As controversy increases over off-campus parties in Tempe, ASU students are being surveyed about their party habits.
The American Campus and Alcohol Team at Michigan State University sent a questionnaire to 15 schools around the country.
ASU was selected because the student demographics are similar to those at MSU, said Project Manager Stacia Fejedelem.
"There hasn't really been a study done on off-campus partying," she said. "It's one of those things that everyone thinks they know, but no one really has any information."
The survey consists of 37 questions examining students' behavior at parties, both as a guest and as a host. It was sent to more than 1,000 students at ASU.
"We want to reduce harm and keep students safe," Fejedelem said. "That's our bottom line."
ASU Health and Wellness Director Karen Moses said conducting the survey here had nothing to do with specific problems at the University.
"It's a chance for [the universities] to put our heads together to address issues dealing with student safety," she said.
The surveys must be completed by Nov. 14.
Undeclared freshman Laura Larson said she thought there were certain dangers involved with off-campus parties.
"The drinking and driving associated with it is definitely a problem," she said.
The survey comes at a time when tension in the community over student partying is increasing.
A Tempe city ordinance will be put to a council vote on Oct. 30. It would increase the length of time during which police can issue fines to loud partiers after one warning.
Under the current policy, people can be fined up to $1,000 for a second visit within 12 hours, but the new ordinance would increase that time period to 90 days.
"I think the citizens should expect parties," Lawson said. "If they are going to live in a party town, I don't think they should be surprised."
Reach the reporter at katherine.j.krzys@asu.edu.
