Argus Leader, Sioux Falls. Feb. 16, 2012.

Argus Leader, Sioux Falls. Feb. 16, 2012.

USD alcohol policy a smart move

The University of South Dakota is making the right decision by changing its alcohol policy to allow students over the age of 21 to consume alcohol in their on-campus housing.

It’s a commonsense reworking of the rules that started when the Board of Regents voted last year to let individual institutions set their own alcohol policies.

USD, after mounting requests over the years, will next fall start allowing adult students to have alcohol in a wing of Coyote Village and in McFadden Hall, student housing built for and targeted to upperclassmen and graduate students.

There are some rules to guard against potential abuses: All alcohol must be brought in the front door and be in a closed container. And no kegs are allowed.

In many ways, the change is another recognition of the challenges universities face in keeping students on campus.

It’s not only better for the school’s bottom line, but better for the student. Studies show students who live on campus get better grades and stay in school longer.

Giving students campus housing optons that closely mirror the experience of renting off-campus encourages them to stick around.

And while it’s a little off to think allowing alcohol is the reason someone would choose between on- or off-campus housing, allowing an of-age adult to have a six-pack in their fridge seems doable.