It's no surprise that college-age people party, but it's comforting that while MSU officials encourage responsibility, students are paying attention.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy released a survey Tuesday which showed 21-year-olds are the leading group of 11 million people ages 12 to 65 who have driven under the influence of drugs.

But Dennis Martell, interim director of health education at Olin Health Center, said MSU students might be an exception and make good choices.

"The best-kept secret on campus is that most of our students make really good decisions," he said.

MSU takes a great stance concerning such extracurricular activities - education, not parenting.

Drugs and alcohol are not going to suddenly disappear. And college students are not going to suddenly decide partying is not fun.

University officials realize this and act accordingly. MSU officials inform students of the effects of drugs, both short- and long-term, instead of simply saying, "Don't do that." Through efforts as simple as fliers posted in residence hall bathrooms to forum discussions about mood-altering substances, the university is aimed at getting the word out.

And this method seems to be working. According to the University of Michigan's "Monitoring the Future" national survey on drug use and health, 85 percent of MSU students report not using marijuana. And those students who have a few drinks on the weekends choose a designated driver to make sure they get home OK. The survey showed that 80 percent of MSU students reported they always use a designated driver, an increase from 77 percent last year.

As students, it may seem like more of our peers have tried pot or have chosen to walk home over assigning a designated driver. But the numbers cannot be dismissed. There is some truth considering the respondents did provide answers to compile such statistics.

University officials should continue educational outreach to encourage students to continue to make informed, personal decisions.