Evaluation Criteria
The Evaluation Criteria for this award emphasize the need for a broad approach, one that reflects a complete understanding of how societal conditions drive alcohol use and the magnitude of alcohol-related problems, and that recognizes the vital links between the campus and the larger community. The following criteria are meant to serve as guidelines that will help frame your submission:*

1. Take an active stand on alcohol, convey clear expectations, and make alcohol prevention a priority in their strategic plan for the institution.
• Frame discussions about alcohol in a context that administrators, faculty, students, alumni, and trustees care about - academic excellence.
• Routinely collect data on the extent of the alcohol problem on campus.
• Demonstrate a commitment to alcohol prevention by budgeting sufficient resources to address the issue.
2. Mobilize the community and create a climate of support for an environmentally-focused approach to alcohol prevention.
• Appoint other senior administrators, faculty, and students to participate in a campus-community coalition or taskforce that is mandated to address alcohol issues in the community.
• Work with the community to implement programs, policies, and public education campaigns that promote student success and discourage student alcohol abuse.
• Participate in state, regional, and national associations to build support for changes in public policy, working for new laws and regulations that will affect the community as a whole.
3. Offer new initiatives to help students become better integrated into the intellectual life of the school and change student norms away from alcohol use.
• Support the establishment of student wellness groups and other student organizations that will help move student norms away from binge drinking.
• Create new recreational and entertainment options as alternatives to the party scene and develop the infrastructure to support these alternatives (clubs, dormitory common areas, student centers, coffeehouses, campus events, etc.).
• Through social marketing campaigns, work to foster a campus culture that expects appropriate use of alcohol.

Please note that the nomination deadline for the 2007-2008 academic year award has passed. Outside The Classroom will announce the deadline for next year's award next fall.

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*These criteria are based upon the recommendations of the 1997 Presidents Leadership Group report, "Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Visionary," which outlines an environmental management approach to alcohol abuse prevention.