From President Judith Rodin: August 5, 1999 Accepting the Recommendations of Penn's Working Group on Alcohol AbuseAfter much careful thought and consideration of the comments submitted during the consultation period, I accept the recommendations of the Working Group on Alcohol Abuse in full. The recommendations are insightful, and offer a comprehensive approach -- focused on the health and safety of our students--for the University going forward. I again thank the members of the Working Group--particularly the student members--for their wisdom and dedication. The recommendations will yield a new alcohol policy, which will be in place in September. All Penn students will receive a copy of the new policy via mail or e-mail later this month, and will be expected to abide by it. An implementation group of students, faculty, and administrators is working to ensure that as many areas of the recommendations as possible are in place when students return; other areas require further student input to plan and implement, and will be discussed in the fall. In September, students can expect to arrive on a campus with a more vibrant and healthful way of life. As the Working Group recommended, we are adding to our already expansive calendar of social events for all students, and publicizing those events even more broadly: For example, we will offer more late-night dining options and a student-run music club; Irvine Auditorium will re-open; and the literally hundreds of activities we already offer virtually around the clock will be in full swing. An alcohol coordinator will be the University's primary resource for our many existing efforts and significant new endeavors. We will have new, additional alcohol education efforts in place, particularly for freshmen. Registered parties will be better managed and better monitored. We are at a moment of opportunity to make a real change in a national issue right on our own campus. We will do all we can to support that cultural change, but in the end, making a difference is up to our students. As so many student leaders have repeatedly suggested, our students are ready to rise to the occasion on this important issue. Click here for the Final Report of the Working Group on Alcohol Abuse as published in Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 31, May 4, 1999-- Ed. Posted 8/5/99 |