Pitt-Johnstown Student Government Association members proposed new alcohol rules to administrators last semester hoping to bring Pitt-Johnstown’s alcohol policy closer to real world Pennsylvania law.

The existing rules include restrictions for those 21 and older on campus. They currently prohibit UPJ commuting students and guests on campus from having alcohol on campus property, even if they are legally old enough to have it.

The proposed rules said that these commuters and guests would be allowed to have alcohol in residence halls as long as it was registered, and that glass containers also would be permitted.

Student government members said they believe the school’s rules shouldn’t be stricter than the state laws.

We learned early this semester that administrators were quick to turn

down the proposed changes.

In the coming months, student government members are to propose other alcohol rule changes.

Although campus administrators may be trying to keep things calm on campus, UPJ alcohol rules should not be so harsh on those who are of the legal drinking age.

Student government officials said the strict policy rules may cause students to not register their alcohol more frequently.

Some students may find it easier to simply hide their glass bottles instead of searching for a different type of container that would pass the registration process.

Student government members may be more successful by proposing subtle alcohol rule changes. Administrators may be more likely to consider altering the policy if small, gradual changes are proposed, and they have time to see and consider the outcome of those changes.

Being that 21 is the legal drinking age, the university should not impose such strict rules on students and their guests.

If the state does not impose these rules on those who are of the drinking age, the university could afford to allow subtle, harmless changes to the alcohol policy.

From these changes, students may be even more likely to register their alcohol and follow simpler rules just by having more freedom and being trusted as an adult by campus administrators.

In the meantime, student government members could find it beneficial to focus on other issues on campus where changes look more promising.