SURPRISE!

OU's Vice President of Student Affairs Considers Student Input for Drug Policy

A change to Ohio University's drug policy will go into effect Fall
Quarter 2008 after months of debate on the subject. Kent Smith, vice
president of student affairs, announced Wednesday that the university
will implement Protocol B, Student Senate's preferred policy, which
handles alcohol and drug violations separately. Smith says students
made him change his mind. Smith had originally endorsed Protocol A,
which would have dealt with drug and alcohol offenses under a
comprehensive policy. Although The Post endorsed that option as well,
Smith's change of heart is a positive sign that he is listening to students.

The process involved with this drug policy is a good example of what
should happen at a university. Smith introduced two different
policies and then asked for input. What is notable is that not only
did he ask for student opinion -- the university often asks for
student opinion before disregarding it -- but that he actually
considered student opinion when making his decision.

The new policy might not please all, but everyone does have something
to be pleased about -- a moment of true shared governance.