Area universities say they largely view alcohol as a health problem, aiming to offer help — not punishment — for students who overdrink, even if they are underage. Though local colleges cite dozens of students for violating alcohol policies, it’s rare for a student to be criminally charged.

“We treat intoxication as more of a health issue, as many of our younger students don’t know their limits and overimbibe,” Kevin Hay, the police chief at George Washington University, wrote in an e-mail. “Our goal is to prevent serious physical harm as a result of acute alcohol poisoning.”