The University Affairs Committee assembled on Wednesday. Here’s the rundown:
Winston Crisp, vice chancellor for student affairs, delivered an update on reform efforts against hazing in student organizations, as well as attempts to reduce underage drinking and drug use on campus.
As a University-led hazing task force comes to conclusion, Crisp was pleased to note the types of hazing he spends his time investigating has changed — years ago, there were cases of extreme violence and injury, he said. Now, violations mostly pertain to cases of personal servitude, calisthenics and other acts.
“We are not actually seeing a spike in behavior in terms of numbers of incidents,” Crisp said. “But we are seeing more visibility.”
He spoke hopefully about UNC’s proactive approach to problems that are ubiquitous around the country. The University has already had in place many of the provisions schools like Florida State University and Penn State University are installing after high-profile hazing cases.
Crisp, however, was critical of The Interfraternity Council fraternities’ persistent transgressions. He said despite heightened efforts to cut down on underage drinking, like forbidding open source containers at parties and outlawing liquor, violations keep popping up.
Crisp called attention to the fiery drug-use issue in the student body.
In a trend Crisp said is mirroring a national wave, the use of opioids and misuse of prescription medications is rising on campus, and it’s taking a heavy toll on the health of students.
“All of these issues are intertwined with our general issues of health in particular, and the mental health and wellbeing of our students in general,” Crisp said.
