Daniel W. Morrissey
Advisor in Residence

Office: Bard Hall, Room 102
Email: dwm3@columbia.edu
Phone: (212) 305-3989
Fax: (212) 305-0428

AI:MS began in 1986 when, in light of a tragedy, students asked for a new way to address concerns about alcohol and drugs. Today, Daniel Morrissey and the student-elected AI:MS representatives are here to help answer questions about activities that may be harmful, either to students or those around them. Although AI:MS does not keep records of any conversation, by the end of the second year over half of the class have spoken with an AI:MS member at least once.

AI:MS hears a variety of student concerns. For example:

• My roommate drinks almost every day, but still does well on tests.
• I've had to bring my friend home after a party twice. He doesn't remember anything he did, but he makes me promise not to tell anyone.
• I spend a couple of hours surfing the web every night.
• One of my classmates always goes to the bathroom for a long time when we go out to eat.
• My credit card balance keeps getting bigger.
• My friend got a good Pharm grade, but when I told him he was abusing drugs, he told me "I know how to use them."
• I've begun smoking, and I like it. I started because it helps me study.
• My roommate hasn't been to class in awhile, and she jokes about "just giving everything up."

What we can do

AI:MS members act as a bridge to people, services and resources that can solve problems. In other words, we provide triage, but not treatment. For example, AI:MS can locate people off-campus who give professional advice, and we will pay the expenses involved.

Confidentiality

When people say that they don't know what AI:MS does, we take it as a compliment. All contact with AI:MS is kept confidential, except in cases of imminent serious risk to individual safety. We strive to be approachable and compassionate. No paperwork is generated, and AI:MS cannot refer students for disciplinary action. AI:MS is not affiliated in any way with the Dean's office and receives no funding from it.

How to reach us

Each class has several representatives, elected by their peers for a four-year term. Their telephone numbers and email addresses are posted so that they can be reached 24/7. Daniel Morrissey both lives and has his office in Bard Hall, so that students may reach him on campus at almost any time. He holds regular office hours (posted outside Bard 102) and will also make appointments at students' convenience.