Gustavus Adolphus College

Mission of PLEDGE

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

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.

What are the purposes of PLEDGE?

1. To create a living and learning community environment free from the presence and resideual effects of alcohol and other drugs.
2. To create, implement, and assess programs and activities for PLEDGE residents that allow for and enhance the development of strong nterpersonal relationships between PLEDGE members.
3. To create, implement, and assess attractive programs and activities for the campus community to provide interesting and exciting alternatives.

What is the structure of the PLEDGE program?

1. Any member of the Gustavus campus community may eb a part of PLEDGE Living/Learning Environment or the programs and activities.
2. Students choosing to reside in PLEDGE areas will be housed within Norelius A Tower, Norelius 1C, Gibbs floors 2, 3, or 4, and Prairie View Hall.
3. A respresentative will be elected from each floor or section to a central steering committee. The program assistant would act as convener of the PLEDGE council meetings and ensure the creation, development, and implementation of a variety of interesting and fun programs.

How do students get assigned to PLEDGE?

Incoming student must indicate on their Housing Contract and Preference Questionnaire of their interest in residing in PLEDGE. Upperclass students elect to live in the space through the Housing Selection Process in the spring of each year. Upon arrival in the fall students sign a contract addendum confirming his/her desire to reside in PLEDGE substance free lifestyle area.

How do students know what they are getting themselves into?

Information concerning this living option is included in the Housing Contract and Handbook. Students are expected to have read the information and contacted the Residential Life Office to answer any questions prior to committing themselves to PLEDGE. A contract addendum is signed by each student agreeing to live a substance free lifestyle. Substance Free Contract

What happens if someone violates the expectations for substance free?

A student that violates the substance free agreement will be relocated to another living area. Staff will document the violation of policy. Residents will meet with their respective Area Coordinator. During this conversation, an alternate roomming assignment will be discussed and deadline for moving out of the Substance Free room will be made.