Daniel Silverman, the University's chief medical officer, plans to meet with local health officials in October to discuss, among other issues, underage drinking among University students.
University community and state affairs director Pam Hersh, who is coordinating the meeting, said the conversation will include officials in both the Borough and the Township interested in health issues that affect the town and gown communities.
A concrete date or list of participants do not yet exist, but Hersh said the University hopes to include the Borough and Township mayors, Princeton Regional Health Commission representatives and members of the Borough Council.
Silverman, who began work at the University in August, said the discussion will be open to all health concerns but that student alcohol issues will likely come up.
An alcohol ordinance that would allow police to enter private property, if they have probable cause a crime is being committed, and arrest students was likely the impetus for the meeting, Silverman said.
Underage drinking at the 'Street,' which is under the legal jurisdiction of Borough Police, has long been a town-gown concern.
"Our approach is that it's not the town's problem and it's not the University's problem — it's our problem to work on together," Silverman said.
The October meeting, he added, is an information-sharing session "meant to build some bridges" and generate ideas.
Princeton health officer William Hinshillwood said the health commission became involved in the drinking issue when the Borough, considering the ordinance, asked for input.
"We'd like some ideas of [Silverman's] plans for addressing that issue [of underage drinking] on campus," he said.
Recent University efforts to educate students on responsible use of alcohol include an online course that freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to take.
Silverman's role as the University's chief medical officer is a new one. He holds the position in addition to that of director of health services, which already existed.
The new role, Silverman said, involves moderating discussion about health issues across campus and seeing "how can we cooperate on developing health awareness among students, faculty and staff."
Silverman hopes to build a campus-wide health and wellness center to offer health education programs on such topics as nutrition and mind and body wellness. He said the University board of trustees gave his plans a positive reception in a recent meeting.
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