New College of Florida Announces Members of Task Force

New College of Florida has appointed the members of its task force on alcohol and drug issues.

The task force’s faculty members are Frank Alcock and Emily Saarinen. Alcock is an associate professor of political science and environmental studies and joined the College in 2003. Saarinen is an assistant professor of biology and environmental studies. She is an alumna of New College and joined the faculty in 2014.

The staff representative is Duane Khan, a visiting counseling specialist and post-doctoral resident at New College’s Counseling and Wellness Center.

The parent representative is Peter Matthew Brigham and the alumni representative is Aubrey Porteus-Phillips.

Student members are Paige Pellaton and Lorraine Cruz. Pellaton is a second-year student at New College and co-president of the student government.  Lorraine Cruz is a first-year student.

Committee staff are Dawn Shongood, student affairs, and Mark St. Louis, general counsel.

The committee’s chair, announced previously, is Katherine Walstrom, associate professor of biochemistry and chair of the Division of Natural Sciences. She has been a member of the New College faculty since 1999.

The task force will be examining New College’s policies on alcohol and drugs. Specifically, the task force will:

• review and assess current practices, procedures and policies in the college regarding substances;
• survey students about existing attitudes and culture;
• examine incidents related to substance use and disease;
• examine best practices at other institutions; and
• recommend changes that would best promote wellness and safety among our own students.

The task force is to consult with campus groups, experts and others, and provide a set of recommendations and actionable items to the president, senior staff and student government by August 15.

The task force’s appointment is in response to the deaths of two young men, one a student and the other a visitor, on campus in early May. Officials have not determined the cause of death in either case.