Arizona State University: Beyond the Party School Reputation
Arizona State University (ASU) has long been associated with a vibrant party scene, a reputation that has evolved over the decades. While parties remain a part of the ASU experience, it's crucial to examine the multifaceted nature of student life and academic achievements at this large university.
A History of Partying: From Alpha Drive to Playboy Rankings
ASU's party reputation isn't new. Parties have been a staple of ASU's reputation for decades. Most notably, ASU has consistently appeared in Playboy's top party schools rankings and even took first place in 2002. In 2002, ASU was ranked the No.1 party school in the nation by Playboy, according to an article by The State Press. This era was marked by a strong party culture, with events centered around areas like Alpha Drive. Tony Lang, who attended ASU in the late 1970s, recalled neglecting his studies and spending most of his time partying. Shelly Adams, another ASU graduate from 1981, likened the parties to the movie "Animal House," with toga-themed events becoming popular.
However, even during this time, fraternities controlled their own drinking policies. The lowering of the drinking age to 19 further fueled the party scene.
The Decline of the Party School Image
Ever since its first-place rank, ASU's party status has been on the decline. Ranking third in 2006, 15th in 2009, sixth in 2010 and third again in 2011. By 2012, ASU was dropped off Playboy's rankings entirely. The peak ranking in 2002 was also the year Michael Crow was inaugurated as the president of ASU. The Arizona Republic credits Crow with transforming ASU from its party status to No.1 in innovation for 11 years in a row. Under Crow's tenure, ASU had established sites in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. In 2019, The Arizona Republic reported over 100 buildings added to ASU's portfolio under Crow's leadership as well.
Academics and Innovation: A New Focus
ASU's transformation goes beyond just a change in rankings. Michael Crow's leadership has been instrumental in shifting the university's focus towards academics and innovation. The establishment of The Territorial Normal School in 1886 was Arizona's first higher education institution. ASU has achieved recognition as a top research institution, earning accolades from U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is due largely to the university's efforts in research, providing a wide selection of bachelor's degree programs, creating accessibility for a broad range of students, and pitching new learning models.
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Student Perspectives: Balancing Academics and Social Life
While some students still come to ASU seeking a party experience, many others are drawn to the university's academic programs and research opportunities. Her friends back home assume that attending ASU means she is partying more than going to class. But, Friedman said ASU's party reputation can sometimes overshadow the academics. "Once you're actually here, the school definitely holds up (academically)," Friedman said. Social media portrays the party lifestyle more than the studious aspects, but being on campus feels more academic, Frandrup said. She has enjoyed the separation of living in Tempe and having classes on the Downtown Phoenix campus. She said Tempe is where she can go to have fun and downtown Phoenix is where she can focus on studies. Whether students come to ASU to perfect their shotgunning skills or to graduate summa cum laude, or both, ASU offers a little bit of everything.
Rave Culture and its Potential Problems
The information provided by the user speaks of "Rave Parties". Rave parties-or, more simply, raves-are dance parties that feature fast-paced, repetitive electronic music and accompanying light shows. Raves are the focus of rave culture, a youth-oriented subculture that blends music, art and social ideals (e.g., peace, love, unity, respect, tolerance, happiness). Rave culture also entails the use of a range of licit and illicit drugs. Drug use is intended to enhance ravers' sensations and boost their energy so they can dance for long periods.
Rave-Related Drugs
Although ravers might use any number of legal and illegal drugs, certain drugs are most commonly associated with the rave scene. Ravers also use amphetamines, methamphetamine, cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine, but such use transcends involvement in the rave culture. Crack and heroin are not yet prominent in rave culture, but heroin use appears to be increasing among ravers in some jurisdictions. Other drugs associated with rave culture include: MDEA (or "Eve") (3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine) MMDA (3-methoxy-4,5-methylenediosya mphetamine) PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine) Fentanyl PCP (or "angel dust") (phencyclidine) Psilocybin (or "magic mushrooms") Methaqualone DMT (dimethyltryptamine); Over-the-counter drugs such as pseudoephedrine, ephedra, caffeine, menthol inhalants, and vaporizing ointments Prescription drugs such as Viagra®, Prozac® and DXM (dextromethorphan, a cough elixir) Legal substances such as nitrous oxide (or "laughing gas" or" whippets").
Harms Caused by Rave-Related Drugs and Raves
The use of rave-related drugs has not been strongly linked to other crimes, as has been the case with other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. And unlike other youth events or other types of concerts, raves do not typically involve much assault. The few reports of rave-related violence are usually attributable to clashes between ravers and police when police try to shut raves down. Even these confrontations are rare. There has been some violence in British clubs where organized drug gangs have tried to control the drug distribution and private security markets. At raves to which most people have traveled by car, there will also likely be problems such as thefts from and of cars, vandalism and graffiti, but these problems are not unique to raves. There are some concerns that people who take certain rave-related drugs are more vulnerable to sexual assault, but there is little published literature indicating that rave-related sexual assaults are prevalent.
Responsible Party Culture
For students who choose to partake in ASU's party scene, it's important to do so responsibly. Allison Nahon, a senior at ASU, has a closet of clothes she's keeping for her sister who will be a freshman at ASU next year. The clothes are a colorful collection of themed outfits she’s donned at parties throughout her time in college. Mona-Hunter said attendees of these parties, specifically female attendees, should "be on guard" while in attendance. "Always stick to the people you’re with," she said. "When you come with someone, you leave with someone; watch how much you drink and watch your drinks; and stay with your girls, and don’t trust men.
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ASU Compared to Other Large Universities
ASU is a large university, with multiple campuses and a wide array of student interests and activities. So, while some students may partake in a robust social life, there are many others who might be more invested in their academic careers, research, extracurricular activities, or community service. For academics, ASU has been likened to other big public institutions such as University of Texas at Austin or University of Florida, offering a diverse range of programs and research opportunities. For social life, again like most large universities, it provides a variety of options from Greek life to clubs and organizations to cater to numerous interests.
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