Student Life Communications
Friday, September 16, 2022
Dear students,
Our compassionate and courageous culture is part of what defines us as a community here at Reed. We are deeply grateful to the many Reedies who helped or sought help for friends and others in our community who were at risk recently related to the use of alcohol and drugs on campus. As always, it is our absolute priority to keep all our students safe as we continue to nurture personal autonomy and accountability with community well-being.
Reed’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) policy honors the rights of individuals, establishes clear guidelines, promotes restorative enforcement practices, and codifies a comprehensive medical amnesty that removes barriers to seeking help when someone is at risk by prioritizing safety over discipline. Students are urged, not only to take care of their own well-being, but to behave in an equally responsible way with their peers by seeking help when health and safety concerns arise from a student’s use of alcohol. The Honor Principle and State Laws are upheld as we navigate situations that arise.
As part of its educational mission, Reed is committed to reducing the risks and enhancing the development of responsible behavior regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Reed's holistic approach to use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) - Guidebook to Reed is a great resource. Students concerned about their own alcohol use or worried about a friend can seek assistance in a number of places on campus including our Health & Counseling Center (HCC), SHARE, Student Life, Residence Life, and Community Safety.
All members of our campus have opportunities to contribute positively to our community. Offering your presence to assist others in need of help relating to substance use helps cultivate a culture of care at Reed. We often talk about partying “smarter, not harder.” If you choose not to drink, but are around those who do, be alert for risky behavior or situations and know when to call for help. If you choose to drink, have a safety plan that includes being with a sober friend, be mindful of the volume you are consuming, and safeguard your drinks from tampering. We encourage you to review the suggestions for keeping parties safer by SHARE.
We are planning more conversations with student leaders as this type of open dialogue allows us to refine AOD policies, bolster peer health education, and emphasize individual and community accountability. Thanks again to all those whose thoughtful action prevented irreversible harm to their fellow classmates. Together, we are all creating a consciousness and a culture of well-being.
Yasodha Gopal M.D.
Associate Dean of Students for Health and Well-Being
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Student Life Office
Reed College
503-517-7396 | Eliot 218
www.reed.edu/student-life/