Here are the old (italics) and new letters together. Differences are in bold.
THE DECISION IS IN YOUR HANDSRisky Behavior - The Choice is YoursHowdy! As we approach the second half of the fall semester, the staff in the Department of Residence Life understands that many of you, as current students at Texas A&M University and as Texas Aggies may have questions and concerns about the history and the future of Aggie Bonfire. Dr. Gates has very clearly stated that he does not know when a bonfire will return to Texas A&M University. He has also concluded, under consultation with the Texas Attorney General's Office, "that any announcement, decision, or change in the status quo regarding the future of Bonfire would be inappropriate while litigation [associated with the 1999 tragedy] is still on-going."Howdy! As we
begin the fall semester, the staff in the Department of Residence Life understands that many of you, as
new students at Texas A&M University and as Texas Aggies, may have questions about the history of
various traditions and activities that occur on and off campus.Some of you may have been approached by fellow students to participate in activities or events that are not authorized nor supported by Texas A&M University, such as off campus bonfires and related activities which some students (or former students) claim are traditions associated with Aggie Bonfire. As you make decisions concerning your involvement in these activities, we ask that you reflect upon the impact of the 1999 tragedy. The loss of twelve students and the injury of many others, both physically and emotionally, were devastating to the Aggie Family.Some of you may have been approached by fellow students to participate in activities or events that are not authorized nor supported by Texas A&M University
or that might be considered risky behavior. You may even find that some students (or former students) claim
these activities are traditions associated with
being an Aggie or with the Aggie Spirit. As you make decisions concerning your involvement in these activities, we ask that you reflect upon the impact
these activities may have on yourself and others, physically, emotionally, and academically. The Department of Residence Life and Texas A&M University is concerned for your safety and well-being. We want to inform you about participation in unauthorized activities and advise you on some items to consider. Think carefully about these items; your safety and well-being are in your own hands.The Department of Residence Life and Texas A&M University are concerned for your safety and well-being. We want to inform you about participation in unauthorized activities,
(including those on the internet), and advise you on some items to consider. Think carefully about these items.
Please remember that accidents are the primary cause of injury and death in your age group. Your safety and well-being are in your own hands.
Short term decisions can sometimes have long term consequences.If you are asked to participate in an activity not approved or authorized by Texas A&M University, please ask yourself the following questions. If your answers make you feel uncomfortable, or cause you to have concerns for your safety or well-being, then don't participate.If you are asked to participate in an activity not approved or authorized by Texas A&M University
or that you believe might be considered risky, please ask yourself the following questions. If your answers make you feel uncomfortable, or cause you to have concerns for your safety or well-being,
do not participate.
Do the leaders and participants realize that the activity is not a University approved activity?Do the leaders and participants realize
and share with you that the activity is not
authorized or supported by Texas A&M University as an approved activity? See http://studentactivities.tamu.edu/ for more information about recognized student organizations and activities.Specifically how will the group insure your personal safety?Does the group have liability and medical insurance to protect the event/participants?Specifically how will the group
responsible for leading the activity insure your personal safety
and or well being? Does the group have liability and medical insurance to protect the event/
activity participants?
How does your involvement in the activity impact your education/educational goals/academics?
How does involvement in the activity affect your emotional and physical well-being (i.e. getting enough sleep, staying awake in class, staying connected with friends)?Does your insurance or your parents/guardians insurance provide coverage for you while you are participating?Does your insurance or your parents/guardians insurance provide coverage for you while you are participating?
Would they be ready for a call that you were injured?If the group has no affiliation with Texas A&M University, how can the event(s) be an Aggie tradition or build Aggie Spirit?Is the group affiliat
ed with Texas A&M University
? If not, how can the event(s) be an Aggie tradition or build positive Aggie Spirit?
Is hazing, alcohol abuse or engaging in dangerous activities with other participants occurring even though those behaviors are not directly associated with the main activity or event itself?Is hazing, alcohol abuse,
"rites of passage", or
other dangerous activities with other participants occurring
during, or outside of the activity, even though those behaviors are not directly associated with the main activity or event itself?
Does your participation cause you to behave in a manner not becoming of a Texas Aggie (using inappropriate language/statements, not following University rules), and would you want your participation in such behaviors publicized in a news media?Does your participation
in the activity cause you to behave in a manner not becoming of
yourself or a Texas Aggie (using inappropriate language/statements, not following University rules,
breaking the law, committing academic dishonesty, downloading copyrighted material, etc.),
or cause you to feel uncomfortable? If discovered, would you want your participation in such behaviors publicized in
the news media
or would your actions contradict the way you were raised?
We recognize the struggles that can occur as you make decisions whether or not to participate in what may be presented to you as an Aggie tradition, and may be organized by fellow students but not approved or authorized by the University you chose to attend. We only ask that you make sound judgments as you continue to represent Texas A&M University as a student and as a Fightin' Texas Aggie.We recognize the struggles that can occur as you make
choices and decisions
about whether or not to participate in what may be presented to you as an Aggie tradition, and may be organized by fellow students but
is not approved or authorized by
Texas A&M University.
We want your experience at Texas A&M to be one that provides a positive and safe community and one that makes you proud to be a student and part of the Aggie Community. We only ask that you make sound judgments as you continue to represent Texas A&M University as a student, and as a Fightin’ Texas Aggie.
Good choices will make living on campus one of your best Aggie experiences.[This message has been edited by commando2004 (edited 10/6/2007 8:29p).]
