ALBANY, N.Y. (June 14, 2007) -- More than 200 leaders from across the state representing higher education, state and local government, business, trade and non-profit groups will participate in a summit to advance a community-wide commitment to Preventing Student Alcohol Abuse: Improving the Campus-Community Culture. The summit, led by the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City of Albany Mayor's Office in cooperation with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), will address the national issue of college student drinking from both the campus and community perspective.

The summit is designed to engage leaders as partners in understanding and approaching college student alcohol abuse as a campus, community and societal problem and encourage commitment to using the evidence-based interventions available and advancing research in needed areas. A series of discussions will include the culture and price of student drinking; community context related to college student alcohol abuse; common strategies for the campus and community; and strategies targeting high-risk drinkers.

Representatives from almost 60 New York public and private colleges are expected to attend. Participants include college presidents, vice presidents, deans of students, and other senior administrators, as well as students, city mayors, retailers, and trade and regulatory groups.

 
University at Albany student Jennifer Roman, Class of 2008, center, speaks at a panel discussion of students from around the state. To her right is Courtney D'Allaird, Class of 2009, also of UAlbany. (Photo by Mark Schmidt) 

"The prevention of alcohol abuse by students is one of the most serious issues confronting college campuses and communities across the nation," said SUNY Interim Chancellor John B. Clark. "SUNY campuses do an excellent job educating our students on the dangers of alcohol and other drug abuse, but we must do even more. By working together with the City of Albany, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, the New York State Conference of Mayors, the State's Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and campus leaders from across the nation, we can have a far greater impact in reducing alcohol and other drug abuse on our campuses."

"Tackling the issue of student alcohol abuse requires great commitment and leadership from all facets of a community," said Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings. "I am encouraged that so many have joined us in an effort to effect healthy campus-community environments for all of our students."

"Preventing student alcohol abuse requires leadership and action across all sectors of society," said UAlbany Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst. "UAlbany is pleased to be an active partner with SUNY and the City in organizing this summit to help accelerate progress and impacts."

"Keeping our campuses safe and healthy for all students must begin first and foremost with a message of zero tolerance for underage drinking and alcohol abuse," said OASAS Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo. "Working with our partners at colleges and local communities across the state, we are wholly committed to changing norms, attitudes and behaviors to help students in New York State reach their full potential."

Distinguished speakers and moderators will place a sustained spotlight on leadership, policy, best practices, and research, along with student and community views. Participants will include Ralph Hingson, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Robert Carothers, President, University of Rhode Island; Peter Baynes, Executive Director, NYCOM; Karen Carpenter-Palumbo, Commissioner, OASAS; Abraham Lackman, President, CICU; Daniel Boyle, Chairman, New York State Liquor Authority; Richard Lucey, U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools; and Virginia Mackay-Smith, U.S. Dept. of Education, Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention.

The summit will be held at UAlbany's Campus Center, second floor, located on the uptown campus. For more information, visit the summit's Website.