New Paltz cited as a model campus in new guide to collegiate action on drug and alcohol abuse

A new national report on drug and alcohol use in higher education commends SUNY New Paltz’s coalition with local tavern owners as a best practice for colleges and universities looking to prevent student substance abuse.

“Addressing College Drinking and Drug Use,” published by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni and the University of Maryland School of Public Health, presents the most current available information on substance use among college students, and offers evidence-based practices for changing campus cultures around these issues.

One such citation is New Paltz’s years’-long relationship with local law enforcement and tavern owners, which has proven effective at reducing excessive drinking and preventing sexual assaults and other violent crimes.

“The State University of New York at New Paltz has built a mutually beneficial relationship with local taverns that encourages lawful consumption, strengthens the connection between the school and the community, and documents the harms that alcohol abuse poses to both safety and academic success,” the report reads (pg. 20). “By joining forces with community partners, neighborhood organizations, and local law enforcement, institutions can find ways to reinforce their strategies off-campus and ensure that they are not duplicating efforts.”

One recent example of the SUNY New Paltz’s ongoing cooperation with local business owners came in March 2019, when the College partnered with the New Paltz Police Department, the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program, the New Paltz Office of Community Wellness and the New Paltz Tavern Owners Association, to deliver free Ulster County Bystanders Against Sexual Assault (UCBASA) training to tavern owners and employees.

“Our goal and priority is to promote a sense of safety for our students, both on and off campus,” said Emma Morcone, the College’s deputy Title IX coordinator and LGBTQ coordinator. “It’s important, especially for our students, to know that tavern owners and the community are prioritizing their safety and well-being.”

Visit the Center for Student Development to learn more about alcohol and drug prevention efforts on the SUNY New Paltz campus.