Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 7/9/98
      Contact:                           Tim Ardillo   001

SLU CHOSEN TO HOST ALCOHOL SYMPOSIUM
     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University on Thursday (July10, 1998) hosted a
high-level seminar called, Preparing for the Fall: A Symposium for College Presidents and
Chancellors on Alcohol Issues. 
     More than 30 college presidents, chancellors, vice presidents and deans gathered  from
around the state to discuss alcohol-related issues including education, prevention and
enforcement.  The group heard from both national and state leaders in the fight to curb underage
drinking.
     Dr. Joseph Autrey III, Deputy Director, U. S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention,
stated that Louisiana is one of the first states to call such an important meeting.   We will be
looking at states like Louisiana and Virginia to provide leadership to other states as we address
underage drinking.  You will serve as a great role model, and I would urge other states to follow
what you are doing.  
     During the day-long symposium, higher education leaders learned about what they can do
to raise awareness and build peer leaders in an attempt to address college students  drinking
problems.  They also heard from experts on liability issues as well as avenues of law
enforcement. 
     Louisiana Attorney General Richard Ieyoub reinforced the importance of today s meeting. 
 I believe within the realm of education this change can happen.  We must ban together to attack
this problem both legislatively and educationally. 
     Presidents were informed of three key steps to success based on research from the Higher
Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention   
            Put the alcohol issue at the top of the agenda
            Form a task force with the President s support
            Foster campus and community coalitions 
     In addition, LSU Chancellor William Jenkins shared his highly publicized campus
experience with the group, challenging each person to take a strong stand against underage
drinking and to be actively involved.  Jenkins stated that the key is to use student leaders and
positive peer pressure to make the difference.  
     Also on hand to answer questions was Murphy Painter, Director of the Louisiana Office
of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.            
     In line with the information presented today, Southeastern President Sally Clausen is
providing proactive leadership in the fight against alcohol abuse.  Clausen has already visited
local establishments where alcohol is served, met with bar owners and convened leaders from
Southeastern s Greek system to discuss ways to de-emphasize alcohol consumption.
      Part of Southeastern s mission is to provide a safe, student-centered environment, 
Clausen said.  We are treating the issue of alcohol abuse by students very seriously and join
other universities and colleges in creating alcohol awareness programs that let students know that
alcohol and a positive college experience do not go hand in hand. 
     As a commitment to address the alcohol issue head on, each of the senior-level
administrators signed a letter of commitment that outlined proactive steps designed to make a
difference.
      I would like to commend all university administrators for acknowledging that alcohol
and other drug use by our young adults is an issue we must address,  Alton E. Hadley, Assistant
Secretary for the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said.   We recognize this as a
health problem and look forward to developing a lasting relationship concerning prevention in
our state. 
     The following institutions were represented at today s symposium: Southeastern
Louisiana University, LSU in Baton Rouge, LSU Medical Center, LSU in Shreveport,  LSU in
Eunice, LSU in Alexandria, Southern University, University of Southwestern Louisiana,
Northwestern State University, Northeast Louisiana University, Nicholls State University,
Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, Dillard University, South Louisiana
Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College and
Baton Rouge Community College.
     The symposium, endorsed by Governor Mike Foster s Office, was held at Southeastern s
Alumni Center and was co-sponsored by Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana
Department of Health & Hospitals, Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Higher Education Center
for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Louisiana
Alliance to Reduce Underage Drinking, Louisiana Attorney General s Office, Louisiana State
University, Southern University, Office for Alcohol & Tobacco Control and Louisiana Board of
Regents. 
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