Within the first week of classes, the number of alcohol related issues has been unusually higher than the past year. With the increase of DWIs, we feel that it’s time for the University to help solve the problem.

This year marks the first time that freshmen are required to take the AlcoholEdu course in an effort to raise alcohol awareness among the students. While this program is noble, it isn’t sufficient enough to solve the growing alcohol problem.

We realize that in college students will drink — if you don’t know this then you’re living under a rock. Knowing this, the University must focus not only on awareness, but aid students in drinking responsibly and provide alternatives to students driving after a night out.

The University should consider implementing a service similar to the Night Nole program that is offered at Florida State University. This program provides a safe ride home, on and off campus, from late-night establishments free of charge to students. The Night Nole service runs from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., when many students are out drinking.

A service such as Night Nole on our campus would be a step in the right direction to fighting the alcohol problems that our University is experiencing. It’s important that our University administrators realize that they can help solve the issue of driving under the influence. Solving the problem doesn’t just mean raising awareness.

The University should go beyond deterrents, like check points, and provide us with options.

If the University works with students to resolve the alcohol-related problems, we will see a reduction in these issues. Paying for a cab can be expensive, a service provided by the University, such as Night Nole, would encourage responsible drinking.

Students should take an active role in solving this problem as well. We all know the dangers of driving after you have had too much to drink, so don’t get in the drivers seat unless you are sober enough to drive.

Now is the time to fix this problem. Awareness is only half the battle the other half takes place after the drinking has begun.