Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols made a guest appearance at this week's Bowdoin Student government (BSG) meeting.
The discussion developed into a follow-up on the two current issues, the apparent surge of alcohol-related transports and the investigation of the recent assault.
Although BSG did not pass any motions, a proposal was brought forward to re-examine the circulation of newspapers on campus and discussion on possible reshuffling of the current Fall Break was started.
The question of alcohol and the apparent surge of transports has been a hot topic this year, as the number of transports already stands at 11, close to half of last year's total of 26 transports.
Greg Tabak '11 asked Randy Nichols whether he believed the surge of transports had been due a cultural shift on campus toward pregaming.
Tabak pointed out the grant that had been given to the Brunswick Police department two years ago to crack down on underage drinking.
"I don't think that has an effect [pre-gaming culture]. Pre-gaming has going on ever since Bowdoin existed. One of the ironies is that with the increased enforcing with the grant, the transports went up," said Nichols.
According to Nichols, one of factor he equates with the increased number of transports is the growing number of class sizes.
"The class before this freshman class is the largest by any long shot. The last two years we've had the largest classes Bowdoin has ever seen. The percentage of students is higher. We've got younger students. The people who are more likely to be transported are first year students."
"Bottom line is people make choices. It comes down to the individual choices students are making to get into those decisions. Our philosophy is very much rooted in the safety and health of the students." said Nichols.
In regards to the assault case, Nichols pointed to Security's on-going investment in the investigation.
"We have done a lot of investigating. We spoke to possible witnesses and students who fit the description and who were in proximity to the location. We've cleared students from suspicions. One of the problems is that we have no witnesses. Only the victim." said Nichols.
"We have looked at hours upon of hours of video footage, to find someone who fit the description. We've check door-swipe records for example. We checked students going into their dorms around the same time. Someone must have seen something. That case will never be closed and we asked any student who has any tidbit to come forward." Nichols continued.
Nichols highlighted the importance of being more aware of one's surroundings and reminded students to be proactive toward making the campus safer.
"As far as extra precautions, we've notified the community. It reminds us all in the community that things like this can happen, even though Bowdoin is very safe. Bottom line is don't be afraid, don't live in fear. Be confident that Bowdoin is safe but go along with a heighten awareness."
Following Randy Nichols visit, BSG turned its attention to two issues currently on the agenda.
Facilities Representative Isa Abney '11 brought up the newspaper contract that Bowdoin doles out to pay for the newspapers commonly found in the Dining Hall, library, and Smith union. Historically, BSG provides students with the newspapers and shells out more than $8,300 a year.
Tabak pointed out the lack of eco-unfriendliness of the newspapers and suggested a poll to gage student opinions.
"They get utilized by people outside the student body. We should take a poll to see if it's a necessity, before we spend a good chuck of money."
BSG will vote on the proposal next week.
The conservation shifted to the current fall break scheduling and referenced the editorial published in the Orient suggesting that fall break be shortened and Thanksgiving vacation be lengthened.
"Before transitions break are given a look. We should look at midterms- and they pretty much go into finals." said Tabak
The conversations engender questions of test culture at Bowdoin, and the lack of uniformity among teachers for midterms. The loose policy of when midterms are assigned varies starkly to the stringent guidelines for final exams.
Academic Affairs will form a committee to research the current policy and propose suggestions.
The meeting concluded with the president's report which brought good news to students frustrated by the new printing policy.
"IT appreciates the suggestions and input" said BSG President John Connolly '11.
"They will focus on training employees in the library and student info. They will also make educational sheets more available on campus."