In the wake of sweeping changes to the University's alcohol policy, the first weekend of social activity left some students happy, some disappointed and most confused.
"People who were throwing the parties didn't know what they were allowed to do and the people who were going to the parties didn't know where to go or what to do," said Trinity junior Randy Fink, Duke Student Government executive vice president. "Everybody was really confused."
Fink said that the confusion and worry caused by an unfamiliar alcohol policy may have served to suppress a usually vibrant social setting, putting freshmen at a disadvantage.
"Groups [throwing parties] looked at freshmen as a walking liability and didn't even want to associate with them," Fink said.
The presence of Public Safety may have also contributed to an awkward social setting, said Trinity junior Takcus Nesbit, DSG vice-president for student affairs.
"It seemed as if everyone was in a state of paranoia because Public Safety was wandering the halls for no apparent reason other than the fact that people appeared to be having fun," Nesbit said. "We have driven people into their rooms instead of into the commons rooms and created an antisocial atmosphere."
But despite the apparently strong presence of Public Safety on campus, only two students were charged with alcohol policy violations over the weekend. Public Safety would not release the names of the students charged with the violation.
"There was probably a little bit of leniency because many of the upperclassmen may not have been well-informed about the policy, but I wouldn't expect it to continue," said Public Safety officer John Dailey, who patrolled West Campus on Saturday night.
"There were a lot of students that came up and asked questions about the policy and there was apparently a lot of confusion," Dailey said. "Overall, it was a pretty mild night." He said there were no calls for medical assistance, which he said was unusual for a Saturday night.
To avoid further confusion about the alcohol policy and the role of Public Safety in enforcing it, a meeting between student leaders and Public Safety will be held sometime early this week, said Trinity senior Peggy Cross, DSG president. "We definitely have some things that we want to clear up," Cross said.
Difficulty with the new alcohol policy did not stop freshmen from coming to West and mingling with upperclassmen, however. "It was a good break from hanging out with all of the freshmen to go meet some older people," said Jessica Kozlov, a Trinity freshman. "Everyone went out of their way to make me feel like I belonged."
Kozlov said that while attending a party on West Campus, she was offered alcohol and was not questioned about her age. "I had a choice and chose not to drink, but it didn't seem like anyone was concerned about getting caught," she said.
Some freshmen said that the amount of social activity on West Campus was significantly less than they had expected.
"I was surprised that between 12 and one [on Saturday night] that there wasn't much going on," said Trinity freshman Deanna Befus. "I had come here with different expectations." She said she thought that the lull in social activity was most likely a result of the new alcohol policy.
Trinity freshman Katie Reefe said that the new alcohol policy and Public Safety's present on Saturday night did not stop her and her friends from attending parties and having a good time. "I felt very welcome and got to meet a lot of juniors and seniors," she said.
Alcohol was still available to those who wanted it, she said. "You could find [alcohol] if you were searching for it."
Trinity senior Lex Wolf, president of the Interfraternity Council, said that although student leaders need to sit down together this week and resolve any confusion about the new policy, the first weekend was a success. "For such a huge change, people have adjusted remarkably well," he said.
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