[Vision2020] Task force to examine UI substance abuse, Greek life

[Art Deco]

The Greek Life Task Force will be meeting 3 hours nightly rotating between
all of Moscow's bars with and a thrice monthly 5 hour meeting at the Silver
Saddle in Potlatch.

w.


On Sat, Feb 16, 2013 at 2:38 PM, Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com> wrote:

> Courtesy of the UI Argonaut at:
>
>
> http://www.uiargonaut.com/2013/02/14/task-force-to-examine-ui-substance-abuse-greek-life/
>
> -------------------------------------
>
> Task force to examine UI substance abuse, Greek life
>
> University of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis announced the formation of
> two task forces Thursday — a Substance Abuse Task Force and a Greek Life
> Task Force.
>
> UI has been working on solving a variety of safety issues all year, from
> the “I Got Your Back” campaign to aggressive programming at new student
> orientation, Dean of Students Bruce Pitman said.
>
> “We felt it was high goal programming,” he said. “With recent events we
> felt we need to step back and make sure we do all we can do and take a
> careful look at campus life.”
> Pitman said the Substance Abuse Task Force will evaluate UI’s policies and
> programming. He said the goal is to look at other college campuses and find
> a program they can adopt or amend to suit UI’s needs.
>
> “We clearly have substance abuse challenges and problems, just as most
> college campuses,” Pitman said. “Next door WSU has committed to their own
> alcohol task force for the same critical look at selves. Most college
> campus administrators on most college campuses will say to some degree
> there are substance abuse issues.”
>
> The Substance Abuse Task Force will consist of UI student leaders, faculty
> and staff, and Pitman said they will also reach out to a few Moscow
> community members who deal with substance abuse.
>
> He said the Greek Life Task Force will evaluate the relationship between
> the university and its Greek system.
>
> “Campuses and universities have very different models in what these
> relationships are,” he said. “Some campuses are very restrictive and
> intrusive where fraternities and sororities are allowed to exist in
> confinement. The other extreme is where a university doesn’t acknowledge
> presence, doesn’t help them and frankly are not enthusiastic they exist.”
>
> Pitman said UI has had a strong relationship with its Greek system for
> more than 100 years, providing support and leadership training, while
> recognizing that fraternities and sororities are private property.
>
> Matt Kurz, UI Greek life adviser, said he is interested to see how the
> task forces develop.
> “It’s going to be a great thing, too,” Kurz said.
>
> UI Interfraternity Council President Chris Chesnut said he has been asked
> to be a part of the Greek Life Task Force.
>
> “Essentially, my role is to assess the relationship between the university
> and Greek system,”
> Chesnut said. “One of things that is really positive about Greek life is
> there is a lot of accountability between fraternity members and the Greek
> community … As part of the task force, we will assess the relationship with
> the university and fraternities and sororities to improve accountability.
> It gives Greek life a chance to step back and evaluate the things going on.”
>
> Chesnut said alcohol abuse needs evaluation, as it has recently become
> more of a public concern.
>
> “Now, more than ever, is the time to react and make sure we are
> accountable to ourselves, but also to the university,” he said. “Substance
> abuse is not unique to Idaho and we are one of the more safe campuses, but
> there is always room for improvement. “
>
> Brooklyn Watts, Panhellenic Council president, is also a member of the
> Greek Life Task Force. She said while she is still unsure of what her role
> will be, she is excited for the opportunity.
>
> “I think it’s a great opportunity for the Greek system to evaluate the
> community and address the concerns,” Watts said.  “I hope everyone stays
> positive because I think it’s a good thing.”
>
> Pitman said these issues have been a long-term growing concern for UI.
>
> “The situation continues to be a challenge to us,” he said. “I feel now is
> the time to take a good critical look at ourselves and be better.”
>
> Reporting was contributed by Chloe Rambo and Kaitlyn Krasselt.
>
> -------------------------------------
>
> Seeya round town, Moscow, because . . .
>
> "Moscow Cares"
> http://www.MoscowCares.com
>
> Tom Hansen
> Moscow, Idaho
>
> "There's room at the top they are telling you still
> But first you must learn how to smile as you kill
> If you want to be like the folks on the hill."
>
> - John Lennon
>
>
> =======================================================
>  List services made available by First Step Internet,
>  serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
>                http://www.fsr.net
>           mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> =======================================================
>



-- 
Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
art.deco.studios at gmail.com
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.fsr.com/pipermail/vision2020/attachments/20130216/9cbe5c83/attachment.html>