New York State Summit on Preventing Student Alcohol Abuse on College Campuses

I recently had the pleasure of co-hosting the first New York State Summit on preventing student alcohol abuse on college campuses, with City of Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, the New York Conference of Mayors, the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS) and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU).

The summit, which was held at the University at Albany, attracted more than 220 policy makers and campus presidents from across New York. Over the course of 48 hours, we looked at the various challenges college campuses face when addressing alcohol abuse among our student population.

It was an inspiration to see so many like-minded persons gather together for this purpose. Those who attended were motivated out of genuine concern for our students and each of the participants has the will and resolve to address this major problem at our colleges.

One simple lesson I have learned as the interim president of four SUNY campuses and now as interim chancellor of SUNY is that addressing the serious problem of alcohol abuse at our colleges is something we must do together as administrators, campus presidents, elected officials, community members, businesses, faculty, staff and students. Meeting this challenge and overcoming its obstacles requires a unified, ongoing community effort as well as leadership and dedication from all concerned.

In addition, alcohol abuse at our colleges is a problem that must be seen in the context of societal alcohol and drug abuse, not as a problem that exists only at the college. As educators and as neighbors, it is our job to show to show our students the way to a better life, to teach them to be good citizens and to help them fulfill their duty to contribute to our society.

The recent summit was a very important first step in that direction. On behalf of SUNY, I extend my thanks and appreciation to all who organized, attended and participated in the summit and look forward to our continued partnership on this issue.

Sincerely,
Dr. John B. Clark
Interim SUNY Chancellor

*Photos by Mark Schmidt, University at Albany

Interim SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark addresses the press at a statewide summit on preventing student alcohol abuse.

Susan V. Herbst, Provost and Officer-in-Charge at the University at Albany responds to questions from the media.

Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings remarks on the community's role in preventing college student alcohol abuse.

Students from diverse colleges and universities in New York provide their insights.