By NATASHA TERRY
SANTA FE— Two community gatherings held this year addressed the current two strikes alcohol policy and resulted in action by the Associated Student Government and the IAIA Review Panel.
“The first and foremost concern should be the safety and comfort of our students in order to accomplish the mission of IAIA,” said Karl Duncan, IAIA ASG president.
“The ASG has seen that there is a need to refocus the way the alcohol policy is enforced and will continue to address the overall policies, procedures in a more transparent and fair way,” Duncan said.
Student Life procedures on handling student issues will be thoroughly reviewed, improved, and posted, he said. He noted that a Student Life curriculum is needed to address student needs and concerns, such as the alcohol policy. He predicts “a positive change” by next semester as ASG will continue to work this summer “to avoid any discontent” in Student Life.
Review Panel Considers the Issue
John Gritts, IAIA admissions director, is part of a review panel of peers at IAIA that addresses issues that impact the community. “Based on recommendations from the community, we present recommendations to the president,” he said.
Substance abuse is “an issue because we are an alcohol and drug free campus, but based on what we heard from the community, IAIA is not drug and alcohol free,” said Gritts,.
The alcohol issue as it has been raised is in regard to student role models who do very well in their academics. If they are caught with alcohol on their breath, does this mean they will be terminated from the program? The other issue is that some students become belligerent and out of control. Does the same policy have to be implemented in both situations?
“Something you learn really quick, you have to treat everybody the same and follow through with rules,” Gritts said.
The policy will pertain to anyone who is caught drinking, drugging, or soliciting illegal paraphernalia on the campus, he said.
Committee Makes Two Recommendations
Two recommendations have been proposed by the committee, Gritts said, and have been submitted to the interim-president: Once a month, students can meet to discuss and emphasize the causes and effects of alcoholism in Native American communities. Another recommendation is use of a breathalyzer.
“If IAIA follows suit, training will be administered with the IAIA dorm staff. These are recommendations that are in the works.
“As with any campus, the first few weeks people are getting to know each other and socializing. After a few weeks people get settled in and we get to know who is serious and who is not,” Gritts said.
Two Strike Policy
IAIA holds a two-strike policy in regards to alcohol and drug abuse.
The IAIA Student Handbook requires student signatures in agreement with the rules at IAIA: “The first time a student is found in the possession of, using, under the influence of, in the presence of drugs or alcohol on the IAIA campus, he or she will be placed on disciplinary probation and be required to participate in community service and alcohol and substance abuse assessment, and counseling recommended from the assessment, for the remainder of the semester.
“The second offense in the same academic year will result in the student being suspended from the IAIA residential housing and face possible suspension or expulsion from the entire IAIA program.”
“Students need to know when they get to the campus, alcohol and drug use here on campus are not taken lightly,” Gritts said.
According to Duncan, ASG stands behind this with the first and foremost goal that students are safe on the campus.
Copyright © IAIA CHRONICLE 2007
“Students need to know when they get to the campus, alcohol and drug use here on campus are not taken lightly.”—John Gritts