Alcohol & Drug Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is committed to creating a safe and healthy community for students by educating them about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. The Alcohol & Drug Program incorporates education, assessment, and intervention in hopes of reducing the negative consequences associated with substance abuse that some students may experience.
The AOD Task Force
The Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Task force consists of staff and students who meet to discuss the campus substance use culture, plan educational opportunities, and to increase communication so as to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment. If you are interested in participating contact Erica Tolles, Coordinator of Alcohol & Drug Programming.
“Alcohol on Campus: A Message to Parents”
This brochure was created by the Worcester Consortium to encourage dialogue between parents/guardians and their student about alcohol. Parents and guardians play an important role in influencing their children’s behavior and attitudes. WPI hopes to partner with them in educating our students so that they may make responsible choices.
Alcohol Edu for College is a population level prevention program that is personalized to the individual student. This method creates a learning experience that: motivates behavioral change, resets unrealistic expectations about the effects of alcohol, links choices about drinking to academic and personal success, helps students practice safer decision-making, and engages students to create a healthier campus community. First year students at WPI are expected to complete part one (1.5-2.5 hours) of the program before arriving to campus. After experiencing time on campus students will receive an email asking them to complete part two (15 minutes) which completes the program.
The Step Up Program is a bystander intervention program developed by the University of Arizona. The program aims to educate students on helping behaviors, increase their confidence when responding to problems, and thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of their campus community. At WPI step up training focuses on several situations where bystander intervention would be appropriate including alcohol and relationship violence. All first year Greek students are required to complete this program.
BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students)
BASICS is an evidence-based brief intervention offered to help students examine their use of alcohol. Students may be referred to the SDCC for a two part BASICS as a result of an alcohol-related violation, while others may choose to participate on their own to learn harm reduction strategies associated with their drinking. The program is designed to be empathic and non confrontational. It encourages students to reflect honestly on their use of alcohol and explore the possibility of change.
BASICS with Marijuana or Other Drugs
This brief intervention is also available for students who are using marijuana or other drugs and want to learn more about their use and explore making changes. The program is designed to educate students on the facts about substances so that they may make informed decisions. Students who engage openly with the program have the opportunity to learn coping skills for risk reduction.
Substance Use Counseling
Students who are interested in exploring their use of alcohol or other drugs can meet with a counselor at the SDCC. The student may come for treatment because they are contemplating change or because they have experienced negative consequences from their use. Counseling involves having an honest conversation about use, identifying goals, and developing skills that will lead to a healthy lifestyle.
Consultation
If you are concerned about a friend’s use of alcohol or other drugs the counseling center staff is available to help you. Counselors are available to discuss how others’ use effects you and what you can do to support a friend. To schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor call 508-831-5540.
Questions about Alcohol & Drug Education at WPI?
Contact Erica Tolles, MA, LMHC, Coordinator of Alcohol and Drug Programming by e-mail or call 508-831-5540.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: August 01, 2011 15:12:07