Drinking questioned on campuses across U.S.

CNU looks at becoming a wet campus

Becoming a wet campus would allow Christopher Newport University in Newport News to serve alcoholic beverages on campus through dining options and catering services.

The project to allow alcohol on campus will not begin for another couple of months.

"A committee will be formed, with the members being appointed by the president," said Kevin Hughes, director of student life at CNU. "They will look at the way alcohol is being used or not being used on campus."

From there, they will decide on whether or not becoming a wet campus would be a correct step for the university.

JMU is considered a "dry campus." The difference between a wet and dry campus is that a dry campus means no alcohol, while a wet campus means alcohol is tolerated on campus to those of legal drinking age. Additionally, alcohol can be served in student unions and at sporting events, states the alcohol policy at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg.

Dry campuses do not allow the sale of alcohol through campus locations, even if the individual is of the legal drinking age. "If you are 21 at JMU, you are allowed to drink, as long as you do it in your dorm. That is not considered substance-free," said Mark Warner, senior vice president of student affairs and university planning.

Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, Va., which considers itself a wet campus, has a bar on campus named Tiger Inn, after its mascot.

There are three substance-free residence halls on campus, out of a total of 32: Magnolia House, Converse Hall and half of Shorts Hall. "A substance-free dorm is a community of people who are committed to living that lifestyle and want to live with others that share their same outlook," said freshman Emily Nilsen, a Student Assistant in the Office of Residence Life.