OU advisory panel to recommend changes in drinking policies

Tuesday, October 5th 2004, 5:53 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ University of Oklahoma President David Boren has named 18 people to an advisory committee that will explore the issue of underage drinking and alcohol abuse on campus.

The creation of the committee comes after the death of a Sigma Chi pledge who was found dead Thursday morning in the fraternity house after a night of drinking.

Nineteen-year-old Blake Adam Hammontree of Medford had a blood alcohol level of point-42, five times the legal limit for intoxication.

The Sigma Chi fraternity is expected to close in the next two weeks.

Boren says the committee will make recommendations on how to curb drinking on campus. He has requested that the committee finalize its suggestions by December 8th.

The advisory committee includes health workers, students, legal professionals, university leaders and members of the Greek community.

Boren says the group will look at drinking on the whole campus, not just the Greek system.

Vice President of Student Affairs and dean of students Clarke Stroud will serve as the chairman of the committee.