A Missed Opportunity

Read the alcohol policy at my son’s school (and it is probably similar to most other colleges), and you will get the impression that there is no alcohol permitted pretty much anywhere on campus. Needless to say, that is not the reality. Because of damages to the dorm that were perpetrated (rumor has it) by a handful of intoxicated students last fall, every student in my son’s dormitory was assessed a damage fee of $25.

As we’ve looked into other schools, we’ve learned that many of them have “substance-free” dormitories (or at least specific floors within dorms) that are substance free based on a signed contract by the residents. If a student chooses not to drink or use drugs, they can sign a pledge so stating, and live among other students that have made the same life-style choice.

My son’s college is opening a brand new dormitory in September, which will be assigned as a sophomore-only dorm. It is an ideal time to establish such a policy. I believe they would find an overwhelmingly positive acceptance of the idea among a good portion of their current freshmen. Certainly enough of them would be interested for the school to populate one floor of the new residence.

I just spoke with Residence Life. The school’s alcohol and drug policy would be the same in the new dorm as it is anywhere else on campus. In other words, get ready for more of the same.