Grant Helps Fund Alcohol Awareness on Campus

Northwestern State University is getting some help from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to combat alcohol abuse on campus.

The Commission awarded NSU a grant of $21,325 to assist in funding a campus alcohol awareness campaign, said Dean of Students and Assistant Provost Dr. Chris Maggio.

This is the second year Northwestern has received this grant. Last year, NSU sponsored programs including a Safe Spring Break Campaign that brought nationally recognized speakers on alcohol awareness to campus and set up displays including a drunk driving simulator.

Maggio said Northwestern students are a vital part of the alcohol education effort through a Recognized Student Organization, BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students).

Maggio said NSU counselor Kristi Simms led the University’s initiative in this area, setting up BACCHUS and working closely with students.

“I saw an opportunity last year to get students organized on campus and promote all areas of health and wellness,” said Simms. “Research shows that when talking about making decisions on things such as using alcohol, peers can have a powerful impact.”

The grant will help pay for programs during Welcome Week in August and will pay travel for a staff member and student officers of BACCHUS to attend the organization’s national assembly this November in Indianapolis. The event will include educational sessions, health issue events and programs to help participants get the latest information on developing a successful alcohol education program.

“We plan to learn about some of the ideas that are working at other universities and share ideas on what is planned in the future,” said Simms. “Talking with and meeting with peers and professionals from other universities is invaluable and will help us develop new ideas.”

Northwestern’s alcohol education efforts include training during Orientation 1010. Students use www.mystudentbody.com, an alcohol, drug and student wellness program developed by the National Institutes of Health.

“We are targeting first year students because most of them are away from home for the first time making their own decisions,” said Simms. “There will be a number of alcohol-free events to show them that alcohol is not needed to have fun. We have also talked about this program at Freshman Connection and Parent Connection, so parents can be comforted by the level of activity and awareness we have in this area.”

Simms said membership in Northwestern’s BACCHUS chapter has doubled and is expected to grow this fall. BACCHUS has also worked with NSU’s Fresh Campus organization and the Student Alumni Association to plan events.