Through increased faculty membership, one OU group hopes to foster responsible drinking behavior among OU students.

The Binge Drinking Prevention Coalition targets the reduction of excessive drinking through an environmental approach of reducing alcohol-related messages in the environment.

OU faculty members are playing a key role in finding a solution to decrease binge drinking, said Stephanie Dorgan, assistant director of health education and wellness and coalition director.

Faculty membership has increased significantly throughout the last quarter, she said. Of about 50 active coalition members, faculty membership has increased from zero to six members since last quarter.

"We've always been challenged in getting faculty involved, but many of them approached us," Dorgan said.

The coalition has been working with community members, faculty, students and organizations to combat binge drinking on OU's campus since Fall Quarter.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more 12-ounce drinks or liquor shots for men and four or more for women in one sitting, according to the 1995 Harvard Study of Binge Drinking on American College Campuses.

With the increase in faculty membership, the coalition can conduct research and gather statistics more easily, she said.

Findings from the coalition's statistical studies this year will be sent to the Institutional Review and Development committee of the Interuniversity Council next fall, when possible policy decisions will be made about campus drinking policies. This committee discusses policies promoting a responsible alcohol environment and responsible behavior, said Joel Rudy, dean of students and vice president of student affairs.

But the solution does not lie only in the hands of faculty. Students also have been included in the search for a solution to curb excessive drinking on campus.

The Student Activities Commission, a division of Student Senate and student organization allocating body, is asking for additional funds to enhance non-alcoholic activities on campus, such as Club Wray, a dance club created by residence life on South Green that showcases alcohol-free dancing, karaoke and games.

OU sororities and fraternities became involved with the coalition when they charged a $1 admission to the Greek God and Goddess contest during Greek Week, which raised $465 dollars for the coalition.

That money will be given back to the sororities and fraternities to help with alcohol awareness programs, Dorgan said.

"We see them as wanting to help, and we want to help them, too," she said.

Coalition members have expressed concern about incidents like the April 5 Uptown disturbance and said efforts to work with students, administration and local residents are necessary, Dorgan said.

Despite the increase in members and involvement, more input and help is always needed, she said.

"I would encourage more people to get involved - particularly students - because this is for them," she said.