TO:         All Oxford Campus Faculty and Instructional Staff

FROM:   Dr. Phyllis Callahan, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
              Dr. Mike Curme, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
              Rebecca Baudry Young, Director, Office of Student Wellness

RE:        High-Risk Alcohol Use by Students at Miami University

As we approach Miami’s spring break, we call your attention to a problem that continues to affect Miami University and many other universities across the nation: students’ high-risk alcohol use. Events that promote significant alcohol consumption, such as Green BeerDay and St. Patrick’s Day, compromise the academic integrity of our institution and put our students at significant personal risk due to the negative consequences associated with high-risk and underage consumption (e.g., alcohol poisoning, accidental injury, driving while intoxicated, or public intoxication).

This year the “traditional” Green Beer Day is Thursday March 16, followed the next day, Friday, March 17, by St. Patrick’s Day. Some students will participate in these festivities, which often involve high-risk alcohol consumption. On Green Beer Day in particular, uptown alcohol sales begin very early in the morning and continue throughout the day. An additional concern is that on Friday, March 17, many students will depart on spring break trips that involve driving long distances.

Please help reduce these risks by supporting Miami’s position that alcohol consumption should be legal, safe, and smart. Miami’s proud commitment to high academic standards and our shared values of “character as well as intellect” can be reinforced by holding class with meaningful (and ideally “gradable”) activities during all class periods on March 16 and March 17.

If you ever suspect that a student in your class is under the influence of alcohol, you may ask the student to leave and then notify the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution (OESCR) (513-529-1417; OESCR@MiamiOH.edu). While it is helpful to provide detail (e.g., staggering, vomiting, falling asleep, slurred speech, difficulty focusing, etc.), the most important thing is to file a report. The OESCR office can request additional information and/or will follow up to determine your willingness to be involved in the adjudication process should the student dispute the allegation. Alternatively, you may notify the Miami University Police Department (MUPD) (513-529-2222). A student does not have to cause a disturbance in the classroom to be documented as intoxicated, but there must be some indicator that would suggest the student is under the influence.

Staff members from the Office of Student Wellness (513-529-7893) and the Student Counseling Services (513-529-4634) are also available for an individual telephone consultation regarding concerns about students. For emergencies, always call 911.