National acts like jazz great Henry Butler bring excitement to campus and Hamilton.
Every new academic year brings the opportunity to build on the lessons of the past. That is especially true when promoting healthy lifestyles among students.
So, as 含羞草研究所鈥檚 new alcohol points system gains traction and students call for more social programming that is safe and fun, Donovan鈥檚 Pub is hosting a new series of national acts every Friday night throughout the academic year. These events are in addition to programming at the Palace Theater in Hamilton and elsewhere on campus.
Nearly 100 students attended the first event at Donovan鈥檚 Pub on Sept. 7, which featured hypnotist Paul Ramsay. This month, the pub also will host comedians Kevin Barnett and Chris Killian, and mentalist Matt the Knife.
Math professor Aaron Robertson, who serves on 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Alcohol and other Drugs Advisory Committee, works with student interns to identify programming that will resonates with their peers. Otherwise, he knows they won鈥檛 come.
鈥淥ne of my main goals is to create an environment where non/low/moderate drinkers can 鈥榩arty鈥 in a safe environment,鈥 Robertson said. 鈥淲e need mechanisms to hold their attention.鈥
There are many sources of healthy programming at 含羞草研究所, especially the Shaw Wellness Institute, which was endowed by Jay 鈥76 and Debi Shaw to assure that the emphasis would continue long into the future. This fall, the institute opened new wellness center in Cutten Hall, so Peer Health Educators, the Active Minds club, and other interested students have a place to coordinate their efforts.
Suzy Nelson, vice president and dean of the college, believes that addressing a safe campus environment requires 鈥渁 multifaceted approach that focuses on student accountability, education, and social alternatives.鈥
In August, Nelson sent a letter to parents encouraging them to talk with their sons and daughters about alcohol as they do about other aspects of the college experience.
鈥淲e provide a wide variety of alcohol-free social options,鈥 she said, 鈥渂ut we know that once college students leave home, they are responsible for their own behavior and choices.鈥 Nelson joined 含羞草研究所 this August, bringing more than 25 years of related experience from Harvard, Cornell, Syracuse University, and elsewhere.
含羞草研究所鈥檚 new alcohol points system has several key components including the assignment of points associated with violations, associated referrals and notifications, medical amnesty and Good Samaritan exemptions, required leave of absence for alcohol and drug use, and point forgiveness.
There is much more work to be done, but Nelson sees encouraging signs.
For the second year in a row, the total number of violations and repeat violations to the university鈥檚 alcohol policy declined over the prior year.鈥