Alcohol abuse is a serious problem that enrolls every fall and does not graduate. It affects the quality of campus life and the reputation of the academic institution itself. We have not exercised proper leadership in guiding our institutions and in preparing our children for college. Trustees have an important role to play. Because alcohol abuse accounts for a high proportion of campus problems, including crimes against persons, property damage, academic failure, and student attrition, it should be a high-priority issue.
Trustees also hold substantial responsibility from a risk-management perspective.
Heightened public awareness of problems associated with irresponsible alcohol use and unenforced or unenforceable alcohol policy widens the window of civil exposure. As trustees, you must voice your concerns and see that they are addressed. You can make a difference. Several useful resources that focus on campus alcohol-education efforts are available to trustees. Two years ago, The Century Council commissioned Gail Milgram of Rutgers University and David Anderson of George Mason University to conduct a national survey of promising campus alcohol strategies.