Ohio University Student Senate expressed strong concern last night over the lack of student input in a recent report recommending changes to OU's alcohol policies, passing a resolution of disapproval.
In last week's meeting, Judy Piercy, associate vice president of student affairs and interim director for residence life, presented the results of an OU task force study that recommends stronger guidelines for disciplinary probation, the creation of classes to gain insight into an offending student's high-risk behavior, and the extension of parental notification to more offenses.
Before senate passed the resolution, Piercy and a three-person panel accepted questions from senators at last night's meeting, where they specifically discussed the effectiveness of the proposed programs and OU's negative reputation of alcohol abuse.
OU is trying to change as soon as possible and communicate to everyone about the policy change, Piercy said, adding that Precollege will be a particular focus for helping change the perception of OU.
The proposed policy changes will be highly emphasized during Precollege, Piercy said. We will notify as soon as possible by getting the word out to incoming students; a big push in Precollege.
The proposed policy changes are also a more active shift from past treatment of alcohol offenses, said Jeanne Heaton, a panelist and director of OU's counseling and psychological services.
When looking at trying to change behavior
giving people information won't help Heaton said. But when they have a consequence they will think seriously not to do it.
Despite the opportunity for input after the creation of the document, the report itself had no student input whatsoever said Student Senate President Brian Footer.
In response, senate passed a resolution to condemn the lack of student input in the new alcohol policies. The document, which will be sent to OU President Roderick McDavis and various administrators, recommends that the proposal be sent back to a committee with five student representatives and that McDavis not accept the proposal.
My greatest fear is that this will become a norm
said senator Dominic Barbato. I believe this is a crossroads. This decision will affect (Senate) the rest of the year.
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