Otago University vice chancellor Harlene Hayne is taking a hands-on approach to students caught drinking too much.
She is attending orientation functions to help remove alcohol, and is ringing students to warn them of the possible consequences.
A bonfire six metres high was started on a street in North Dunedin on Monday night and there have been more than 15 arrests in the area so far this week.
Dunedin City Council is pushing for a complete street liquor ban, but Ms Hayne says she has not decided whether a total ban can be justified.
She told Morning Report she will find ways to make the couch burning and disorder stop.
Listen to more from vice chancellor Harlene Hayne