Solutions

 

In this part of our website we invite you to participate in finding solutions to the problems related to attending UCSB.  We have developed a list, in the community section below, of some of the things that would reduce crime and violence in Isla Vista (IV).  Please feel free to send us your suggestions, and we will add them to our list. 

 

Personal Solutions

 

Students:  If you are experiencing problems of an emergency nature call 911. 

 

If you are not in a crisis situation, contact your parents and have a frank discussion about what is going on in your life.  Do not be overly concerned about a negative reaction from your parents.  Tell them you need help – most parents, after getting over the initial shock, will respond in a positive and helpful way. 

 

If your parents are unwilling or unable to help, check our website’s resources page.  Always try to obtain advice from multiple sources about how to resolve your problem. 

 

Take your time.  Most issues will wait a day for two for a reasoned solution.  A couple of good nights sleep, a talk with your parents, and a discussion with a counselor, if necessary, will make things go much smoother.  Remember, every problem has a solution.

 

Parents: Make sure that your child has a balanced lifestyle at UCSB.  They should have adequate time for schoolwork, employment, and volunteer activities.  Insist that your children come home frequently on breaks and holidays.  It is a good idea to encourage them to work, intern, or volunteer during the summer – get out of the UCSB environment.  Stay in touch regularly by phone, emails, letters, and personal visits.  Watch for any change in their habits or interests.  Encourage them to be good citizens.  Teach them not to tolerate alcohol and drug abuse, or violence in any form.   

 

Before your child commits to living off campus, particularly in Isla Vista, spend a Friday and Saturday night in IV (when school is in session) – particularly after 11:00 pm.  Have some understanding of the IV environment.  Look at the Clery reports and compare them to other schools.   

 

Parents of prospective students: If you believe that it is important or appropriate to expose your child to an environment which contains a high degree of sexuality, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual assault, and aggravated assaults as part of the process of maturation, then UCSB should be on your list.  While there are many other schools that have an undesirable environment (some worst than UCSB) – IV is truly unique and you should understand it before you decide.  IV has a lot of positive things to offer as well.   

 

On the other hand, if you believe that your child would be better off with less of that type of exposure, perhaps you should consider another school.  Look at the Clery reports and compare them to other schools.    

 

 

 

Community Solutions

 

 

Here are some of the suggested solutions we have received from our readers:

 

 

“UCSB should take the lead and begin an active and ongoing campaign to reduce the problems.  The Administration should suspend or expel students who violate the law.  The administration should make frequently public comments about its enforcement.  In other words, take the lead.  Set the moral tone, and follow through by taking action.”   

 

“The administration should set new policies in place to suspend students who engage in drug or alcohol abuse.”

 

“The Administration should take action to close houses that create ongoing problems.” 

 

“The administration should work to lower the density of IV.”

 

“Upgraded the 911 system.”

 

“Improve lights, sidewalks and other public safety improvements” 

 

“Institute traffic calming measures.”

 

“Provide additional funds for the IVFP and Campus Police”

 

UCSB should end its “party school” reputation.” 

 

“Provide funds and support for a county counsel that would develop and enforce laws against landowners who maintain properties that breed problems.”

 

“Provide mandatory counseling for first time alcohol and drug offenses.  Second time offenders should be expelled.”

 

“Provide safer and better housing.”

 

“Provide more parking.”

 

“The sheriff and the administration should do more community education.” 

 

“UCSB should fund a full-time attorney for the County Counsel’s office to bring actions against houses and the owners of the properties that are a public nuisance.”

 

“Recommendations to reduce violence and sexual assaults at UCSB:

 

Alcohol Violations: 

·        First offense – mandatory counseling paid for by the student

·        Second offence – suspension from the University for one quarter; completion of additional counseling paid for by the student before re-entry is granted 

·        Third offense – expulsion from UCSB

 

Drug Violations (misdemeanors): 

·        First offense – mandatory counseling paid for by the student

·        Second offence – expulsion from UCSB

 

Sale of Drugs:

·        Expulsion from UCSB

 

Commission of a misdemeanor involving an assault:

·        First offense – mandatory counseling paid for by the student

·        Second offense – expulsion from UCSB

 

Commission of a felony:

·        Expulsion from UCSB

 

By instituting, repetitively pronouncing, and enforcing such mandatory punishments, the University would firmly place itself in opposition to the kind of behavior that so adversely affects the greater student body and the reputation of this fine school.  The miscreant students who involve themselves in such behavior would finally learn that their “bad choices” actually have consequences.  Come to think of it, that in itself would be a life lesson worth imparting to any college aged adult.”

 

 

If you have an idea that might UCSB/IV a better place, send us your comments and we will add them here.