Intoxicated student falls on el tracks at Loyola stop

A student was discovered lying on the northbound tracks at the Loyola el stop around 2 a.m. on Friday. The CTA driver saw the student, stopped the Red Line train and immediately requested to shut off power along the tracks.

After the driver stopped the train, passengers along the platform waiting for the train helped to lift the student off the tracks. The Chicago Police and Fire Departments responded shortly after.

The Loyola student was celebrating his 21st birthday and fell off the platform. He said he was drinking at a friend’s house earlier that evening.

He was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital. The student sustained minor injuries including a cut to his elbow and a bruise on his head. He is in good health and is now back in class.

This is the only reported incident of an intoxicated student falling onto the train tracks, said Student Community Liaison Campus Safety Officer Tim Cunningham.

Campus Safety reports show that the number of alcohol-related transports has increased from last year.

According to Campus Safety, there have been 12 suspected incidents involving students who were transported by Emergency Medical Services to local hospitals for alcohol-related incidences since Aug. 19. In the last school year, 2008-2009, there were eight alcohol-related transports to local hospitals.

Dean of Students Jane Neufeld, has reached out to the student who fell and his parents to see how the university can respond to the situation.

“Whether you’re walking in the neighborhood or taking public transportation, if you have to drink, use common sense,” Neufeld said. “Drink in moderation, never travel alone and always be aware of your surroundings. We actively promote our ‘Choice. Control. Character.’ initiative which focuses on helping students make good decisions about alcohol.”  

Neufeld recommends the Wellness Center for resources on alcohol.

Administration handles alcohol-related injuries on a case-by-case basis.

“If a student is hospitalized due to intoxication, first and foremost, we immediately assess their safety and make sure that the student is OK,” Neufeld added.  “Then we have very intentional conversations with them about their drinking and the effects it may have on their friendships, studies and physical and mental health.”

When the university administration speaks with students about their drinking violation, the students are referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, foremerly known as Judicial Affairs, Neufeld said. Sanctions can include the completion of BASICS which is Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students and/or restitution and fines.

For more information about alcohol safety and services, visit the Wellness Center Web site at luc.edu/wellness. 

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4 comments

Anon

Mon Dec 7 2009 15:42

Hate to burst your bubble, but RAs drink with other students all the time. I've seen RAs so drunk in their rooms that they can't even walk.

Senior

Thu Oct 22 2009 13:13

I disagree with the two previous comments that say Loyola has fostered this type of culture. Personally, I believe Loyola has done a lot to remove the alcohol scene from campus. If I recall correctly, in the last 3 years, TWO liquor stores on the south side of campus were shut down by Loyola. Also, in my experiences in the dorm, I have NEVER seen an RA drinking with students. In fact, there was a no alcohol policy implemented in all dorms that I lived in. What people don't understand is that these are COLLEGE STUDENTS, THEY'RE GOING TO DRINK. Should they be getting wasted and falling on the el tracks? No, but how does Loyola have any control over that? Don't blame the university for certain individual's poor decision-making. What it really comes down to is simple: if students plan on drinking, they should be aware of their personal limits, exercise self-control and take personal responsibility for their action.

Wat

Thu Oct 22 2009 11:57

The alcohol culture isn't something Loyola can contain. They can threaten action and suspend/ expel people, but at The core of this issue is a greater trend of irresponsibility in the United States. Alcohol is used more like a drug here than anywhere else I have been, and that in itself (along with making drunk stories part of humor) will inevitably lead students to making poor decisions.

Bottom Line: Culture isn't something you can control unless you control all aspects of it. Loyola would have to be an island with no contact to the outside for stuff like this not to happen.

Ramblers

Mon Oct 19 2009 19:36

I'm frankly not surprised. Of course I hope the student gets the help he needs and I give credit to Loyola's handling of the situation. However, Loyola allowed this culture to develop. In most dorms, the RAs are actually drinking with the underage students! Having freshman click through alcohol.edu while listening to music doesn't solve the problem of alcohol abuse.

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