University of Arizona to Reassess Alcohol Policies Following Tragedy

The University of Arizona (UA) is set to conduct a comprehensive review of its alcohol policies, educational programs, and prevention strategies following a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of three students. This decision comes after a hit-and-run accident on October 20, 2023, where police allege a student, Louis John Artal, was driving impaired and struck fellow students Sophia Troetel, Josiah Santos, and Katya Castillo-Mendoza.

In a recent interview, UA’s Provost, Patricia Prelock, emphasized the importance of not only addressing policy but also enhancing education and prevention initiatives surrounding alcohol use. She stated, “It’s not just about the policy… What is really important is what are the education and prevention activities that we are engaged in.” Prelock highlighted the connection between alcohol consumption and various issues, including sexual assault and accidents, underlining the necessity for a robust educational framework.

The provost has initiated the formation of a committee aimed at evaluating current educational programs and prevention strategies related to substance use among students. This committee will collaborate with key university officials, including Chief Financial Officer John Arnold and Chief Safety Officer Steve Patterson, as well as the undergraduate student body president, Adriana Grijalva.

“We’ll be putting together a committee to do a serious look at — how are we educating our students?” Prelock explained. She intends to focus on sharing vital statistics regarding the health impacts of substance use, particularly on decision-making abilities when it comes to driving and social interactions.

On the night of the incident, the three students were walking in a crosswalk near the campus when they were struck. Artal has since faced charges that include three counts of manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. The gravity of this incident has prompted university officials to reconsider their approach to alcohol use and related education.

In her interview, Prelock also addressed the broader context of student substance use, noting that many students believe alcohol can alleviate anxiety. She stressed that research indicates the opposite is true, stating, “If you already have an anxiety problem, alcohol and drugs are the worst things you can do.” This insight serves as a foundation for the committee’s forthcoming initiatives.

Addressing Institutional and Community Needs

Prelock, who began her role at UA in May 2023 after serving as interim president at the University of Vermont, expressed her commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment. Her priorities align with UA President Suresh Garimella’s strategic goals, which include ensuring student success and enhancing community engagement.

During the interview, Prelock reflected on the challenges facing university administrations, particularly in the current political climate. She stated, “I’m in it for the long game,” emphasizing the need to balance institutional values against external pressures. This includes navigating new directives from the Trump administration regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The recent decision to consolidate six Cultural and Resource Centers into a single “Student Culture and Engagement Hub” has drawn mixed reactions from students and faculty. Prelock explained that while individual center programs are still available, the consolidation aims to foster collaboration among diverse student groups. “There’s a way that some of their programs would be beneficial for all the students,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality among students with varying identities.

Future Initiatives and Enrollment Strategies

The university is also exploring innovative solutions to enhance international student enrollment, which has seen a decline due to tighter visa regulations. Prelock mentioned plans to offer first-year study abroad options for students unable to secure U.S. visas in time, aiming to provide them with international experiences that enrich their education.

To address the impending “demographic cliff,” which is expected to result in a significant drop in college enrollment starting around 2025-26, Prelock outlined a strategy focused on “right-sizing” the student population. She emphasized the importance of maintaining quality over quantity, stating, “I want to take students who can graduate and be successful.”

With a recent donation of $20 million from the Garcia Family Foundation and an additional $1 million from former UA basketball star Steve Kerr, there are plans to expand study abroad opportunities significantly. Prelock aims to triple the number of students participating in such programs, reinforcing her belief in their transformative potential.

Through these initiatives, Prelock is committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters academic success and personal well-being for all UA students. As the review of alcohol policies and educational strategies unfolds, the university seeks to engage its community in meaningful dialogue and action to promote safety and health on campus.