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Every new academic year brings the opportunity to build on the lessons of the past. That is especially true when promoting healthy lifestyles among students.

So, as �Ա���Ƶ’s new alcohol points system gains traction and students call for more social programming that is safe and fun, Donovan’s Pub is hosting a new series of national acts every Friday night throughout the academic year. These events are in addition to programming at the Palace Theater in Hamilton and elsewhere on campus.

Nearly 100 students attended the first event at Donovan’s Pub on Sept. 7, which featured hypnotist Paul Ramsay. This month, the pub also will host comedians Kevin Barnett and Chris Killian, and mentalist Matt the Knife.

Math professor Aaron Robertson, who serves on �Ա���Ƶ’s Alcohol and other Drugs Advisory Committee, works with student interns to identify programming that will resonates with their peers. Otherwise, he knows they won’t come.

“One of my main goals is to create an environment where non/low/moderate drinkers can ‘party’ in a safe environment,” Robertson said. “We need mechanisms to hold their attention.”

There are many sources of healthy programming at �Ա���Ƶ, especially the Shaw Wellness Institute, which was endowed by Jay ’76 and Debi Shaw to assure that the emphasis would continue long into the future. This fall, the institute opened new wellness center in Cutten Hall, so Peer Health Educators, the Active Minds club, and other interested students have a place to coordinate their efforts.

Suzy Nelson, vice president and dean of the college, believes that addressing a safe campus environment requires “a multifaceted approach that focuses on student accountability, education, and social alternatives.”

In August, Nelson sent a letter to parents encouraging them to talk with their sons and daughters about alcohol as they do about other aspects of the college experience.

“We provide a wide variety of alcohol-free social options,” she said, “but we know that once college students leave home, they are responsible for their own behavior and choices.” Nelson joined �Ա���Ƶ this August, bringing more than 25 years of related experience from Harvard, Cornell, Syracuse University, and elsewhere.

�Ա���Ƶ’s new alcohol points system has several key components including the assignment of points associated with violations, associated referrals and notifications, medical amnesty and Good Samaritan exemptions, required leave of absence for alcohol and drug use, and point forgiveness.

There is much more work to be done, but Nelson sees encouraging signs.

For the second year in a row, the total number of violations and repeat violations to the university’s alcohol policy declined over the prior year.”