Earlier today each student received the following message from the Dean of Students:
March 10, 2010
To: Gustavus students
From: Jeff Stocco, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Gustavus is a caring community. I write today with serious concerns regarding the problem of high-risk drinking on campus. Recent and other campus incidents this year involving alcohol remind us of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.
Our community is not immune from the possibility of tragedy associated with high-risk drinking. Short of death from alcohol poisoning,excessive and destructive drinking can result in risk to health,academic standing, and finances. In addition, high-risk drinking can adversely affect innocent bystanders, including family, friends, and fellow campus community members as well as anyone potentially harmed in the event of driving under the influence.
The fact that national trends point to increased high-risk drinking at colleges and universities is not an excuse for us to accept it here at Gustavus. Nor can we be complacent that on our campus, fewer students choose to drink than in years past, and only a very small number of individuals choose to engage in dangerous drinking. Because every person’s welfare matters at Gustavus, we must all work together to confront this difficult and complex issue.
What can you do?
• If you drink, be very careful about how much and how quickly you consume.
• Encourage your friends to make safe decisions.
• Never leave a friend alone to “sleep it off”- the consequences could be disastrous.
• Call Campus Safety, 911, or a Residential Life staff member if ever you are concerned about another student’s well-being.
The Dean of Students Office, in conjunction with the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education, will sponsor a series of meetings in April to discuss this issue. It is extremely important that as many of us as possible engage in a conversation about how this community might address this growing problem. Your participation and input is critical and will be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, enjoy spring, and stay safe.
—
Jeffrey L. Stocco
Dean of Students
Vice President for Student Affairs
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, MN 56082
507-933-7526
stocco@gustavus.edu
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