Editor's note: This is the final article in series about the changing role of universities to meet students' needs.

While bar hopping might satisfy some Ohio University students, others said the university must offer additional non-alcoholic activities.

Director of Residence Life Joe Burke said student drinking is an important issue OU officials need to explore. "There's a lot more we need to do," he said. "We're moving in the right direction but have a lot of work to do."

This year, Johnson Hall and two floors of Biddle Hall, which total 150 residents, are substance-free - no alcohol, drugs or tobacco products are allowed. Depending on student interest, more residence halls will be substance free next year, Burke said. Junior Tara Halley, a Johnson Hall resident assistant, said she noticed a greater emphasis on weekend programming in the hall.

"Residents are more respectful to each other and more open to meeting new people," she said.

The Resident Director of Johnson and Lincoln Halls, Mary Koeninger, said she would remove residents after their first drug or alcohol violation, depending on the severity of the offense. Because the policy is new, Koeninger is less sure about the penalty for smoking. She has yet to discipline a resident, and expects few cases this year, she said. "Residents are here because they want to be part of a community and are committed to living a substance-free life," she said.

Students at hall council and the Residential Action Council meetings expressed an interest in a substance-free living environment. The strict substance-free regulations could be applied to other halls if significant interest arises, Burke said.

Understanding why students drink is critical to offering alternative activities, Burke said.

"Students consistently say they do it to fit in and socialize," he said. "We have to provide forums where (socialization) can take place without alcohol."

Murder mysteries and dinners followed by movies and a facilitated discussion are some events planned by residence life this year, he said.

Interim Dean of Students Terry Hogan said OU is making an effort to help students have social lives without alcohol.

Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Sostarich said OU has an even greater need for alternative activities because of the university's residential nature.

More students stay on campus during the weekends than at other colleges, he said.

Two years ago, OU designated $100,000 for the activity commission of OU Student Senate to expand existing campus programs and fund new ones.

Last year, the university approved a request of $75,000 by the division of student affairs for niche programming, which is designed to offer alternative programs and activities for students who do not feel connected to the social scene in Athens, Sostarich said.

Baker Nights, which includes Midnight Movies, Coffee House Concerts, Cosmic Bowling and Game Night, is free to students with OU identification cards on Friday and Saturday nights, Hogan said.

Associate Director of Baker Center Tim Hogan said the events attract an average of 850 students on any given weekend.

Cosmic Bowling is the most successful occasion so far, averaging 350 students each Friday night. The event features music, black lights, mirrored balls and glow-in-the-dark pins from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the recreation room.

Junior Jessica Hall said she enjoys Cosmic Bowling mainly because it is free, unlike Uptown entertainment.

"If you or your friends don't drink, it gives you an alternative activity for Friday night," she said.

Midnight Movies, held in the 1954 Lounge, have been drawing only 25 students, but Tim Hogan said while attendance is lagging, the program will continue.

"It's important for us to provide students with something to do on Saturday night at midnight," he said.

Game Night, featuring free billiards, darts, table tennis and foosball games in the recreation room, takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Saturday.

Coffee House Concerts are held in the Front Room at 9 p.m. every Saturday and include a different band each week.

Baker Nights programming is funded through the end of Fall Quarter, but Terry Hogan said he anticipates the events will continue for the rest of the year.

"At this point, the overall programming is very successful," he said.

In addition, Tim Hogan said he would work with UPC to co-sponsor Coffee House Concerts by identifying and booking bands to perform.

"They could also put up additional money to get regional bands instead of local bands," he said.