption, can cost about $400 and result in disciplinary action from the school. And remember, you don’t have to be caught with a drink to receive a drinking ticket.

– Just because you’re in the middle of a tailgating field, doesn’t mean you won’t be caught. During these events, the Indiana State Excise Police (a special group of police that look for underage alcohol or tobacco use) are out in full force, and they’re plainly dressed, just like everyone else.

– Never, ever give an officer a fake ID. According to Student Legal Services, the punishment for using a fake ID will probably be fines and probation, although suspension of your driver’s license or jail time is possible.

If you’re in caught:
Student Legal Services
703 E. Seventh St.
Schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services, a non-profit law office located on campus. The advice is free, and while they can’t represent you in court, they can show you where to turn for help. To make an appointment visit Student Legal Services on the Web at www.indiana.edu/~sls and fill out the e-mail request form.


There are better options.
Even if it’s freezing, there are always other ways home than hopping into a car with someone who’s been drinking.

The Midnight Special
A campus bus service that runs from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., Thursday through Saturday, The Midnight Special follows three routes that will take you to every side of campus.
For route information, visit www.iubus.indiana.edu/campus_bus/midnight_special.html

IU Safety Escort
If you’re on campus and want to get home safely, call for a safety escort.

Some stipulations: You can only be picked up from and dropped off at academic buildings or living quarters. At least one of the stops must be on campus.
Fall and winter semesters: Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Spring semester: Open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Summer semesters: Open from
8 p.m. to midnight daily

White Cab Co.
217 W. Sixth St.
If all else fails, call a cab. It’s better than walking alone.
334-8294