College Responds, Revamps Alcohol Policy

In accord with key recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention, changes will be made to the Ithaca College Student Conduct Code. The changes will make it a violation of the conduct code for any student under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol on campus, and for anyone to possess an open container of alcohol in a public area on campus.

President Peggy R. Williams established the task force in September 1998 to examine existing policies, procedures, and perceptions about the use of alcohol and other drugs at the College. Following a series of open forums and a campus-wide survey, the group recommended a number of issues be addressed.

"It was clear from the work of the task force that Ithaca College --- like most colleges and universities across the country --- is battling a campus culture in which the use and abuse of alcohol play a prominent role," says Williams. "Through a number of indicators, in fact, the results of the survey made plain that the problem here is serious enough to warrant substantive changes in our practices."

Under the current policy, those under the age of 21 found by campus safety officers in possession of alcohol with the intent to consume may be issued an appearance ticket for a local criminal court for a violation of New York State law. With the planned change, students under 21 possessing alcohol will be referred to the campus judicial system. Judicial referrals can be made by any College staff member, including resident assistants. Campus safety officers may still issue appearance tickets for such violations.

The other change will make all public areas on campus off-limits to open containers of alcohol, broadening the restriction from just the academic quad. The only exceptions are registered or College-sponsored events at which guidelines for alcohol use are followed.

"As the task force shared its recommendations with students, faculty, and staff last fall at open forums and in presentations to classes and constituent groups, there was a consensus that the status quo was not working, that additional efforts were needed to curb the misuse of alcohol and its consequent negative effects, including vandalism, abusive behavior, and academic underperformance," says Williams. "These policy changes alone will not transform the campus culture, but they are steps along the way as we seek to promote a more positive social and academic climate at the College."

Over the next several weeks, task force representatives will be communicating the changes to the residence life staff and to members of the Student Government Association, Residence Hall Association, Staff Council, Faculty Council, and Administrative Assembly.

As previously announced, a newly created staff position --- coordinator of health promotion and substance abuse prevention programs --- will work to establish a comprehensive health promotion and education program on campus. While not focusing exclusively on alcohol, the coordinator will serve as a critical resource in working with the campus community to implement the remainder of the task force’s recommendations.