Ohio University to Continue Parental Notification
Policy
Contact: Michael Sostarich, Vice President for Student Affairs, (740) 593-2561
ATHENS, Ohio (June 19, 2000) -- Ohio University will continue its policy of notifying the parents of first-year students under age 21 who are found responsible for violating university rules regarding alcohol and other drugs, Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Sostarich announced today.
During the 1999-2000 academic year, the university initiated a pilot policy of sending written notification to parents of first-year students under age 21 who were found responsible for a major alcohol- or drug-related offense (Code A offense) or two minor offenses (Code B offenses) of the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct. The policy will be implemented for the 2000-01 academic year.
"After a thorough review, it was determined that the notification program had an impact on behavior," Sostarich said. "The number of violations is down, and there are fewer repeat offenders. Another factor that was considered is that first-year students are in a transition from high school to college, and this program seems to be aiding in the transition."
The number of alcohol- and drug-related cases involving first-year students fell 36 percent in fall and winter quarters, compared to the same period in 1998-99. Also, in 1999-00, there were only eight repeat cases of 124 violations following parental notification.
Results of the pilot policy were measured by various means. Statistics on alcohol and drug offenses were reviewed and surveys were sent to the students and parents who received notification, a random sample of first-year students and a sample of Residence Life staff members. Also, discussions were held with Student Senate leadership, Student Affairs staff and the university's Review and Standards Committee.
A federal law that prohibited colleges and universities from releasing disciplinary records of students 18 years or older without their consent was amended in fall 1998, giving educational institutions the option of informing parents of alcohol and drug offenses committed by students under the age of 21.
"We will continue to assess its results and refine the program," Sostarich said.
