Campus Climate Report: Where to go from here?

Since the release of the Campus Climate Task Force Report on September 7^th, the entire campus, from students to staff and faculty, has been buzzing about its findings and suggestions.  The report, which represents 11 months of hard work and research by a twelve-person committee of faculty and staff, presents findings about various issues on campus, from Greek life and alcohol consumption, to sexual assault, to diversity and intellectual engagement.  Ultimately, the report makes ten suggestions for Bucknell moving forward, some of which have been extremely controversial.  This was clear at each of the two open forums that were held to give the community a chance to discuss the report, one on September 13^th and another on the 14^th.   One of the most-discussed suggestions in the report was, “reduce the dominance of Greek life at Bucknell, thus establishing a more equitable social environment,” (The Campus Climate, 5).  Opinions voiced ranged widely, with some defending the Greek system based on its philanthropic and community service activities, while agreeing wholeheartedly with the report’s suggestion, citing fraternity parties as exclusive and dangerous, due to both alcohol consumption and sexual assault.  The latter was also a huge topic of discussion among students and staff alike – the report’s findings on the frequency of sexual assault against female students on campus were shocking, and opinions abound about how to address this serious issue.
After these forums, many on campus were left wondering what the next steps will be.  The findings and suggestions in the report represent only the beginning of a long process of discussion and action to bring positive change to the University.  On September 22^nd, President Bravman addressed some of these questions in a campus-wide e-mail in which he outlined a plan of action for the rest of this academic year.  First and foremost, he has asked the Provost, Mick Smyer, and the Dean of Students, Susan Lantz, to compile a new report with specific suggestions for action based on the report, which will be finished by April.  As this is months and months in the future, President Bravman has also dedicated university funds to immediate programming.  Drawing from the suggestions in the report, these programs could range from education for both female and male students on alcohol and sexual assault to creating parties and social events outside of the Greek system that would be available to all students. 
Interested in getting involved?  President Bravman’s next steps include many ways for students to participate in the changes and in the continuing dialogue on the report.  While students were not involved in compiling the original report, an Ad Hoc Committee on Student Engagement will be formed to assist with the compilation of the April report.  Greek students will also have the opportunity to continue talking about how to address the problems and findings.  All students can submit suggestions through anonymous suggestion boxes or by e-mailing campusclimate@bucknell.edu.  For those interested, the full text of the campus climate report is available at http://my.bucknell.edu/Documents/President/Campus_Climate_Task_Force_Rep…