Alcohol Abuse Task Force

Executive Summary

President Will appointed the Alcohol Abuse Task Force for the 2005-06 academic year.  The college community members appointed to this group include faculty, students and administrators from key areas within the college including representation and input from Residence Life, Counseling, Safety and Security and Greek Life.  The Alcohol Abuse Task Force was charged with reviewing data relevant to high-risk drinking at the College, conducting a review of best practices at that other institutions have utilized to address high-risk drinking, developing initiatives focused on reducing high-risk drinking, and developing initiatives to address disorderly and disruptive behaviors associated with alcohol.

We have discussed a draft of an alcohol Points System widely during the Spring 2006 semester.  Among the groups we have met with are Student Senate, the Residence Life staff, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, the Student Athletic Advisory Council, the Athletic coaching staff, the Admissions staff, the Parents Advisory Board and faculty members.  All of these groups have offered feedback that has been incorporated into the Points System and there has been broad support for this approach.

In addition to a Points System, the Alcohol Abuse Task Force has reviewed and recommends an expansion of alcohol education, recommends expanding the role of Safety and Security at student social events with alcohol and is also preparing recommendations around shifting the culture of alcohol at the College.  The Alcohol Abuse Task Force is working to submit a final report to President Will shortly after the academic year concludes.