Last week, University of Idaho Dean of Students Bruce Pitman made the right decision to admit that alcohol outreach and education programs at UI had a minimal affect on reducing alcohol and drug-related consequences.
UI made a big step forward by admitting that previous attempts to curb drug and alcohol abuse were too passive and no longer effective. Too often, universities try to deny problems instead of admitting there is even a problem to begin with.
The newly-introduced task forces have made several promising recommendations and policy proposals.
One policy proposal includes an academic standard that disqualifies first year students who receive a 1.0 GPA or lower after their first semester. To say it is hard to get a 1.0 GPA at UI is an understatement. Inadequate classroom performance often indicates a problem with substance abuse, and will encourage students to seek help.
Another recommendation by the drugs and alcohol task force is the code of conduct, which should be updated to include off-campus activities. By not holding students accountable for off-campus infractions, UI allows instances of drug and alcohol abuse to multiply. By implementing the task forces recommendation, UI would hold students accountable for their actions and discourage further abuse. It takes courage to admit past policies have been ineffective and with that recognition, the university has been able to move forward and reevaluate campus and student safety.
— AE