The University of Central Arkansas is joining colleges and universities across the nation in participating in the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week on October 22-26 as a way to educate students on the harmful effects of alcohol and the consequences that can occur.
The campaign, developed by Choose Responsibility, aims to bring attention to the serious public health issues posed by excessive drinking among college students during a part of the academic calendar that is marked by football games, homecoming weekends and other large celebrations on many campuses. The collaborations between students and administrators are key to initiating dialogues that encourage safety and personal responsibility when alcohol is concerned.
Events scheduled for this week include:
- October 22: UCAPD will have a crashed car set up in Alumni Circle, and students will have an opportunity to use markers to share their personal stories about how alcohol has negatively impacted their lives or the lives of people they know. A table will be set up in the circle from 12:30-2:30 p.m. with informational handouts.
- October 23: The UCA chapter of Delta Zeta will inspire students to examine their lifestyle choices and make informed decisions regarding alcohol with the “I Have a Choice” campaign and pledge in the Student Center Courtyard from noon-3 p.m.
- October 24: UCA professors Lisa Ray and Stephanie Rose will host an interactive presentation on addiction and recovery. The presentation will be held in room 223/224 of the Student Center from 2-3 p.m.
- October 25: The UCA Wellness Ambassadors will hold a session on alcohol responsibility. Participants will be served “mocktails” and will be presented with crucial information about how to drink responsibly. This event will be held in room 307 of the Student Health Center from 1:40-2:30 p.m.
Choose Responsibility is a nonprofit organization founded to stimulate informed and dispassionate public discussion about the presence of alcohol in American culture and to consider policies that will effectively empower young adults ages 18 to 20 to make mature decisions about the place of alcohol in their own lives.
To learn more about the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, please visit http://www.chooseresponsibility.org/article/view/22712/1/2635/.
