CU is challenging students to stay sober for 96 hours this weekend. (CU Independent file/Matt Wessels)
CU students are being challenged to remain sober.
The Sobriety Weekend Challenge, which takes place from Sept. 24 to Sept. 27, is presented by CU Counseling and Psychological Services and Oasis. The event challenges students to abstain from alcohol and drugs for 96 hours.
Matthew Tomatz, the Substance Abuse Program coordinator at Counseling and Psychological Services, said the idea came from an Oasis member at another university.
“What a cool idea!” Tomatz said. “Explore a weekend without drinking and drugging.”
Tomatz said the 20 members of Oasis are trying to create a sober culture at CU.
Some activities over the weekend include a picnic and luau on Saturday and a hike on Sunday . The Rec Center is also offering free classes.
Visit the Oasis Web site for more information.
Oasis member Jesse Carpenter, a sophomore engineering major, said he feels there is a lot of drinking at CU.
“This is for people who don’t want drinking to be the focus,” Carpenter said.
Unlike Carpenter, Collin Stellmacher, a sophomore psychology major, does not plan to attend.
“I will probably not be sober for 96 hours this weekend,” Stellmacher said.
Tyler Rusco, a junior music major, said he thinks it is a good idea but that he does not plan to participate.
“I think that due to the image of the school, although it has been getting better, this might be [a good idea],” Rusco said.
Kyle Krebsbach, a junior psychology major, also does not plan to participate.
“It’s the American Beer Fest this weekend,” Krebsbach said.
Daniel Bridge, a senior environmental science major, plans to stay sober this weekend for a different reason.
“I have a lot going on this weekend,” Bridge said. “It’s best to stay sober.”
Teresa Peterson, a sophomore Spanish and Portuguese major, says she supports the idea of a sober weekend.
“I think that once you get into the scene of going to college and parties you forget that there was a time in your life when you did things sober,” Peterson said.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sara Fruman at Sara.fruman@colorado.edu.
