In an attempt to tackle alcohol-related tragedies among college students, Kansas University is exploring changes.

But the problem is a communitywide one, said Marlesa Roney, KU vice provost for student success.

Roney was one of five panelists at a forum Thursday night that discussed how to prevent alcohol fatalities. Sponsored by the Drug Policy Forum of Kansas, the event was in response to the death of Jason Wren. The 19-year-old KU freshman died last month after a night of binge drinking.

Also on the panel were Kim Richter, KU Medical Center associate professor of preventive medicine; Phil Bradley, Kansas Licensed Beverage Association director; KU Public Safety Sgt. James Anguiano; and Mason Tvert, executive director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, a Colorado-based organization that believes marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol and has pushed to reduce the penalties for its use.

Roney told the crowd of about 50 people at the Kansas Union Hawk’s Nest that the university was reconsidering its privacy policy between students and parents. A 1998 amendment to a federal law gives universities the option of informing parents about drug use and alcohol consumption for students under 21.

In about half of the instances, notifying parents makes a positive difference, Roney said.

“Is one out of two worthwhile? Definitely, which is why we are looking at this,” she said.

The university is also working with students on how to change a policy dating back to the 1970s that requires a search warrant if staff wanted to enter a residence hall room where students were suspected of drinking or doing drugs.

And the school is exploring having a mandatory alcohol education class for students.

And the issue isn’t just a campus one, Roney said. The Lawrence community — where alcohol is “incredibly easy” to get, she said — has a role to play. She pointed to the proliferation of drinking specials and fake IDs at area establishments and too few alcohol-free alternatives in downtown Lawrence.

“It is going to take everyone working together on this. The university can do a lot, but we can’t do everything without the support of the community,” she said.