<p>"Colby College in Waterville is to be commended for initiating a get-tough approach to alcohol abuse. Under a new program being tested this year, students will be assessed points for various alcohol-related offenses.</p>
<p>The most severe punishment, meted out after eight points, may be an order to take a leave of absence. Less severe punishments will be handed down for fewer points, with intervention starting after three points...."</p>
<p>It sounds like the school may have had a public relations nightmare of an alcohol overdose(sss). I'm glad that they are taking steps to correct this but I doubt it will make much difference unless there is zero tolerence (which I don't necessarily believe in). Ohio_mom after speaking to kids/parent's of kids/recovery programs, the substance free dorms are usually in place to please the parents. They are not effective unless it is a recovering community with hands on counseling in place.</p>
<p>The only school that I know of that seems to be doing zero tolerence is Cleveland Institute of Music - they bounced several kids out of my nephew's dorm early last year. Don't know if they are following through this year but it certainly shook some folks up last year. I don't exactly know what I think should be done, but the distressing thing is where there is no - or too little - support for kids in recovery or battling a problem.</p>
<p>I agree Ohio, there should be a recovery program in place if there is zero tolerence. example, If a student is in violation # 1 then a warning, violation #2 a wilderness program that is paid for by the student/parents. If the student is residing in a sober dorm then expulsion from the sober dorm first time.</p>
<p>The downside to Colby's approach is that it builds in a huge disincentive against kids seeking medical treatment for alcohol overdoses. But, probably no more of a disincentive than closing the campus health center nights and weekends.</p>
<p>I don't know how bad the drinking situation was at Colby. Beyond a certain point, there's really no choice but to address it with harsh penalties.</p>
<p>On the surface the penalties sound lenient and this could be just a PR attempt by the administration. I checked the internet and found some interesting facts about Colby. Last year Colby received a lot of attention for a decision to serve alcohol with meals to students 21 and over. You can argue about the effectiveness of this approach, but the administration attempted to change the perception of alcohol use on campus. About the same time, the administration began to enforce alcohol restrictions. Last year there were 340 disciplinary actions related to alcohol. That seems very high for a school with less than 2000 students. It sounds like Colby is serious about reducing alcohol use. I suspect it will take quite a few years to have an impact, but the attempts seem to be a lot more than lip service.</p>
<p>Personally, I think the police should be called when a child is caught participating in underaged drinking. Part of the problem is the tolerance by adults. It's illegal isn't it? Then why not turn the matter over to the police.</p>
<p>Any one read the Harvard study on underaged drinking? It was very interesting.</p>
<p>If the schools were strict and backed up by the parents there wouldn't be the problem there is today with underaged drinking on our college campuses.</p>
<p>Carmel-that would tie up entire police forces! My son's boarding school doesn't even have zero tolerance for alcohol- first offense gets a suspension. There is zero tolerance for drugs, but a confidential intervention system has been set up where a student and/or the parents can be confronted by suspicious faculty or kids without penalty to the student if help is then sought.</p>
<p>Expecting the police to be involved in every case of underaged drinking on college campuses is probably the most unrealistic thing I've ever heard. Almost as unrealistic as expecting that kids won't drink any type of alcoholic beverage before they reach the age of 21.</p>
<p>So many of the colleges seem to act like alcoholics. They "want to quit", but no matter how many options are open to them, they always have a "good reason" not to. </p>
<p>At my alma mater, some students have complained that the junior advisors are supplying hard liquor to first-years, or encouraging its use. <a href="http://www.williamsrecord.com/wr/?section=news&view=article&id=7300%5B/url%5D">http://www.williamsrecord.com/wr/?section=news&view=article&id=7300</a> I think it would be relatively easy to have a "zero tolerance" policy for suppliers. One strike and you're out - this would also free the college from liability when it appoints alcohol-pushing junior advisors. Couple it with a "good Samaritan" policy (Pomona has one) in which a student who does NOT call for help when s/he sees a friend in trouble is subject to administrative action.</p>
<p>I believe that part of the problem is the generalized acceptance(by parents and other adults) of drinking being part of "normal" adolescence and that it really isnt harmful. I agree it is naive to assume that kids wont drink (although I think there are a few who dont drink at all) but that doesnt mean that we as parents should not try to discourage drinking and we should never assume it isnt harmful. Drinking increases risky sexual behavior and other poor decisions. Drinking at all college campuses is out of hand. Any school that tells you they have solved the drinking problem is either being naive or lying. Many colleges are desperately trying to deal with their campus drinking problem but noone has solved it. It is our responsibilty as parents to deal with this also and not expect the schools to handle it. Parents need to talk regularly to their kids about drinking and its consequences and be aware of signs of problems. Kids who are not doing well or are depressed may self medicate with alcohol. I have worked in college health for 20 years and the drinking problem is only getting worse. Kids end up in ER's with lethal blood alcohol levls all the time. LETHAL. People seem to have a handle on the idea that drinking and driving kills but not that alcohol itself can kill.</p>
<p>I have my doubts that many colleges are desperately trying to deal with their campus drinking problem. Rather I believe there is a lot of acceptance of alcohol. Two thirds of adults drink, one third binge (5 or more) drinks at least occasionally. I believe many parents believe drinking at college is a part of growing up and is better than drug use. Some parents even tolerate this behavior while the kids are still in HS.</p>
<p>I suspect the biggest problem reducing campus drinking is the lack of support --not only by the students, but parents. It seems that if Colby is serious, it is heading in the right direction. With an ongoing drinking culture, it is not feasible to clamp down aggressively and expel offenders. Introduction of the point system seems to make sense. With time the culture will change. Students interested in drinking will not apply and Colby will attract more students interested in a sober experience.</p>
<p>perhaps what I meant is many college health services are desperately trying to address the alcohol issue. They definitely are. Some are not getting the support that they need from administration and parents.</p>
<p>It must be really tough and discouraging to be a trained healthcare professional dealing with campus alcohol issues. Any effective solution needs to be on the front end, not trying to pick up the pieces afterwards.</p>
<p>I feel strongly about this issue. My D was determined not attend a school where alcohol and drugs were the main forms of entertainment. That preference eliminated consideration of many good schools. She was lucky in finding a school where alcohol is only a minor part of the campus culture. Even so she has encountered some problems. She was looking forward to attending a Halloween party. That turned out to be an off-campus drinking party so she ended up with another weekend evening alone in the dorm.</p>
<p>edad I also feel strongly about this issue obviously. I have a son who is a sophmore in college and has been discouraged by the drinking that goes on. My daughter who is high school senior is looking for a substance free dorm in the hopes of meeting some nondrinking peers.</p>