EUGENE,
Ore. -- (Aug. 29, 2011) - Starting this month, all incoming
first-year and transfer students under the age of 21 at the University of Oregon
will be asked to take AlcoholEdu
for College,
a web-based alcohol abuse prevention program.
AlcoholEdu
is used by more than 500 colleges and universities in the U.S. to inform
students about responsible alcohol behaviors and sexual assault issues. The UO's
goal in adopting the training program is to reduce the negative consequences of
alcohol misuse and abuse on campus and reduce the incidents of unwanted sexual
behavior.
According
to Jennifer Summers, UO's new director of substance abuse prevention and
student success, the online alcohol abuse prevention program will inform
students about responsible alcohol behaviors and sexual assault issues, as well
as help students make healthy and safe choices as they transition to their new
home away from home.
"By
completing this program, participating students will be expected to have an
appropriate and accurate understanding of alcohol and the potential for alcohol
abuse, as well as an accurate concept of ‘consent,' as it relates to healthy
sexual relationships," said Summers. "AlcoholEdu
is a tool that will engage students in a learning experience that creates a
healthier campus community and student success."
The
UO Office of the Dean of Students will administer the AlcoholEdu for College
program. Students and parents are being notified via email about AlcoholEdu and
the UO's completion requirements. All incoming first year UO
students are expected to complete the program.
"For
decades across the U.S., high risk alcohol misuse has been a barrier for
thousands of college students in their journeys to be academically and
personally successful. Historically, the University of Oregon has demonstrated
a long-standing commitment in reducing the negative consequences of this public
health dilemma through our extensive programs and partnerships," said Sheryl
Eyster, associate dean of students."We are excited to offer this evidence-based
program using a population-level approach with our incoming students, and
believe our efforts strengthen capacity for significant student learning and
engagement."
AlcoholEdu
complements existing educational programming, including the Substance
Abuse Prevention Team's workshops, services and prevention
programs for students.
The UO also educates incoming
students during summer orientation with theatrical productions by Sexual
Wellness Advocacy Team (SWAT)
advocates for healthy sexual relationships who work to prevent sexual assault
and dating violence on campus. The production focuses on bystander intervention
and the role of peers related to alcohol use, sexual identity and defining
consent in sexual relationships.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the
108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation
of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification
of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific
Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Julie
Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu
SOURCE: Jennifer
Summers, Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Student Success, 541-346-1139, jsummers@uoregon.edu
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