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February 6, 1999
It is vital that the Dartmouth out-of-classroom experience match and support the academic mission of the College. The residential and social life of students at Dartmouth should be an integral part of a comprehensive learning environment and contribute significantly to each student’s intellectual and personal growth and well-being.
Dartmouth must provide students with an environment that encourages them to reach their full potential in non-academic as well as academic activities, that sees them as individuals, that permits them choices in their social life, and that encourages respectful relationships between women and men. Student life should, among other things, engender a strong sense of involvement in and responsibility for our very special community of learning and should assure opportunities to meet and learn from — as well as develop enduring friendships with — others who have different backgrounds, experiences, and expectations.
Dartmouth’s commitment to the full attainment of these goals will assure our students a welcoming and supportive environment in which to learn and grow. In furtherance of these goals, the Board seeks substantial change to the current residential and social system, and we are prepared to make a major investment to improve these areas of the College.
The Board has identified the following principles that should characterize the residential and social system at Dartmouth:
- There should be greater choice and continuity in residential living and improved residential space;
- There should be additional and improved social spaces controlled by students;
- The system should be substantially coeducational and provide opportunities for greater interaction among all Dartmouth students;
- The number of students living off campus should be reduced; and
- The abuse and unsafe use of alcohol should be eliminated.
The achievement of these principles will necessitate changes in the current residential and social system, including the fraternity and sorority system, dining arrangements, and other aspects of student life. The Board will consider proposals for building additional residence halls, providing a greater range of living options, and creating new and improved social spaces.
Before moving forward with specific plans, we invite community discussion on how we can enhance the residential and social experience at Dartmouth consistent with the principles set forth above. To this end, the Board has asked the administration to initiate immediately a series of conversations with all interested Dartmouth constituencies — students, faculty, alumni/ae, staff, and parents.
The administration will develop and the Board will begin to consider specific initiatives over the next several months, and we will expect to begin to take actions in this regard early in the academic year 1999-2000.
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