Update on 2009 Alcohol Abuse
Programs and Resources
One of the great hindrances to student academic and personal success at Cal Poly, like
most universities, is the abuse of alcohol and it remains a very serious concern for all of
us at the University.
Over the years, some members of our community have been seriously injured or died
from alcohol and its effects. Our students have been the victims of crimes such as sexual
and physical assault, which are far more likely to happen when alcohol is present. We
have seen students’ academic performance deteriorate because of alcohol abuse. We have
also seen some students suffer serious damage to their legal records and future
employment opportunities as a result of alcohol-related convictions.
Additionally, alcohol abuse by students has led to strained relations with our San Luis
Obispo neighbors. The City of San Luis Obispo recently introduced new ordinances that
greatly increase legal liability for people who have large parties and who serve alcohol to
minors. Hosts may be subject to large fines and may incur misdemeanor charges that will
negatively affect their legal record.
What Cal Poly Is Doing about Alcohol Abuse
Cal Poly has a substantial array of programs to help students deal with alcohol
responsibly and educate them about the dangers of alcohol abuse. Our programming
begins in the Week of Welcome. Regular educational programming is provided by
University Housing, the PULSE peer health education program in the Health Center, and
University Police. Programs facilitated through ASI, Student Life and Leadership,
Health Services, University Housing and other departments provide both education and
alcohol-free events throughout the year to help reduce the problem of alcohol abuse.
This year, Cal Poly, in conjunction with the City of San Luis Obispo and other agencies
will sponsor the SAFE N SLO Campaign. This campaign includes both alcohol education
and risk reduction elements.
The educational program includes:
- Alcohol Wise – Cal Poly requires that new students participate in Alcohol Wise, an
online educational program that helps students understand alcohol abuse and its
impacts on college students. - Social Host Ordinance – The City of San Luis Obispo has developed an information
campaign to inform students of the new ordinance and its provisions. - How to Host a Party - Information will be distributed on how to host a party that
includes responsible alcohol use.
The risk reduction program includes:
- Party Patrols – University and San Luis Obispo police will help identify areas where
drinking is negatively affecting neighborhoods - The University Police Department, San Luis Obispo Police Department and
California Highway Patrol will cooperate to stage DUI checkpoints to help reduce
incidents of drunk driving. - Undercover operations will be undertaken with the Department of Alcohol Beverage
Control to limit alcohol sales to or the procurement of alcohol for minors.
Student Alcohol Abuse: Advice to Students
Here at Cal Poly, our faculty, staff and students know we need to reduce alcohol abuse
because it negatively effects student success and reflects poorly on the university.
We believe the Cal Poly community must work to end the perception that life as a college
student should include alcohol abuse and binge drinking.
Please help to address this serious concern and join the university community in the effort
to reduce student alcohol abuse at Cal Poly. Feel free to contact me if you have any
questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Cornel N. Morton
Vice President for Student Affairs
