East Lansing's City Council is looking for student input on some unlikely topics.

It wants to know what you think about parties, noise and drinking.

A public hearing will be held today at 7:30 p.m. in the Gold Rooms of the Union to discuss proposed changes to the city's noise ordinance.

Do you enjoy throwing parties? Are you a regular partygoer? Are you a fan of drinking games?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, then this affects you.

Unlike some public bodies at MSU, the East Lansing City Council is opening its doors and ears to what you have to say. Be apathetic no longer and voice your opinion where it has the potential to really make a difference.

Since October, city officials have been working on a new noise ordinance that, in some cases, promises heftier fines and penalties for violations.

Beer pong in your front yard could lead to a blow where it hurts students the most — their wallets.

If the proposal passes, drinking games would be added to a list of indicators police use to write party noise tickets.

And although the revised ordinance would eliminate jail time as a penalty for loud parties, in exchange, a violation could result in 72 hours of community service.

This is a chance for students to really have an impact on what is happening in their city. There is no excuse not to go.

The meeting is conveniently located right on campus at the Union. Noise violations are a topic that is interesting and significant to many students, as well as a topic that elicits a lot of conversation and passionate opinions from students.

And best of all — you're invited to go and share your thoughts.

Lots of students are willing to have a strong stance on what they agree or disagree with when it comes to noise violations.

But are you prepared to share those grievances with people who could actually make a difference and want to hear what you have to say?

Don't allow East Lansing to silence you without letting it know what you think first.