Once again ASU has made Playboy's top-10 party-school list, and once again the University administration has a sour taste in its mouth about the distinction. But ASU shouldn't take itself so seriously. Out-of-classroom learning is an intrinsic part of the college experience.
ASU has earned Playboy's party-school distinction each of the three times it has been issued -- 1987, 2002 and the upcoming 2006 list -- which suggests the party-school image is more of a culture than a distinction.
The Valley's weather is a prime factor in the school's party image. Students can move more freely and wear less clothing during the winter than in most other places in the country, making it easier to live it up during the traditional winter school year. It's tough to hold a large-scale party when you have to worry about where to put bulky jackets and muddy boots.
Easy mobility during the winter has also allowed a large portion of ASU students to live off campus. Students are much more willing to live away from campus if they don't have to fight the snow on their way to class each day. That means more freedom for the majority of students because they aren't subject to an alcohol policy or "quiet hours."
The University has relied on student mobility and the private rental market to house students, causing ASU to grow faster and larger than its ability to build dorms. As one of the largest public universities in the country, there's bound to be a large demand for parties.
ASU's party image also stems from its student base. Having a nonexclusive admissions policy, set by the Arizona Board of Regents, requires ASU to accept every qualified student. This means that a good number of students weren't at the top of their class. Some of those students may not love school, are less likely to take their classes seriously and are more likely to party on a weeknight.
But even so, each year ASU students continue to win high honors and prestigious national scholarships. So maybe the Playboy party-school distinction doesn't reflect on the University as poorly as the administration would like to think. Observed as part of a larger whole, ASU's party image and high academic honors show prospective students that the University is a quality institution that values academics, while giving students a chance to learn some life lessons along the way.
In short, ASU administrators should relax about Playboy naming the University a top party school. Hopefully they'll someday realize the distinction reflects where the school is located and the students it accepts, more than the standards it holds. Instead of scoffing at the ranking and saying it's not worth talking about, they should have a good chuckle with students and rest assured that their grants aren't being revoked, tenured professors haven't left in droves and the awards will keep rolling in.
