A hazing death that led to criminal charges being filed against administrations and other students at Rider University also has prompted a major crackdown on alcohol use at the New Jersey school, the New York Times reported Sept. 23.

The alcohol-poisoning death of freshman Gary DeVercelly after a fraternity party last spring, and the resulting charges, raised awareness nationally about potential liability among college officials. Starting this fall, Rider has banned all alcohol on campus except in a pub and the student union. An alcohol seminar is now required for incoming freshmen, and special "watchdogs" are now living in fraternity and sorority houses to monitor behavior.

The school has also implemented harsher penalties for students who violate alcohol policies, including immediate parental notification and mandatory alcohol education for offenders, upon pain of expulsion.

A task force formed after DeVercelly's death had recommended banning fraternities and sororities on campus, but that was rejected by school administrators concerned that a ban might push student drinking off campus.

Rider president Mordechai Rozanski said the aim is to make the school a "model in the fight to combat alcohol abuse on campus."

But freshman Ashley Reimer, 18, said she believes that administrators at the school are primarily interested in protecting themselves.