WCU fraternities and sororities were educated, yet again, about the common stereotype that Greeks are alcoholics and party animals during the program 1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, Floor.
The program was run by Joanna Rathbone, Department of Student Community Ethics employee, and organized by the brothers of Pi Lambda Phi, Delta Sigma Phi and the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta and Alpha Xi Delta.
Joanna Rathbone about to begin her presentation. Photo taken by Danny Ranz.
1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila Floor was held in the UC Grand Room on March 13. All fraternities and sororities were invited to attend. Rathbone talked about alcohol portions, measuring limits, what to do if a friend has had too much to drink, alcohol and sex, the biological factors of alcohol consumption, and outlets to seek help for alcohol abuse.
“I hope people learned more about how alcohol affects your body and how to be safe while drinking,” said Rathbone. “I know that everybody drinks, but now hopefully they learn what to do if anyone of their friends is in danger due to alcohol.”
The program was primarily lecture but had some interactive elements to it. One Rathbone calling up two audience members who participated in a game involving beer goggles. Both goggles simulated drastic levels of intoxication, but one pair simulated a higher blood alcohol content. Each participant had to maneuver around three obstacles and sit in a chair when they were done.
“Walking around with those goggles is a lot harder than I thought,” said Jason McCollum, brother of Pi Lambda Phi. “I can’t imagine what it would be like walking around when you’re actually that drunk.”
This program was one of many alcohol education programs that all Greeks at WCU are required to attend. Each Greek organization has to attend at least one alcohol education program put on by another fraternity or sorority. Alcohol education programs are classified as accountability events for R&R, which is a system used to determine whether a fraternity or sorority is in good standing. Fraternities and sororities are divided into teams and each team has to organize at least two accountability events as well as have at least 80 percent of its members attend accountability events in order to meet the required criteria.
Greeks left the program with a new understanding of alcohol and new techniques of how to drink safely. Only time will tell if the techniques learned will result in less alcohol-related accidents.
