USC Partying Attracts Extra Attention

Some USC neighbors say off-campus flings are getting out of hand

It was Friday night, and the traditional weekend partying was in full swing at the University of Southern California.

"Usually Thursday, Friday, Saturday are the party days," said USC Senior Bryan Addy. "And then Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday we rest."

But there's a new element in the equation for fun. Dolled-up Greeks, headed to an invitation-only social, are continuing a trend. The campus party, in some cases, is moving off campus.

Stretch limos and party buses are the way to let loose without worrying about being too loud or disorderly.

"I think it's a great idea," says USC Senior Jeff Thompson. "You don't always have the noise here. And then you get to do something new, so you're not in the same place all the time."

But college spirit can be messy.

"You see a lot of evidence of partying the next day," says USC Freshman Zoe Marshall. "Like things broken in the elevator. Someone sick in the elevator. Sometimes you'll see remnants of clothing in the lobby."

"Everybody knows that college students like to socialize and USC is no different," says Capt. David Carlisle of the USC Department of Public Safety.

Carlisle says this is a national phenomenon at campuses large and small. The one element that seems to be getting worse is what he calls "toxic drinking."

"Drinking to the level where it's no longer just a disorderly conduct," he says. "It's a medical emergency."

Carlisle says DPS, student affairs, and the Greek council have programs in place, from freshman year froward, to help students make responsible choices.

"You don't allow your friends to do something stupid," says Carlisle. "If they're drinking too much, you step in and take action. You take care of yourself and you take care of your friends."

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