Gustavus Adolphus College

PLEDGE is a new and exciting program here at Gustavus Adolphus College.  Run through Residential Life, PLEDGE joins together students who choose to live a substance free lifestyle, and offers students the chance to participate in fun activities. 

Past events include:

• Cookouts in the Linnaeus Arboretum
• Bowling Tournaments at Bowlero Lanes
• PLEDGE Sponsored DIVE Nights
• Christmas Caroling in St. Peter Area Nursing Homes
• Campus Bonfires and MUCH MORE!

PLEDGE is more than just a student organization – it is a community of friends.

Mission of PLEDGE

PLEDGE is a community of responsible individuals dedicated to maintaining a substance-free lifestyle through both a living and learning environment that is friendly, open-minded and respectful, and a signed PLEDGE contract committing to the substance free lifestyle. Program participants create and implement activities and programs for the enjoyment of the PLEDGE students while intentionally inviting the entire campus community to participate as well as make healthy decisions.

Why is PLEDGE important to Gustavus Adolphus College?

The concept of a substance free community was generated by student requests in the early 1990's. Prairie View Hall, Gibbs Hall, and Norelius A tower plus 1C are comprised of residents that have chosen to live a life free from the immediate and residual effects of all types of smoke and tobacco products, alcohol and illegal drugs. This is a supportive community for students who for personal or medical reasons choose not to smoke, use tobacco products, consume alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Many activities are created that bring the "substance free community" from these buildings together throughout the year

Goals of PLEDGE

• To create a living and learning community environment free from the presence and residual effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
• To put into action programs and activities for PLEDGE members that will allow for and enhance the development of strong interpersonal relationships, creating a PLEDGE community.
• To be intentional role-models for the entire campus of the strength and integrity of a substance free lifestyle.
• To create, implement, and assess attractive programs and activities for the campus community to provide interesting and exciting alternatives throughout the duration of the academic school year.

What is the structure of the PLEDGE program?

Under the guidance of Residential Life and the PLEDGE Program Advisor, PLEDGE is run by a PLEDGE Council, a group of members who are elected to plan, implement and oversee activities for members of the PLEDGE Substance Free Lifestyle Program and for members of the larger campus community. Elections for the PLEDGE Council are held each September.

How do I join PLEDGE?

All students are invited to join the PLEDGE Substance Free Lifestyle Program, and there are two ways to join this exciting new community. 

First, students can join by choosing to live in the PLEDGE Substance Free Lifestyle Housing, which is located in Norelius A Tower or Prairie View Hall.  To live in PLEDGE Housing, incoming first-year students must indicate on their Housing Contract and Preference Questionnaire of their interest in residing in PLEDGE Substance Free Lifestyle Housing.  Upperclassmen may sign up to live in PLEDGE Substance Free Housing through the Housing Selection Process in the spring of each academic school year.

Second, students can join by choosing to live elsewhere on campus and becoming a PLEDGE At-Large Member.  To be members, all students must sign a Substance Free Contract, which will serve as an honor code.  Signed contracts can be turned into the Residential Life Office.