Below is a letter that was recently sent to your student from Vice President for Student Affairs, Cornel N. Morton. The intent of the letter is to remind students of their responsibilities as members of the Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo communities. It is also intended to remind them of the possible consequences of making poor choices.

Dr. Morton's correspondence was necessary because of the recent wide-spread incidents involving alcohol, risky behavior and disrespectful conduct off-campus in nearby neighborhoods. If you are the parent of new Cal Poly student, you may have witnessed the unfortunate displays at the entrance to campus during move-in weekend. This was followed, throughout the week, by an inordinate number of large gatherings, some of which were unsafe. Student disciplinary sanctions and legal charges have been imposed whenever appropriate.

At Cal Poly, we make every effort to educate your students on all issues relevant to student life, including year-round programming that discourages alcohol abuse and drug use, and encourages respect for everyone in our community. Unfortunately, some students are making poor choices, so we are asking for your support. We encourage you to reinforce the message Dr. Morton has sent to your students when you have a moment to talk with them. Your students received similar messages from Cal Poly President Warren J. Baker and ASI President Kelly Griggs.

We also want to make certain that you and your student are aware of student organizations which have lost their affiliation with the university. Due to a history of incidents, these organizations are no longer recognized by Cal Poly. If your student is involved in these organizations or is considering joining any of them, please make them aware of the status of these groups. View the list on Cal Poly Clubs and Organziations Web page.

We want all of our students to be successful here and to reach their educational goals. Thank you for have a conversation with them about this and for helping us make their experience at Cal Poly positive and rewarding. ~ The Cal Poly Parent Program

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SEPT. 18, 2009 - MESSAGE TO STUDENTS FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Cal Poly Students:

I wish my first message to you this academic year was one solely of good wishes for your great success. Unfortunately, I continue to hear bad news about excessive drinking as well as about illegal drug usage.

Sadder still, some new Cal Poly students have already suffered injuries; others face campus discipline and may also face criminal prosecution - all because of alcohol and illegal drug use. One student was caught smoking marijuana within a few hours of moving into his residence hall last weekend. He was removed and faces serious consequences. Several students hurt themselves early Wednesday morning after becoming drunk. They were all underage. In addition to their physical injuries, which were significant, each is at risk of possible criminal prosecution which, ultimately, could lead to dismissal from Cal Poly.

I do want you to enjoy your life at Cal Poly. I simply want you to make smart choices, so that you will have the successful life and career you are capable of.

This weekend, I encourage you to take full advantage of a number of on-campus programs and activities. If you do choose to participate in activities off campus this weekend, please take precautions to ensure your safety.
• Don't go out alone; partner with someone you trust.
• Go to a party with a trusted friend; leave with that same friend.
• If you're of legal age, limit alcohol and make good decisions.
• Avoid risky situations.
• Never place your safety in the hands of a person under the influence, including yourself.
• If someone becomes sick and needs emergency room help, please dial 911 for advice and help. Please note that the emergency room is a safe zone. You will not get in trouble helping a friend get to the emergency room.

I also want you to know that I am very serious about the consequences you might face for inappropriate and/or illegal behavior. Violation of campus policies or criminal laws regarding alcohol may result in severe academic sanctions or a permanent criminal record.

This weekend, you will see that our campus police and San Luis Obispo City Police are stepping up patrols on campus and in the neighborhoods adjacent to campus, including DUI checkpoints. Please note that a social host ordinance is in place in the City of San Luis Obispo that includes severe sanctions, as follows:
• If you host a party or gathering, you are responsible for making sure no one under the age of 21 possesses or consumes alcohol (SLO Social Host Ordinance - Municipal Code Section 9.05.010).
• If anyone under 21 is drinking at your party, you will be held criminally liable. A violation is a misdemeanor and convictions go on your criminal record. (1st offense: $350; 2nd offense: $700 within 12 months; 3rd offense: $1,000 within 12 months. Additional court costs will be added to all fines.)

Here are some reminders for off-campus events:
• Keep your social gatherings small and in control.
• Do not violate the noise ordinance or disturb your neighbors.
• Control who attends your party.
• Know who is there and how old they are.
• Do not let people off the street come into your party.
• Check IDs if necessary.

If events get out of hand at your party, call the police for help. Remember, if you live on campus, Cal Poly is a dry campus. There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol consumption and drugs.

Finally, I genuinely want you to enjoy your life as a student, and I wish you nothing but great success. I and many others here at Cal Poly, will do everything possible to help you realize your goals. Cal Poly is a community that cares about the health and safety of every member of our University community. It is all of our responsibility to protect the safety of one another.

Sincerely,

Cornel N. Morton