by Keith MacArtney '13
OPINION EDITOR
Each year, Hamilton celebrates perhaps its most renowned current tradition: Class and Charter Day. The event was established 61 years ago to honor the hard work and achievements of Hamilton students on the last day of classes of the spring semester. Particular students are awarded for their strong academics and community involvement during a ceremony in the Chapel. The entire community is also invited to attend a celebratory picnic directly following the ceremony. For those members of the community who wish to take part in a physical challenge, the annual HamTrek triathlon provides that outlet.
For a large portion of the student population, Class and Charter Day has developed into a day of excessive drinking, as evidenced by the striking number of alcohol-related emergency calls.
According to Dean of Students Nancy Thompson, last year’s celebration led to eight EMT calls.
In recent years, Hamilton has made several attempts to discourage students from drinking too much on Class and Charter Day. One of these efforts includes last year’s addition of an afternoon concert. This year’s concert, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, WHCL 88.7 FM and the Student Activities Office, will feature Applewagon, White Panda and Sam Adams.
Due to strict policies against public intoxication on campus, the addition of a College-sponsored event may have been successful in discouraging overconsumption of alcohol during the hours of the concert. However, students still drank to excessive levels, regardless of the College’s policies.
This year, the Hamilton Administration has added no new regulatory policies for Class and Charter Day. The only statement regarding drinking on Class and Charter Day was issued by Thompson in a campus-wide e-mail. Stating that “Student safety is our primary concern,” the e-mail announced that “all campus policies remain in effect and will be enforced.” Some specific suggestions regarding the College’s open-container policy and proper respect of Campus Safety officers upon confrontation were made; however, no new information was provided.
Perhaps this suggests that the College has finally realized that the Class and Charter Day situation is, in effect, beyond its control. Other than looking out for student safety, there is little the College can do to combat one of our favorite traditions, even if it leads to destructive decisions.
Student response to the lack of change in Class and Charter Day policies has been positive. Even though each of these policies were met with strong disapproval, they seem to be generally accepted this year.
Now, it is left to be seen whether Hamilton’s enforcement of college policies is enough to encourage responsible celebration. Chances are high that the number of EMT calls will be above average. However, the hardworking group of volunteer student EMTs has planned ahead in preparation for this notoriously dangerous day.
While I do not wish to say that Hamilton students should not celebrate their achievements in whatever manner they like, it is important to recognize the dangers of overconsumption. The consequences of partying too hard may outweigh the intended benefits.
Please respect the future of the tradition by partying as hard as you can without putting yourself in a dangerous situation. After all, you would hate to ever have to be sorry for partying.