For some, the ranking is a badge of honor. For others, it is a source of shame that brings negative attention to the university and those associated with it, while others couldn’t care less.
But just how does a party school reputation affect the community? It really depends on who you ask. Miami University President David Hodge thinks that the poll has a negative affect, though not a particularly big one.
“Some people say that any news is good news because you increase awareness,” Hodge said. “Maybe that’s a positive, but we’re not looking to be attractive to students who think going to a party school is a good thing.”
Students are definitely aware of the ranking and know that it doesn’t necessarily sit well with the administration. Rachel Miller, a freshman business and sustainability major from Cincinnati, has taken notice. Friends of hers have circulated the article throughout the dorm and Miller says there’s a party aura that permeates throughout Miami.
“A bunch of people were looking it up and Miami made the cut,” she said. “I’m sure (the university) doesn’t like it, but I’m sure it attracts some people. They probably don’t like that reputation – I’m sure no school does – and they’re probably going to do things to curtail the partying.”
Older students know this all too well, though some don’t necessarily find the attention to be a bad thing in all cases. Senior Alex Brest, a native of Newark, Ohio, and president of a social fraternity on campus, sees potential benefits in the increased attention brought to his alma mater.
“It can be a blessing and a curse,” the biophysics and zoology double major said. “It’s going to bring more people to the school and attract a certain crowd, but again, with that crowd you’re going to have people who are jaded into thinking that’s all college is.”
Brest acknowledges that Miami being ranked in the top 20 party schools nationwide can be a huge boost for his fraternity’s source of potential pledges, but he insists that having fun isn’t all that his organization is about. Philanthropy, academic competency, and social work are just some of the qualities valued, and students must be taught that membership isn’t all about drinking.
“You’ve got to work hard with your membership education progress and successful recruitment to ensure that you get kids who are there for the right reasons,” Brest explained. “That’s been something we’ve been talking about a lot. You’ve got to be sure that you’re bringing in kids that are going to be motivated to do well outside of the social aspect. But at the same time, you’ve got to play hard and work hard.”
Like Brest’s fraternity, the Miami University administration wishes to counter this drinking culture through spreading information. Starting with the Freshman Convocation ceremony, Miami is trying to engage student with new programs and helpful resources that limit risk, while providing social alternatives to enrich the college experience.
“One of the things that’s always differentiated Miami is that it has a very strong social … aspect,” Hodge said. “The students bond together in a very, very strong way. The completion of the Armstrong Student Center is to provide a huge focal point for the students and activities, so this is sort of drifting off into a different direction.
“When you think of a party school, you want to make sure the students are behaving responsibly. I’m really excited about our new initiative, ‘I Am Miami.’ It’s launched with our new class and it’s really focused on character development. Those are issues that are always with us and we want to focus on them a great deal.”
This new program includes the “Code of Love and Honor,” which is a mission statement for all current students that fosters individual growth, as well as camaraderie between students.
Not unlike the university, the city of Oxford has a vested interest in the student body as well. The Oxford Police Department offers programs for drinking education, including seminars and social organization visits. According to Sergeant John Varley, who has been with the Oxford force since 1995, the Princeton Review ranking has coincided with a rise in dangerous drinking behaviors by the student population.
“People are drinking, that’s nothing new,” Varley said. “But we are seeing is an increase in the level of intoxication. I think the party school image is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Some people have become very proud of that reputation and maybe want to perpetuate that.
“We try to educate people on what the consequences can be. Making what may seem to be just a small bad decision can actually turn out to be one that can follow them for the rest of their life. We try to educate people and hope they’ll make a better informed decision and maybe make a more responsible decision. Just be smart about what you do.”
Uptown Oxford locations, such as bars, may also be impacted by the party school designation. An employee of a popular nightlife hotspot The Woods, doesn’t think the rating has much bearing on the university or its students.
“What separates Miami from other places is that we have a very intimate atmosphere,” said the man, who preferred to remain anonymous. “Our Uptown district is very small. Everyone drinks, everyone likes to have a good time, but I think it’s Miami’s infrastructure that helps with that.
“However, I don’t think (the ranking) really affects it. I think the students that go here are good, well-rounded students. We show that on tests and extracurriculars. I don’t think the party aspect has anything to do with it.”
Hodge doesn’t think the rating ultimately carries much weight.
“It’s really a silly poll,” he said. “The way they collect the information, it’s not very systematic. It’s just a handful of comments by a few people. We never like to have comments like that, but it’s one of the flimsiest ratings you can possibly get. We’ve never had any serious negative feedback about it … so what are you going to do about it? They’re out there to make news.”
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