Dear Parents of U.Va. Students:

I am writing to let you know about a new University policy that may affect you and your daughter or son. The last Congress amended the Higher Education Act to make clear that college and university officials have the authority to notify parents of students under 21 when their children violate laws governing alcohol and drug use.

Congress enacted this amendment because members were persuaded that excessive, often damaging, drinking on campuses natonwide has increased in the last several yers. The amendment is an expression of concern about the health and safety consequences of alcohol and substance abuse. From experience here, I share Congress's concern. Beginning this fall, our deans will notify parents when necessary.

Parents can contribute in many ways to students' educational and personal growth during the college years. The partnership linking students, parents, and the University becomes especially critical when students' health and well-being are at issue. When students commit major alcohol infractions or demonstrate a pattern of alcohol abuse or violations, we take note. We beleive that most parents will share these concerns.

In the past, our policy has been to address alcohol abuse by working with students to solve problems. We have provided education about the consequences of alcohol abuse as the means to help students develop self-responsibility and healthy habits. We will continue this policy, but we also will use the clarified authority in the new law when the deans see good reasons to do so. A copy of the new Parental Notification Policy is enclosed.

We will continue also a set of successful intervention programs. Intervention can include psychological or substance abuse assessments by trained clinicians, substance abuse counseling, and participation in educational programs.

A year ago, a University-wide task force on alcohol and substance abuse examined our local problems and proposed new approaches. Several recommendations already have been adopted. One is an extensive program of alcohol-free student activities and events. Others include new educational programs and ongoing University-wide discussions of the issues. As we have implemented these new approaches, the number of arrests and alcohol-related emergency room visits has declined sharply.

Your help is vital in finding workable solutions for your children - our students. I hope that you will share this letter with your daughter or son and use this as an opportunity to discuss your values and expectations.

We have come to believe that this issue merits your attention after long and serious consideration of how best to protect students' rights to privacy, while taking measures that may save young lives. Please let me know whenever you see ways to improve what we

Sincerely,

John T. Casteen III

President