No Alcohol Parties Coming to Miami University

BY JAKE STANLEY

MIAMI UNIVERSITY JOURNALISM STUDENT

Miami University undergraduates looking for non-alcoholic entertainment will soon be in luck as a pair of students are fostering a new social initiative.

Juniors Hannah McCarthy, of Louisville, Ky., and Halle Kaplan, of Columbus, Ohio, are working with members of Associated Student Government (ASG) to create the temporarily-titled “Sober Alternative Night.” While concrete plans for the events are in the works, the duo wants to provide substitute choices to going out starting next semester. In addition to increasing safety, the events will also relieve the burden on students’ wallets.

“The impetus behind the project is the sheer need for non-alcohol related activities,” said McCarthy. “We all know how terrible the weather in Ohio is this time of year, eliminating most outdoor activities. You have to drive 30-plus minutes to go see a movie or shop. Even students who enjoy having a drink at the bar gripe about lack of variety when it comes to things to do in Oxford.”

McCarthy and Kaplan, both 21, contacted ASG secretary for off-campus affairs William Fitzgerald about their idea and they initiated the planning stages for an event focused on benefitting the student body without alcohol as the main draw.

“I love when students share ideas with me,” said Fitzgerald, “and I am always willing to help make them a reality, especially with students like Hannah and Halle who show such a strong willingness to get things done.”

Fitzgerald will serve in an advisory capacity with the event and said that the students are looking for funding and support from ASG.

Overcoming Stereotypes

Following the March 2015 publication of the university-sponsored Alcohol Task Force final report, Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) started the Late Night Miami program in fall 2015. Holding events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Late Night Miami has brought in numerous musicians, comedians and performers to campus in an effort to provide alternative events for students.

The program has proven successful, with last year’s Welcome Week concert drawing over 3,000 students to Millett Hall. However, the appeal for off-campus students have been limited due to proximity to campus and opportunity for socialization. McCarthy believes that the new plan has the capability of breaking through preconceived notions.

“We are trying to move beyond calling our initiative ‘sober events’ and instead, just think of them as school-sponsored events,” said McCarthy. “Our biggest challenge will be overcoming the stereotypes regarding school events. Students generally view them as nerdy or for people who are anti-party culture. These events are simply another option. We want give students more options that are inexpensive and convenient.”

Building Interest

Fitzgerald added that the team will use a grassroots approach that will use student input to create attractive events. Additionally, he expects that incorporating sponsorships from both individuals and organizations will drive up interest, as well as the people behind the idea.

“What separates this event from others is Hannah and Halle,” Fitzgerald explained. “There is just something intangible about them—they know everyone, make everyone feel welcome and treat everyone with incredible respect.”

“I get the gist that many events sponsored by the university seem somewhat bland to students. With the input of students, Hannah and Halle will be able to create something that is unique, original and fun. It is important to think outside of the box and think big, both are skills that Hannah and Halle possess.”

Due to the lack of definitive plans, both McCarthy and Fitzgerald feel that there are a variety of possibilities for the event, such as concerts and charity efforts. Regardless of what materializes, McCarthy stresses that the upcoming events are simply meant to provide an alternative for students.

“Our intention is not to change or eliminate the drinking culture here at Miami,” said McCarthy. “We simply want to give students a variety of options other than going to the bars or to a party.”

Photo: The successful Late Night Miami entertainment series has been primarily hosted at the Armstrong Student Center since its inception in Aug. 2015. (Credit: Provided)