Presidents

College and university presidents have a unique responsibility to create an environment that nurtures students’ intellectual and social development. They are charged with fostering a safe and healthy climate within which students can learn, study, work, and grow. Because student alcohol, other drug use and violence (AODV) increasingly are recognized as interfering with a positive learning environment, many presidents understand that they must proactively confront these problems on campus in order to fulfill their responsibility.

As one of the most serious issues faced by higher education officials today, high-risk AOD use and violent behavior cannot be ignored. AODV-related tragedies at colleges and universities have reached the national spotlight, drawing attention and concern for student safety. Increasingly, parents are exerting pressure on college administrators to create healthier and safer environments for their students. Some courts have held colleges and universities liable for AODV-related tragedies among students, with some settlements reaching into the millions of dollars.

Now is a critical time for college and university presidents to step forward and directly address AODV issues. While some top administrators cite frustration at the seeming intractability of the problems, lack of time and resources, or fear of student and alumni backlash, these challenges are surmountable, and numerous presidents have developed and implemented strategies that work to overcome them. This section spotlights what presidents can do to effectively address these problems and highlights several presidents who have made a difference.