Dear Wheaton Community,
I am writing to follow up on the message that you received from President Crutcher, Provost Eisenmann and Dean Williams regarding the formation of the Yellow Wood Commission. To reduce any confusion that exists about the Commission, I want to offer an additional explanation of its purpose. Simply put, the Commission’s purpose is to create a new paradigm for a collaborative strategy that would lead to a balanced and responsible use of alcohol on campus. In order to accomplish that goal, we need an elevated discussion to overhaul an ineffective status quo by examining the culture and rules that govern that culture. This will lead to substantive action. Naturally, you may ask: what will be produced? There are no specific ends in mind; the agenda and set of outcomes is purposefully broad. This is not a conversation to make Wheaton a dry campus. Rather, the work of the committee will be to establish a clearer set policies and actions that respect the reality of students’ lives.
For the Yellow Wood Commission to be an effective agent of purposeful change, it will require participation from members of the campus community who can be committed in their service to this effort. Excluding the co-chairs, the committee will consist of five dedicated students and 4 staff/faculty members. The meeting schedule is as follows: Thursdays, February 25th, March 11th and 25th, April 8th and 22nd and May 6th from 3:30-5pm. In addition, the commission will hold a retreat Friday, March 5th from 12:30-6pm. All members are expected and required to attend all meetings. Serving on the Commission will likely include substantial preparation before regular meetings including research, writing, and subcommittee meetings.
With the previous information known, I invite those who are interested in participating in the work of the Yellow Wood Commission to submit your interest through the application here at the SGA website or pick up at application in the Office of Student Life. This application will be used to identify individuals who could best contribute to this process. Please return your application to sga@wheatoncollege.edu or to Student Life by Monday, February 15th at 10am.
If you are unable to serve, there will undoubtedly be numerous opportunities for participation from all members of the community through public commentary, open forums, and a space on the Wheaton website, to name a few.
In closing, I would invite you to read the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken.” Our inspiration from the poem suggests that we’re at a moment of opportunity to move Wheaton forward and truly enhance the student experience at the college. Of course, please feel free to contact me or the other Co-Chairs, Andrea Holden (aholden@wheatoncollege.edu) or Craig Andrade (candrade@wheatoncollege.edu) with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Best,
Gabe
