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PAST ISSUES

Marketing Research students conduct beverage survey

by Chris Potter
Exchange Staff

     Marketing and Research students recently conducted a campus-wide survey on beverage consumption and disposal. The results prompted the question, should the Franklin Pierce Campus Store sell alcohol?

     Forty students from each class, a total of 80 male and 80 female, were asked where, how often, how much money was spent, and what were the most common beverages they purchased. The results showed that out of the 160 students, $6,496 was spent on cold beverages each month (alcohol, energy drinks, juice, soda, etc.).

     "The idea to do the survey was thrown out there and we wanted to find out what would be in good financial interest for the school," said senior Kyle Toelken, one of the six students who conducted the research.

     According to a national survey, college students spend approximately $5.5 billion on alcohol each year. The undergraduate population on the Rindge campus is made up of around 1,700 students. The group estimated that if the campus store were to begin selling a wider range of cold beverages, including alcohol, it could generate up to $70,000 in sales every month.

     With the primary cause of injury and death among college students and young adults in the USA being attributed to binge drinking, this factor raises the question of whether or not it is ethical for the school to endorse the sale of alcohol.

     This national research indicates reducing campus area alcohol outlets reduces college binge drinking; however, students report that it also increases drinking and driving. Each month an estimated 3.1 million students ride with a driver under the influence. Nearly 40 percent of college drinkers have driven under the influence.

     "We also found that 41 percent of the students they surveyed who consume alcohol are doing so in their dorm rooms, apartments, and at social gatherings on campus," said Toelken.

     As Franklin Pierce, an institution which was rumored to have once been featured in Playboy as one of the top party schools in the nation, it is also a concern as to whether or not the sale of alcohol from an on campus vender would be a sensible idea for the school's reputation.

     "I think Franklin Pierce has come a long way since the 60's and 70's as far as reputation and standards go. I don't see any difference from other colleges I've been to—actually from what I've seen our campus is relatively tame compared to places like UNH or Keene State," said senior Joe Boulanger.  "I think that you should be able to use your Raven card to purchase anything on campus including beer and groceries."

     In an interview with New England Lost Ski Area Projects, Alumnus Mike Iacopino (a skier for the Franklin Pierce ski team during the winter of 1976-77) said that Franklin Pierce has made "significant" changes over the decades when it comes to alcohol usage.

     Iacopino recalled a winter carnival that held an event called the "beer slalom" which was once the onsite ski area behind the outing hut. Kegs of beer were located at strategic locations along the course. The kegs were designated as mandatory refreshments in order to complete the course. As of this year, kegs on campus have been banned, and outside open-containers are prohibited by state law and campus policy.

     The survey also included questions about how students disposed of their empty containers.

     "Our studies indicated the school needs to add a better recycling system too," said Toelken. "64 percent of students trash their beverage packaging and with our whole nation going green, we think it's important for the school to start making a difference."

     The students who conducted the research will be making a presentation tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. in the Fitzwater Center, Room 102. All are welcome to attend.