An action plan for responding to campus issues related to alcohol and the Greek system at the University of Colorado at Boulder was announced Tuesday by Chancellor Richard L. Byyny in his annual "State of the Campus" address.
Speaking at Old Main Chapel on campus, Byyny addressed a number of recent issues, including fraternity and sorority life, alcohol, athletics and sexual assault and harassment, as well as strategies for moving the campus forward in a challenging fiscal environment for higher education.
In regard to alcohol abuse, Byyny said that the campus has undertaken numerous initiatives in recent years, including improved educational programs and stronger sanctions for violations.
However, Byyny said, the recent death of Lynn Gordon Bailey Jr. emphasizes the fact that "we must do even more." He announced that, in light of the recent tragedy at the Chi Psi fraternity, the campus has petitioned the fraternity's national organization to revoke the charter for the local chapter. In a letter to the national organization, Vice Chancellor Ron Stump cited the death of Bailey, a prospective Chi Psi member, as well as a history of difficulties with the chapter.
In addition, Byyny said, discussions already have begun with fraternity and sorority leaders to assess all aspects of Greek life and to develop a set of expectations for local chapters. The expectations will address such issues as:
* abuse of alcohol and drugs
* deferring membership recruitment, or rush, of freshman students
* hazing
* personal safety at social events
* fire safety
* non-discrimination
Regarding overall campus strategies on alcohol abuse, Byyny said he will "intensify efforts by our Standing Committee on Substance Abuse to coordinate and enhance campus programming and develop appropriate responses." SCOSA, which includes representatives from throughout the campus, reviews current programs and recommends new initiatives.
A roundtable discussion on alcohol issues is planned for the fall semester, leading to a national colloquium focusing on "best practices" in the field. Byyny said peer educator programs will be continued or expanded, and substance-free living areas will be enhanced.
SCOSA chairman Bob Maust will serve as CU-Boulder's liaison with Colorado State University officials dealing with similar issues.
Byyny said orientation programs will be revised to "further stress the message of what it means to be a CU student, including addressing issues related to alcohol, as well as gender violence and diversity."
"The bottom line is, we are determined to do everything we can to prevent another tragedy, such as those that recently occurred both at CU and CSU," Byyny said.
To see the text of the talk, go to the Web at: .