University of South Carolina Libraries
Experi BY BILL PRATT of The Gamecock staff Experimental drug usage by both entering and continuing Carolina students is on the rise, according to a recently released study. The study, conducted by a special Presidential committee during the spring and- summer of 1974. also shows that total drug consumption is slightly up from the last study conducted in 1972. Among the most frequently used drugs for experimentation are amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens and narcotics, the study sa i d. Meanwhile, alcohol, marijuana and tobacco had the highest consumption rates. Marijuana use registered the greatest increase for continuing students compared with the 1972 study. It increased from a reported 46 per cent usage rate to a 53 per cent rate in 1974. Entering freshmen, however, showed no increase or decrease in marijuana use. They reported a 42 per cent usage rate. Total usage was measured from those students USC Band Expects Big Season BY JACK BAINE of The Gamecock staff The USC Marching Band has concluded its annual band camp (August 21-24) anticipating the biggest and most spectacular marching band in USC history. Director of University Bands Thomas R. O'Neal said the 1975 version of the marching band will have approximately 250 members with 180 winds, 20 percussionists and 50 members of the special groups. This includes the rifles, flags, Coquettes and feature twirlers. The band's power will come from 37 trumpets and perhaps the biggest and best Sousaphone section in the southeast, having 18 members. O'Neal said the highlights of this season will include trips to Duke, North Carolina State and LSU by way of New Orleans. In addition, the band will play the 1812 Over ture to the accompaniment of eight cannons at the South Carolina Bicentennial celebration on Oc tober 20. A new "Wall of Brass" concept will give equal amounts of sound to the alumni and student sides of the stadium in addition to a greater visual impact O'Neal said. The band welcomes two new members to its ranks. R. Douglas Graham has assumed the position of assistant director, and Susan Earle has become the choreographer for the Coquettes. Any USC student is welcome to join the band. "We'd be glad to have any ex-high school band member, dancers, flags or rifles," O'Neal said. He added that members do not have to be music majorsto'participatein the bahd. Following band camp, the marching band will practice each night in preparation for the Georgia Tech game on September 13. imental. who said they had used a certain drug within the past 12 months. The information was released late because of the study's low priority within the USC ad ministration, Asst. Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Fidler said. Fidler worked as an in termediary between the Gamecock and the study, which was not of ficially made public. The study also showed that amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, and narcotics are used essentially for ex perimentation among both con FALL PUl Pappagz a parade fall with standing shoes ar Straight handle bag comes in Wine & Black. $28. Slingshot Green, Scotch Black. $27. , SHOE DEPT. n Drug U tinuing and entering students. Amphetamines were ex perimented with most frequently. 20 per cent of the continuing students, and 9.9 per cent entering freshmen reported use. Ex perimental use was defined as using the drug once a month to once every three months. Narcotics were experimented with the least with 7.7 per cent continuing students reporting use while 6.5 per cent of the entering freshman class reported trying the drugs. According to Fidler, the "intense -ONS by ( illo presents these new of fall colors. Dress up Columbia S.C.'s most collection of Pappagal d coordinated handbag Cafe i Red, Green, Tan, Navy. $29.E QWNTOWN RIC ;age Inc academic pressures" are probably responsible for the heavy ex perimental use of amphetamines. The study also showed that many continuing students quit smoking while entering freshmen increased their tobacco intake. In 1972, 54 per cent of continuing students smoked, while in 1974 their tobacco consumption fell to 51 per cent. Entering freshmen use jun ped 5 per cent from 46 per cent in 1972 to 51 per cent in 1974. The confidential survey was begun in 1970 as drug use became nationally prominent, Fidler said. styles in n out lo . s. Navy, Gre Ter Co....tta .L N AA. . 4. reases Since then, the select committee has conducted four surveys of entering and continuing students. Entering freshmen fill out the questonnaire at summer orien tation. And continuing students fill out the forms during class time. For the 1974 study, students enrolled in either 100 or 300 level courses which met at 10:10 on Wednesday during the second or third week in April were asked to participate,Fidler said. In the 1974 survey, 1,619 con tinuing students and 1,353 entering freshmen participated. ERY'S 0n main INI Stitched handle bag comes in Camel. $26. $29. DUTeH SQAREo