U. hires alcohol coordinator to lead effort against abuse

Less than a month after University President Judith Rodin approved recommendations for a new alcohol policy, the University has fulfilled one of the task force's biggest priorities by hiring an alcohol coordinator. Following a national search that began in mid-June and included over 20 candidates, Stephanie Ives -- who spent four years at the University of Arizona campaigning to change students' misperceptions about alcohol abuse -- was selected in August by a committee composed of health educators, faculty, staff and students. Ives began her tenure last week by starting to formalize the alcohol monitor system and publicizing the new alcohol policy. "[Ives'] experience in this field and her energy and enthusiasm will enable her to build upon the groundwork laid by our student leaders last spring," Provost Robert Barchi said on Tuesday. Barchi, the chairperson of the alcohol task force that drafted the 10-page list of recommendations, said Ives will meet with the Drug and Alcohol Resource Team, Greek system leaders, independent student leaders and the newly created Alcohol Rapid Response Team, which is in charge of carrying out the initiatives. The idea for an alcohol coordinator at the University was previously suggested in the fall of 1998 by a committee charged by Penn President Judith Rodin with finding ways to cut down on campus alcohol abuse. The position has remained unfilled ever since, although Rodin said last spring that officials had interviewed candidates for the job. Ives, who saw the position advertised in The Chronicle of Higher Education, said she looks forward to the challenge. "I am thrilled to work with a university and with students who are proactively addressing alcohol issues," she said. Studies on student behavior showed that the binge drinking rate at the University of Arizona fell after Ives' social marketing campaign was implemented, she noted. "Hopefully, that's the type of results we'll see at Penn," Ives said. Through newspaper advertisements, posters and tented stands, Ives said she plans to alter drinking misperceptions at the University. Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said Ives will also develop educational student activities. "She is an extraordinarily talented health educator of national standing with terrific experience in efforts to help curb alcohol abuse among college students," McCoullum noted last week. Compared to Arizona's 26,000 undergraduate student population, Penn's close-knit, nearly 10,000-student undergraduate community should find success with a campus campaign, Ives said. And while she has not yet met with students, Greek leaders said they are interested in getting to work. "No doubt, the [InterFraternity Council] will be contacting her soon to discuss how we can be involved in the changes she will be trying to effect," said IFC Executive Vice President Andrew Exum, a College senior and a member of the alcohol task force. Ives' hiring is part of a series of developments that began in late March, when Barchi appointed a task force of students, faculty members and administrators to recommend changes to Penn's previous alcohol policy. Administrators formed the committee, composed of 14 student leaders and seven faculty and staff members, in the wake of several alcohol-related incidents -- most notably the death of 1994 College graduate Michael Tobin, who was found dead outside the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house on March 21 after a night of drinking.