University plans to amend alcohol policy for 2008-09
Lauren Sutton, Copy Editor
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News
When Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president for Student Life and dean of students, came to ACU in July, he began a comprehensive study of the university's student conduct policies and procedures, including the debated alcohol policy.
With the assistance of the Students' Association and
conversations with the President's Cabinet and the Board of Trustees, Thompson has initiated a process of changing the longstanding policy, which prohibits students of any age from
drinking on or off campus.
"For me personally, the way in which we communicate and enforce some policies I think need work; alcohol is one of those," Thompson said.
An amended policy, which will be presented in much more detail in the 2008-09 handbook, would not penalize students 21 and older who drink responsibly off campus.
"Unfortunately, some of our students participate in dangerous and illegal drinking on campus and around campus, and we're not effectively addressing it," Thompson said. "To simply say 'don't do it' while you're a student here is no longer good enough."
Utilizing resources like Welcome Week and Residence Life, incoming students will have guided sessions on expectations for student conduct, especially related to the use and abuse of alcohol. Thompson said he hopes this issue can be talked about in larger public forums like Chapel to establish authentic Christian conversation as well as to communicate clear policy.
"We want to embrace a strong Biblical principle," Thompson said. "While our intent is not to encourage drinking, it is important to acknowledge that it's not the alcohol that's the sin - it's the drunkenness that's the sin. And we can't deal with challenging our students if we're not having the conversation. If we really want to hold them accountable in this area, there's risk in that."
With the changes ahead, ACU will remain a dry campus, and alcohol will not be allowed at group or clubsponsored events on or off campus. The school will respect all of the state of Texas'
With the assistance of the Students' Association and
conversations with the President's Cabinet and the Board of Trustees, Thompson has initiated a process of changing the longstanding policy, which prohibits students of any age from
drinking on or off campus.
"For me personally, the way in which we communicate and enforce some policies I think need work; alcohol is one of those," Thompson said.
An amended policy, which will be presented in much more detail in the 2008-09 handbook, would not penalize students 21 and older who drink responsibly off campus.
"Unfortunately, some of our students participate in dangerous and illegal drinking on campus and around campus, and we're not effectively addressing it," Thompson said. "To simply say 'don't do it' while you're a student here is no longer good enough."
Utilizing resources like Welcome Week and Residence Life, incoming students will have guided sessions on expectations for student conduct, especially related to the use and abuse of alcohol. Thompson said he hopes this issue can be talked about in larger public forums like Chapel to establish authentic Christian conversation as well as to communicate clear policy.
"We want to embrace a strong Biblical principle," Thompson said. "While our intent is not to encourage drinking, it is important to acknowledge that it's not the alcohol that's the sin - it's the drunkenness that's the sin. And we can't deal with challenging our students if we're not having the conversation. If we really want to hold them accountable in this area, there's risk in that."
With the changes ahead, ACU will remain a dry campus, and alcohol will not be allowed at group or clubsponsored events on or off campus. The school will respect all of the state of Texas'
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 28
A concerned member of the body
posted 4/11/08 @ 2:55 PM CST
In the culture of higher education, we often hear of "the heart of the university" or perhaps "the mind of the university." As the liver of this fine institution, I depend much upon the mind, and count the heart as one of my closest allies. (Continued…)
Kristin Wood
posted 4/11/08 @ 4:25 PM CST
I'm glad the administration decided to change this particular policy. There are students who are capable of drinking responsibly, and I'm glad ACU recognizes that. (Continued…)
Melanie Knox Larson
posted 4/11/08 @ 6:00 PM CST
Wow. I continue to be proud of ACU as my alma mater. I appreciate this kind of thoughtfulness and attention to relevant concerns.
Ben F. See
posted 4/11/08 @ 10:11 PM CST
Thank you Ms. Sutton for your thought provoking article.
According to the current Optimist, ACU plans on removing the barrier that could discourage some students turning 21, from going out and binge drinking on their 21st. (Continued…)
Alex York
posted 4/12/08 @ 1:44 AM CST
I must say, I am rather proud of ACU. This policy shift is certainly a step toward a more realistic and, if I may, Christ-like way of approaching alcohol consumption. (Continued…)
Markus D.
posted 4/12/08 @ 7:19 AM CST
First of all, I think it is important to say that all students did have a say in this policy change. All students had the chance to complete a survey in which this policy was addressed, and SA President Matt Worthington challenged us more than once, that if we want to have a say in all this, we should take the opportunity of answering this survey. (Continued…)
Kyle Martin
posted 4/12/08 @ 12:10 PM CST
Way to go ACU. It is about time. I really believe that this change will help ACU focus on truly irresponsible alcohol consumption instead of the 29 year old grad student who wishes to buy a bottle of wine at the grocery store without looking over his shoulder. (Continued…)
James (class of 2000)
posted 4/15/08 @ 9:35 PM CST
I am glad to see this change in the alcohol consumption policy. The focus on underage drinking is the real issue that should be addressed at ACU and other universities. (Continued…)
Anony Mouse
posted 4/15/08 @ 11:17 PM CST
We're allowed to drink alcohol now, but we still can't swim together at the pool? Stupid.
Doyal Wright
posted 4/16/08 @ 9:20 AM CST
Just another disguise, steping deeper into the world. Alcohol is very dangerous and everything possible should be done to encourage total abstinence. (Continued…)
Post a Comment