Good News from CU

Colorado University is very happy to announce that there has been a 10% decrease in drug and alcohol violations on their campus. The 2009 school year listed 416 drug and 553 alcohol offenses, but the 2010 school year listed only 381 drug and 516 alcohol offenses.

Now, maybe those numbers still sound kind of high, and maybe it doesn’t seem like a 35 or 37 student differential is a big deal. But think about it: that’s 35 or 37 fewer students whose lives were messed up. Perhaps it could point to 100 or more lives that were saved because fewer people drove under the influence of alcohol. That’s pretty impressive. If 100 more people are alive, then that’s over 1000 fewer people who are grieving. I’d say it’s cause to celebrate!

We can give credit to the University of Colorado Police and their new programs. "We are not ready to claim any big successes yet, but we are working with the university to get the message out there," said CU Police Commander Robert Axmacher. "I think the most effective has been the orientation program."

The “Responsibility 101” class was a partnership effort between the police and the University, and it was presented during freshmen orientation. Students were made aware of university policies regarding drugs and alcohol and the Office of Student Conduct presented a realistic view of how student offenses would be evaluated, what type of disciplinary action would ensue, and a list of court-ordered fines and community service that would follow.

"Student Conduct really reinforces our policies," Axmacher said. "We try to let students know up front that these offenses could affect their scholarships, their athletic status. If you're in ROTC, one incident can have consequences that go in many different directions."

Bronson Hilliard, spokesman for Colorado University, said that they have “stepped up” communication with students and parents regarding the honor code and the conduct code and their own Colorado Creed. The goal is to hold students responsible for their actions – even their Spring break actions, so that they see that what they do affects the community all around them.

CU has also added 4 motorcycles so that the police can more easily access off road areas.

10% is a great start, and hopefully this time next year we can point to another such decrease.