As one of America’s leading universities, it is our
obligation to address the important issues facing our
nation. For many years, society has recognized that the
misuse of alcohol among young people has been the number
one social challenge on our nation’s college and university
campuses.
After years of discussion about the heartache and damage
resulting from alcohol abuse, we joined forces with the
city of Oxford and Lafayette County to confront the issue
head-on. Last fall we convened a joint Alcohol Task Force,
and that group’s recommendations are providing a model of
cooperation for the nation. We expect positive results from
our efforts.
This is not a new undertaking for us only the most
recent.
Ole Miss has had numerous programs in place that addressed
concerns about alcohol and drug abuse problems. Four years
ago we employed an on-campus administrator for Substance
Abuse Prevention to deal specifically with primary
prevention issues. The university’s Counseling Center
offers programs for students who have violated laws and are
required by the courts to receive counseling for alcohol or
drug abuse. We also have several collaborative efforts in
place with the University Police Department, Campus
Housing, the Center for Health Promotion and Health
Behavior, athletics, ROTC and the Mississippi court
system.
We are making progress, but there is always more to do.
Based on the recommendations of the task force, we
committed significant funds for an alcohol abuse awareness
and education program. Introduced this fall, it involves an
eight-hour online course called AlcoholEdu required of all
entering freshmen, fraternity and sorority members, and
student athletes. Eventually, every Ole Miss student will
be required to take the course and pass an examination
before being eligible to enroll for classes.
Last November we implemented a two-strike suspension
policy. Any student found guilty of two alcohol or drug
rules violations will be suspended from school. “Alcohol
violation” includes driving under the influence, public
drunk, minor in possession or alcohol-related violations of
university polities or state law. First offense will result
in a student being placed on probation; second conviction
while on probation results in suspension.
Because the vast majority of our students are responsible
and will join us in this critical effort, and because our
community is ready to address the challenges of alcohol
abuse, we will succeed. But the challenge is formidable.
Together we can achieve better lives for all, serve as a
national model and reduce the number of destructive
incidents that occur as a result of misusing alcohol.
Khayat is the 15th chancellor of the University of
Mississippi.