At a recent faculty meeting sponsored by the Office of Student Fellowships, President Steven Poskanzer was proud to announce a new Off Campus study program to Perú for the opportunity to bond with the student body through an Ayahuasca ceremony. “We’re very excited for the potential this experience has for the Carleton community to partake on this trip together as we expand our cultural and humanistic endeavors as a non-profit educational institution”. Ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic found in tropical Peru, is often taken in large group ceremonial settings with participants experiencing heavy visuals, mental illumination, and a wonderful bonding experience.

When asked about the inspiration for this trip, President Poskanzer made a reference to an evening over spring break on the illustrious Porch House porch. “After the third blunt, Assistant Dean of Students Joe Baggot and I realized that it was about time we offered our students the real experiences that only a liberal arts education can offer”.

Dean of Student Development Hudlin Wagner expressed the administration’s strong desire for different organizations from the Carleton community to come together as one family. Dr. Wagner strongly called for members of CORAL (Carleton Organized Radicals and Leftists) and Carleton Republicans to attend the off campus trip for the chance for both the organizations to hug more often.

Funding for this trip has been largely subsidized through the sale of the remaining plastic cups from the sustainable cup initiative. Additionally, divestment efforts from fall term have made allocations for the college’s endowment to further support the Ayahuasca experience that promises to enlighten the minds and souls of students.

While specific details about the trip are still being ironed out, massive support for the program has been expressed by various students. “It’s, like, really cool how the administration is helping the kids grow” said Gerrit Postema, a freshman from North Dakota. “Without the helpful guiding influence of our wonderful President and Dean of Students, I don’t know if I would have had enough confidence to partake in Ayahuasca. They’re truly putting the liberal in ‘liberal arts’”.

According to President Poskanzer, this program is aimed to serve as an experiment with the ultimate goal of incorporating an Ayahuasca ceremony as part of New Student Week. Peer leaders of NSW will be trained as shamans and guidance counselors for this promising experience.