To Ball State University Students:
Perhaps like many of you, I have found myself reflecting back this week over the academic year as it rapidly comes to a close, and I have a few brief thoughts I'd like to share.
The recent "Police Yourself" campaign and the coinciding increase in enforcement of alcohol laws caused some strong reactions within the student community. While some of you communicated appreciation for these efforts, others of you felt offended and less secure. It was certainly not our intent to offend you or to increase your sense of insecurity. Rather, the goal was to quickly capture your attention and ensure that you understood the possible consequences of alcohol violations so that you would have all the information you needed to make your own decisions. I personally think the "Police Yourself" theme was effective in grabbing attention, but it has run its course and is not a phrase we plan to use in the future. We will continue to emphasize personal responsibility and to provide information about alcohol violations, but we will incorporate these messages into broader communications about safety, well-being and success.
As we continue to talk about campus safety and community relations next fall, we will be direct with you but very open to your views and suggestions. Your elected representatives in SGA and University Senate can be very effective voices for you. Student organizations are also keys to the communications process. E-mail is also an excellent way to tell us what you think. Though we may not always be able to respond to each message, we do read them. In fact, messages from you about the "Police Yourself" campaign had a direct effect on the later ads in the series and on the development of a variety of components to the Web site.
One area in which we particularly need your input is in guiding development of social and entertainment programs and activities available to students. I am very committed to increasing the number and quality of these opportunities. This will require additional resources and active student involvement. Associate Vice President for Student Life Dr. Kay Bales and I will work very hard to secure increased funding for such activities and to support student-initiated efforts.
As we move forward, I can assure you that I and my colleagues in Student Affairs will take what we have learned this year and work hard to make 2004-2005 a terrific year at Ball State University. Obviously, we need your help. The emphasis on responsible behavior and respect for the community will remain, but this is something we know the vast majority of our students already value.
Ball State is a great university, and we are continually getting better. You, our students, are the essence of Ball State. I am absolutely confident that out of the difficulties we faced together this year will come positive change that will benefit the entire university and the Muncie community.
Have a terrific summer!
Douglas McConkey
Vice President for Student Affairs
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