The Ohio University community has recently examined its approach to responding to high-risk drinking and as a result President McDavis has approved a number of changes. Details of his announcement are here.

As a result of this decision, we will improve our efforts to communicate with you about our expectations for behavior and the consequences of misbehavior, we will work to increase activities on campus, we will expand our efforts to provide appropriate educational and counseling interventions for students who have alcohol-related problems, we have changed our discipline system to be more consistent and to respond more specifically to repeat alcohol-related violations, we will expand our law enforcement capability and more. A complete summary of the changes is here.

You may be aware that we have just implemented the Medical Emergency Assistance pilot program.  This program is in place to ensure your health and safety, by providing the opportunity for you to call for medical help on behalf of a student who requires medical attention as a result of high-risk behavior.  In doing so, the student will not be subject to university judicial action, but will still be expected to comply with the remaining components of our approach to high-risk behavior, including an educational intervention and parental notification (for those under 21 years of age).  Details about the program can be found here.

If you are under 21 years of age, we expect that you will comply with Ohio law and not consume alcoholic beverages on campus or in the community. If you are over 21 and choose to drink, we expect you to do so responsibly. We will make reasonable efforts to insure that you understand our expectations, that you understand the negative consequences of inappropriate alcohol use, that you have many opportunities for positive involvement in campus life, and that you have all of the information you need to make wise choices. If you make poor choices, you will be held accountable for these decisions.

Again, most of you will make good choices and won't risk your health or success through high-risk drinking. Nonetheless, you should know that illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol will result in University discipline:

Depending upon the severity of the specific misbehavior, your first offense of the Student Code of Conduct will result in probation, suspension or expulsion.

Sanctions for first-time alcohol-related violations will include a referral to an appropriate intervention designed to get you back on track as well as a $100 fine.

If you have earned fewer than 90 credit hours and are under 21, your parents will be notified if you are found responsible for an alcohol-related violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

If you are found responsible for an alcohol-related offense of the Code while on probation for an alcohol-related offense (even if either is minor), you can expect to be suspended from the University.

If you are charged with or cited for a crime in the Athens community, your case will also be heard by University Judiciaries and you may receive two separate sanctions - one from the local court and one from the University.

If you have questions about policies on alcohol use and our efforts to reduce high-risk drinking, contact the Office of Health Promotion, 339 Baker University Center, 593-4742 or University Judiciaries, 349 Baker University Center, 593-2629.

Best wishes for a safe and successful experience at Ohio University.

Ryan Lombardi
Dean of Students