April 20, 2004

To the University of Connecticut Student Community regarding Spring Weekend:

First and foremost, congratulations to the championship seasons for our Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams! I am also extremely proud and pleased how the vast majority of our student body participated in and celebrated these historic victories. In particular, the crowds in Gampel to watch the games, numbered in the thousands, and had a wonderful time. I am also very pleased with the strong student leadership that has stepped forward to help plan for a safer Spring Weekend. Over the past year there has been significant effort on the part of many people to examine and address issues surrounding civility and the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs among our student body. However, as exhibited by a small number of our students during the celebration of our basketball championships, it is clear that we still have a way to go. At a time when the entire campus and state is reveling in the national spotlight, the selfish actions of the few tarnish the accomplishments and reputation of UConn and your degree. Headlines about your national champions are too often followed by images of rioting and car burning. It is in this context of heightened awareness that I write to you to regarding Spring Weekend.

Please know that there are a number of positive events planned for Spring Weekend. Fellow students have worked hard to develop fun events including residence hall neighborhood fairs, the annual Oozeball tournament, and an excellent concert in Gampel Pavilion featuring Ludacris. I encourage your participation in all these activities. In turn, I ask that you do not participate in the unsanctioned weekend events that occur at area apartment complexes and are centered on alcohol and rioting. These gatherings are not in any way endorsed or supported by UConn. They are dangerous and unpredictable. They also have a direct impact on the value of your degree as you compete for jobs upon graduation. What image do you want to come to mind of your potential employers as they scan your resume and compare it to other candidates?

It is important that you know and understand the UConn expectations expressed by The Student Code relative to Spring Weekend. Blatant violations of the law and of the UConn Student Code will not be ignored. Behaviors that endanger yourself and others and damage or destroy public or personal property will be confronted and addressed, either through the courts, the University judicial process, or both. In particular, severe violations of the law and of the code, such as physical assault, rioting and car turning, arson, driving under the influence or the illegal distribution of alcohol or drugs will lead to suspension or expulsion from the University as well as a permanent criminal record. Expulsion is permanent and expensive. The potential for significant sanctions will depend on the individual circumstances of each violation. Please know that several students have been interim suspended and are facing suspension or expulsion for behavior after the championship games.

The University of Connecticut, with support from the State of Connecticut and many generous donors, is setting high goals to become recognized as a leading national University that provides a world-class experience for its students. As students I am sure most of you are outraged by the selfish, damaging actions of a small number of students. We owe it to each other as well as to those who have made this institutional transformation possible to do our part to have a responsible, positive and enjoyable Spring Weekend. The very reputation of UConn, the continued support of many, and your future UConn degree is at stake. In the long run, it is your choices that will ultimately decide if Spring Weekend can become a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your friends. Your choices regarding your own behavior and the positive influence over the behavior of those around you will ultimately determine how we look back at Spring Weekend 2004.