In what Dartmouth College's communication department termed a "rare presidential summit," President Philip J. Hanlon '77 addressed student leaders, faculty members, and alumni on Wednesday night and urged them to avoid the "high risk behaviors" that have plagued the Ivy League college and others across the nation. Hanlon specifically mentioned sexual assaults, binge drinking, and the exclusion of particular groups.

As one broad solution, Hanlon outlined the steps of "Moving Dartmouth Forward," which include a new sexual assault policy (to begin in June), a center focused on violence prevention and community participation, and a program to combat high-risk drinking, according to the press release. In addition to an outside investigtation, the new sexual assault policy will require offenders to be expelled. Students (I'm assuming this applies to all) will also receive training to help them recognize and prevent possible sexual crimes.

Though Hanlon noted improvement in the last few years regarding the three problem areas he mentioned, he sees more opportunities to grow with Moving Dartmouth Forward. Some of his students would agree. Earlier this year, a group of Dartmouth students wrote the "Freedom Budget," citing the school's lack of diversity and proposing ammendments to school policy. They submitted it to administration and demanded a response in the school's newspaper (which they received, but weren't happy with).

"We have taken important steps forward over the last several years, but progress does not equal success," Hanlon said. "We need to move faster. Risky and harmful behaviors stand between us and realizing Dartmouth's amazing promise and potential. We cannot let that happen."

"This is a chance to combine collective wisdom, creativity, and shared commitment to envision this College at its very best. This is a time to engage the community and build momentum. Working together, with the courage of our convictions, Dartmouth will move forward," said Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson.