We are excited to welcome Miami University's 22nd President, Gregory Crawford, who began his new role on July 1. In the months preceding his arrival, President Crawford has met with hundreds of Miamians, including faculty, staff, and alumni, saying "Those meetings have escalated my enthusiasm about the opportunities for this outstanding University. Renate and I are excited and delighted to be here." 

The Crawfords plan to help students move in on August 25, and he will welcome the Class of 2020 at Convocation on August 26. The Presidential Inauguration is October 10. Visit the Office of the President website to learn more.

At our community standards presentations delivered to families and new students at orientation, we emphasize that the Division of Student Affairs exists to support students in achieving their goals. Accordingly, we focus the conversation on some of the common obstacles students face in their quest to reach their goals. One of these potential roadblocks is the possession/use of fraudulent documents, or more commonly, "fake IDs." For most college students, this usually means a fake driver's license, either obtained from a sibling or older friend, or purchased online (just try searching "fake ids" on your favorite search engine).  

Although students often use these fake IDs to enter bars or clubs, fake IDs are really not necessary for that purpose. Bars and clubs in Ohio may legally allow entry to anyone 18 years old or older (you still need to be 21 to purchase alcohol). Thus, if your underage students seeks to enter an Oxford bar for purposes other than drinking - to dance, for example - a fake ID is not necessary. 

The possession of a fake ID can quickly derail a student at Miami. In Ohio, the use or possession of fake IDs/identity fraud is a crime, and violates Miami's Code of Student Conduct. Miami students found with a fake ID face a dishonesty charge in our Office of Ethics and Student Conduct Resolution. Mandatory suspension results for any student found responsible for dishonesty - including academic dishonesty - twice at Miami.

With late night programming every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the Armstrong Student Center, regular weekend residence hall programming and informal community events, activities related to our over 500 student organizations (see the next article below), and academic lectures, there is much to do on campus and in Oxford that does not require someone to be 21 years of age. Please remind your loved ones of these options, and please also talk with them about the perils of fake IDs. A couple of questions to ask include:

Miami is proud to say that over 85% of our students are involved on campus. With 500+ student organizations, there is no shortage of things to do or ways for your student to get involved.