FHSU earns high marks -- for partying

2/13/2013

By JUDY SHERARD

jsherard@dailynews.net

Fort Hays State University is listed as 47th on the top 100 party schools posted on the fiestafrog.com.

The list was created by visiting campuses, polling students and talking to partiers who attend and have attended the schools, according to the website.

FHSU police chief Ed Howell declined to comment on the university's listing, saying he would have to know more about how the data was collected.

Robert Duffy, coordinator of the drug and alcohol wellness network at Kelly Center on campus, said he doesn't put much credence in such listings.

"You don't know who conducted the study, (or) how many students participated," Duffy said.

Shana Meyer, assistant vice president for student affairs, said she's seen the listing but wasn't sure how it was determined FHSU is a party school.

"There are so many more ways to get involved" on campus, she said.

Most universities could be classified as party schools because they have 18- to 24-year-old students living close to one another, Duffy said.

There's a time for being social, Meyer said, but she would rather promote what goes on in the classroom and learning environment.

FHSU is proactive about alcohol and drugs, promoting alcohol-free events, Safe Ride, peer education on campus and safe spring break, Duffy said.

He also counsels students about the devastating effects alcohol can have.

The Fiesta Frog list of party schools can be found at tinyurl.com/b9rxf2b.