<p>"If I were in charge of the tour guides and I found out they were blathering on about a drinking or drug culture - which afterall is their opinion on the subject - it would be their last tour. And, I think it’s rude to put that young student in the awkward position by asking the question. "</p>
<p>Tour guides are paid or selected to give their opinions. This may be a regional difference in perspective, but I don’t see anything rude in asking a question about drug/alcohol use on campus. It’s an important issue, and tour guides should be prepared to answer in an honest, graceful way. </p>
<p>Assuming that tour guides get training – which is something that I assume – tour guides are likely to give a more complete answer than would random students whom one asks on campus. Presumably, for instance, tour guides are informed about the college’s alcohol/drug policies, something that I wouldn’t trust a random student to be able to give me a correct answer about. </p>
<p>People who take college tours are on the tours to learn about the college, not to coddle the tour guides.</p>
<p>As I chuckle, I’m think it’s probably a good thing I’m not in charge of any college communications or PR group cause I would not let kids give opinions on subjects related to potentially illegal activities.</p>
<p>yds, I haven’t heard questions about curfews or overnight visits on any of our tours? Is this a southern/northern thing? I had co-ed bathrooms, no curfews or rules about visits when I was in college and would be shocked to discover that there were a lot of rules covering these issues. (Though I do think limiting visitors - especially when roommates are involved is okay.)</p>
<p>Maybe so. I’ve been surprised how many single-sex dorms there are. I do notice most of the questions come from parents of girls on the tours, so maybe it’s a gender thing.</p>
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<p>I agree, it is probably a good thing. I don’t want bland policy statements on tours.</p>
<p>I guess my issue with simply giving a policy statement is that often, that policy isn’t enforced. I think the drinking scene/culture is something a prospective student should know, and should inform their decision. Spouting off a zero tolerance policy, if it is never enforced, seems akin to lying.</p>