Most PSU students defy spring break stereotype

For many Americans, spring break conjures up images of out-of-control college students partying on sunny beaches. J.T. Knoll, prevention and wellness coordinator at Pittsburg State University, said that although the college-students-gone-wild stereotype may be widely held, many people would be surprised at how few PSU students spend their spring break drinking and partying.

"When we survey students," Knoll said, "we find that relatively few plan big spring break trips. A lot of students use spring break week to earn some extra money for school."

Still others, like PSU junior Chelsea Schneck, are spending their spring break time giving back. Schneck was one of 83 students from across the U.S. chosen to participate in Storm Corps, a joint project between MTV and the United Way. Students in Storm Corps are in Biloxi, Miss., this week where they are helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. MTV will air a documentary of the work, “The Amazing Break,” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.

Whether they will be traveling to warmer climates, spending time at home with families or doing volunteer work, spring break is a time for students to think about safety, Knoll said. To encourage that, several PSU groups have joined to host Safe Spring Break Week, March 13-17. Spring break at PSU begins after classes on March 17. Classes resume on March 27.

The events scheduled for Safe Spring Break Week include:

Monday, March 13
11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. – Safe Spring Break Kits will be distributed in the Oval or Student Center by Gorillas In Your Midst – Peer Health Education.

3-4 p.m. – Safe Spring Break Sidewalk Chalk contest in the Oval – win up to $100 in gift certificates for yourself or your organization. Be at the Oval at 2:45pm to enter the contest. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse Focus Group.

7-9:00 p.m. – Poker Night, Dellinger Underground. Sponsored by Residence Hall Assembly.

Tuesday, March 14
11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. – Safe Spring Break Kits will be distributed in the Oval or Student Center by Gorillas In Your Midst.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Army National Guard Climbing Wall, Oval.

5-7:30 p.m. Mini Golf, Four Oaks Golf Course (Free with PSU ID) Sponsored by the Substance Abuse Focus Group.

Wednesday, March 15
11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. – Safe Spring Break Kits will be distributed in the Oval or Student Center by Gorillas In Your Midst.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Army National Guard Climbing Wall, Oval.

5 p.m. –Free Safe Spring Break BBQ at the University Lake sponsored by GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol. Door prizes to first 100 participants.

Thursday, March 16
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Safe Spring Break kits will be distributed in the Oval or Student Center by Gorillas In Your Midst.

8-11 p.m. – Karaoke in the U-Club. Free refreshments. Karaoke contest for prizes. Door prizes, giveaways. Sponsored by Gorillas In Your Midst.

Safe Spring Break Week is sponsored by GAMMA, Gorillas in Your Midst, Pitt State Army ROTC, Campus Activities, Residence Hall Assembly & the Substance Abuse Focus Group.

For more information, contact J.T. Knoll, chairman of the Substance Abuse Focus Group, at 620-235-4062.

---Pitt State---