I just found this in my inbox-- We'll see how serious Olson actually is, but it at least shows he is attempting to listen to students. We'll see if the heavy-handed enforcement continues. If that lets up , I think we'll be at a reasonable compromise.
Dear Students,
Over the past few weeks, my staff and I have heard directly from many
students about their views related to changes to the university’s
alcohol policies and our implementation of them. I appreciate the
candid, thoughtful and wide ranging perspectives shared by students, and
in particular the effective work by GUSA leaders in this process. I am
confident that we can move forward together to achieve the appropriate
balance between student safety and social opportunities. With all this
in mind, I write to share some updates with you.
First, please know that the policy changes were not intended to end
student social life on campus. Our intent is very much to support
socializing on campus, while assuring that students and property are
safe and gatherings are manageable. We are committed to working on our
implementation efforts to assure that this is the case. We have met with
staff members throughout Student Affairs and the Department of Public
Safety who are responsible for implementing these new policies about the
most appropriate responses to situations that may arise.
Second, I appreciate the feedback I have heard that the requirement of
two hosts over the age of 21 in the same apartment or townhouse is
limiting students’ ability to host parties. In response to this, we are
modifying the requirement so that one 21-year-old host and a second host
of any age can host a party in the apartment or townhouse where both of
them live. Both hosts will need to complete the party host information
session by October 1 (see
be.georgetown.edu/IKnowHowToParty<http://be.georgetown.edu/iknowhowtoparty>). This change will take
effect next Monday, Sept. 21 and will substantially increase the number
of apartments and townhouses eligible to host parties. Other policies on
party hosting remain in place.
Third, we have heard that students have questioned whether suspension
would be the likely disciplinary response if a student is found
responsible for three Category A alcohol violations, remote in time from
each other, over the course of his or her Georgetown career. We want to
clarify that the sanction of suspension is not automatic for a third
alcohol violation. The Office of Student Conduct will in all cases
consider both the seriousness and the timing of prior alcohol offenses,
as well as the student's entire disciplinary record, in determining the
most appropriate sanction for a third violation. For example, the
student who commits a third alcohol violation while on disciplinary
probation, or the student who commits repeated alcohol violations within
a relatively short time period, would more likely face suspension.
I would also note in an effort to further promote safe on campus social
opportunities, these policy changes are coupled with the availability of
enhanced late-night programming across campus. So far these events have
been a huge success, with large number of students attending the
Midnight Carnival, residence hall barbeques, and numerous other
programs. More exciting activities such as a midnight pizza party and
movie are planned for this weekend. I thank all the student leaders and
staff members who continue to work creatively to make these events happen.
Administrators will be out on campus again this weekend to meet with
students, participate in late night activities, and provide a presence
in the local neighborhood as well as on campus to respond to incidents
that may occur. We will not only continue to discuss the importance of
safe social opportunities with students but also with members of the
local neighborhood community as we begin a new academic year and seek to
address issues of mutual concern.
We are continuing a dialogue with student leaders, and are committed to
achieving a balance of vibrant student social life and a safe and
respectful campus. Thank you for your partnership in reaching that goal.
Sincerely,
Todd A. Olson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
and Dean of Students