Residential advisers may see their role in preventing alcohol abuse expanded next year and could be obliged to report alcohol violations to residential college masters, according to a copy of proposed changes obtained by The Daily Princetonian.
Currently, the Adviser Manual, published by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, requires advisers to discourage heavy drinking among their advisees. "Failing this, the advisor should consult the Assistant Master," it states.
One of the proposed changes to the manual would strengthen that wording to read: "Advisors are obliged to inform an Assistant Master if the advisee, once informed of the inappropriateness of their actions or plans, persists in violating University Policy."
The changes were drafted by the masters of the residential colleges and will be reviewed by the USG's Undergraduate Life Committee at a meeting tomorrow, said William Robinson '04, ULC chair.
Janet Dickerson, vice president of campus life, said the changes were intended to clarify the role of the RA. "What is the RA's role in confronting students who might have exhibited behaviors that have been disruptive?" she said.
The current proposal is more modest than a previous one that would have asked advisers to report violations to Public Safety, one adviser said. That proposal is now "no longer on the table," the adviser said.
Robinson said the council of masters decided against the stronger measure.
Most RAs are opposed to being enforcers, said Shannon Donnelly '03, residential adviser in Mathey College.
"It will violate the trust of the RAs and the students, and ultimately lead to students not coming to RAs when they need help," she said.
"I wouldn't be an RA if I had to be a policewoman," Donnelly added.
Donnelly said she and other advisers have been discussing the issue within their residential college core groups which comprise RAs, MAAs and college administrative staff.
The changes would also require advisers to discuss University alcohol policy with their advisees and to "maintain an ongoing dialogue with Zees on alcohol-related issues as they arise throughout the year."
Robinson said the ULC meeting tomorrow will be important to provide student input. "They can gauge our opinion," he said, "and talk about alcohol abuse at this school, and what should be an adviser's role in helping."
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