February 2003

Dear Parents and Guardians;

During the past several summers, many of you have received a letter from Janet Begin Richardson, WPI’s Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, enlisting your help with regard to the use and abuse of alcohol by college students. As the Director of Healthy Alternatives, WPI’s alcohol and other drug (AOD) program, I wanted to up-date you on the efforts surrounding our AOD education and prevention efforts, and enlist your support and involvement as we approach Spring Break.

WPI’s Healthy Alternatives Program brings together our education and prevention efforts with opportunities for involvement in Student Activities, Residence Hall programs and other campus-based activities. Many programs occur on traditional high usage nights (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday), and have included Club Founders (an under 21 dance club), coffeehouse shows, athletic events, and our highly successful SuperBowl Party. We have been fortunate this year that our students have made educated decisions and choices regarding their alcohol consumption.

However, with Spring Break fast approaching, we are again seeking your assistance and influence. Many of our students will be traveling to warm and exciting destinations at the end of this month, and one of the hallmarks of Spring Break for some students is risky behavior. In fact, a recent survey by the American Medical Association found that fully 80% of parents were concerned about college students’ levels of alcohol consumption during Spring Break, and the associated behaviors, many of which include physical violence.

As Janet Richardson wrote in August 2002, your participation and influence in our prevention efforts are crucial. Please join us in our education and prevention efforts by having a conversation with your student regarding the up-coming Spring Break. Wherever our students go, and whatever they do, we want every one of them to return to campus in March full of vigor, well rested, and ultimately – safe and sound.

Thank you in advance for being our partner in this matter.

Sincerely,

Gregory Snoddy, Ed.D.
Director of Healthy Alternatives, Recreation and Club Sports