Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

U. Oklahoma alcohol program poorly attended
By Jared Gaither
Oklahoma Daily (U. Oklahoma)
09/17/2007

(U-WIRE) NORMAN, Okla. — Fewer than half of the University of Oklahoma's freshmen have attended mandatory alcohol-awareness training this semester, according to officials from Goddard Health Center.

The alcohol awareness program, which ends in the middle of October, strives to educate students about situations that may arise from drinking and the dilemmas they can cause.

"All entering undergraduate students, age 22 and under, are required to complete these programs to remain in good standing," according to the Student Alcohol Policy.

Scott Miller, Health Services Counselor, said freshmen are required to attend because of their susceptibility to alcohol. Since the majority of freshmen are under the legal drinking age, they aren't aware of all the effects alcohol can have on the body, he said.

He said coming to college is the first time away from home for many freshmen, and alcohol is one of the dangers they should be wary of.

Cheng Yuet, Couch Center resident adviser and chemistry sophomore, participates in the alcohol awareness program and believes it definitely serves a purpose.

"[The Alcohol Awareness Program] is worthwhile because students exposed to it learn about the dangers on campus," Yuet said.

The sessions try to focus on real-life decisions freshmen may have to make and offer positive reactions students can take when faced with alcohol.

The alcohol awareness program also educates students about SafeRide and SafeWalk, fraternity and sorority drinking policies, counseling and recovery, and university rules regarding alcohol.

The program uses games and student experiences to make the learning environment comfortable and enjoyable. The advisers also employ skits to help the kids act out situations where they might have to deal with alcohol.

Yuet said the activities teach students how to react to different situations and recognize when alcohol becomes a problem.

"It's easy for kids to miss the point of what college is about, but the [alcohol awareness] program helps kids realize how alcohol can become a problem," Yuet said. "Most of them think it's just a mandatory thing but the program really does help."

Miller said student feedback is generally positive and most students are willing to engage in conversation.

Briana Ramos, University College freshman said she believes the program is a waste of many freshmen's time.

"We're 19 and 18, and we're not in high school anymore," Ramos said. "We're in college now, and we know the effects of alcohol. Kids are going to drink if they want to drink. I think it's wise for the university to tell kids about alcohol, but there could be a better way."

Lizzy Olsen, University College freshman, said she believes the alcohol awareness program delivers drinking education to the students.

"I'm in support of the alcohol program because it shows the university cares about its students," Olsen said.

She said the information taught in the sessions is new to some freshmen and will help them in their college lives.

"The university is taking the responsible route and giving its kids knowledge they need to know," Olsen said. "Not all freshmen know about some of the stuff [the counselors] are teaching us."

The program has sessions Monday though Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Huston Huffman Center. Even though upperclassmen aren't required to attend the sessions, the alcohol awareness program is open to all students who wish to attend.

Miller said the alcohol awareness program sessions usually last for about an hour and can seat up to 35 people per session.

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