Last semester had the highest number of alcohol violations by students than any previous one, according to Campus Police Capt. Jon Barnwell.

“That includes medical assists for alcohol,” Barnwell said.

There were record numbers of DWIs at the beginning of the semester, with eight committed in August and 21 before the year’s end, according to a police report.

While these cases were discovered on campus, not all involved were students, according to Paul Cousins, director of the Office of Student Conduct.

But at least 17 DWIs were committed by students, Cousins said.

The most common sanction for a DWI is suspension, and while there have been exceptions, he said these were rare.

“I have seen an increase in students driving under the influence,” Cousins said. “There is an unbelievable impact for the people it touches, and the community is getting fed up.”

The number of DWIs decreased per month as the semester progressed, and Barnwell said that is typical.

“When people come back from the summer [break], there’s a certain portion of the population that wants to celebrate, using alcohol,” he said.

Football season and tailgating could also be a reason for a higher number of violations than in other parts of the year.

“When we have home football games, there is the potential for a DWI or two,” he said.

He does not expect to see as many violations at the beginning of the spring semester.

Last semester’s incoming freshman class was the first required to take the AlcoholEdu course, Chris Austin, assistant director of health promotion for Student Health Services, said. Programs like it could bring gradual change, he said.

“We’ve been pleased that we’ve had over 5,000 students [take it],” Austin said.

According to Austin, three-fourths of those who used the program nationally said they would recommend it to a friend.

Austin hopes that after about four years of students using the program, there will be a noticable improvement in alcohol usage, and Barnwell said he agrees.

“Hopefully having that knowledge will allow them to make good choices,” Barnwell said.

But it will take more than just one program, he said, including “lots of repetition from lots of different areas.”

Cousins said an important program is the Responsible Behavior Initiative, because it rewards people for positive actions. These can include cleaning up tailgating areas and being a designated driver.

According to Cousins, change can come from changes in behavior or changes in enforcement, and he said, “I don’t think there’s been a change in enforcement.”

While it may take several programs and time, Cousins said drunken driving is detrimental and worth students’ concern.

“This is not just a young person or a student problem,” he said.