In an attempt to strengthen California State University student alcohol policies, Chancellor Charles B. Reed has appointed a committee of CSU presidents and students to review the CSU system?s alcohol policies and prevention programs. Reed?s goal is to strengthen these programs so fewer students are injured or die as a result of alcohol abuse.

This review comes after a fraternity pledge at CSU Chico died after ingesting a considerable amount of alcohol. Two other fraternity incidents at San Diego State involved underage students drinking which led to the hospitalization of the pledges.

Although these incidents involved Greek organizations, Reed and campus presidents recognize that the problem goes beyond fraternities and clubs, and reaches into the general student population.

“We can not look at alcohol abuse as just a way of college life,” Reed said. “We need to increase awareness of the problem and then find some solutions that really work.” CSU Fresno president, John Welty, will chair the committee.

“This is an extremely important issue,” Welty said. “We want to take a look at what we now have in place and what we could be doing better.”

Shaun Lumachi, chair of the California State Student Association, says that CSU is doing the right thing by addressing this serious issue.

“We are supportive of Chancellor Reed?s call to come up with solutions for our college campuses,” Lumachi said.

Lumachi will be providing students to work with the university presidents? committee. “I have six students,” Lumachi said. “They will be confirmed by CSSA at the next meeting.” Lumachi stated that no changes have been made yet and the committee will be meeting and discussing the issue at a further date.

The committee is expected to make a report to the chancellor and the Board of Trustees in early spring.