By The Beacon Editorial Board
Parties are an inherent part of off-campus college life, especially during the first few weeks of school when students aren't wading through assignments yet. But students should be smart even when they're out to have a good time.
The neighborhood of North Portland is not an extension of the UP campus. It is not an RA-free playground. Just as students who live off campus take on the responsibility of their utility bills, rent and buying their own groceries, they also take on the responsibility of being a good neighbor.
College students live in a type of suspended reality, many enjoying the privileges of adults with parents footing the bill. This kind of life can make students blind to consequences of their decisions. It can make students say, "Who cares, it's the weekend!" when their stereo is blaring at 1 a.m. It might even make them blanch at their neighbors who call Public Safety when they're sick of their floorboards vibrating due to their student neighbor's sick bass.
But the fact is we live in a neighborhood with families who can't sleep in until noon on Saturday with a hangover. They have kids to take care of. They have jobs. They need sleep to do these things. And they would prefer having their lawn not be soiled by puking college students.
I'm sure a lot of neighbors can remember their youth and understand that college is a time to have fun. That's why it's a good idea for students to notify neighbors before they throw a party. Maybe even give them a cell phone number so they can call to suggest you turn down the bass instead of having to call Public Safety shut the party down.
Public Safety has a responsibility to look after UP students and also to respond to neighbors' complaints about student houses. Students should consider notifying Public Safety when they are planning on having a party. This helps Public Safety do its job, while at the same eliminating the element of surprise.
A proactive approach is good when it creates a respectful collaborative relationship between students and public safety officers instead of a combative one. The fact that students can call Public Safety to help them break up a party that has gotten out of control is a sign that the student-officer relationship has matured from one of fear to one of cooperation.
Even though partying is supposed to be a chance to let loose, it's important to plan ahead. Anyone who has seen the headlines about Notre Dame the last couple of weeks knows that parties can get out of hand and have major consequences for students.
