A new residence hall designation now gives students the opportunity to live in an alcohol-free environment.

Beginning this fall, students may opt for an alcohol-free lifestyle floor.

An alcohol-free lifestyle floor can be viewed as a “support group,” said Don Buckner, director of Student Housing Services.

This new option joins a list of lifestyle floors which enable students with common interests to live together.

Other lifestyle floors include: Music, computer science, hearing impaired and visually impaired.

Members of an alcohol-free lifestyle floor must sign a contract agreeing to lead an alcohol-free lifestyle.

The contract states that the resident, and their guests, will at no time consume or possess alcohol while being on the floor.

Residents also agree to be relocated if they violate the terms of the contract at any time. All residents become members of the floor voluntarily.

All guidelines contained in the contract apply to both the resident and their guests, regardless of age.

The response for the floors has been positive thus far. However, it is too early to decide on the floors’ successes.

The fact that all floor members are there voluntarily creates a positive atmosphere, said Greg Feeney, Stevenson North senior staff member.

The idea for the floor came from several sources. There were suggestions from students, residence hall supervisors, housing central services officials and former vice president for student affairs, Jon Dalton.

There currently are two coed alcohol-free lifestyle floors. They are located in Lincoln and Stevenson Halls. There is also an all-female floor located in Neptune North.

Those interested about becoming members of an alcohol-free lifestyle floor may call Student Housing Services at 753-9607.