(AP) -- EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Even if they don't have the legal right to drink, many college freshmen use their newfound independence to do a lot of boozing.
Michigan State University administrators, East Lansing and court officials have started a project they say could help nip student alcohol abuse in the bud before it becomes a serious problem.
The university and city call their initiative the Arrest Impact Discussion.
Under it, freshmen arrested for alcohol during the first six weeks of classes will have a mandatory "developmental conversation" with a Michigan State student affairs representative.
City Manager Theodore Staton and university Vice President Lee June say they hope to reach students before they get into more serious trouble with alcohol.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
