WSU tries new tactics to combat alcohol abuse

Wellness Services. (Photo by Linda Weiford, WSU News)
Even before classes begin on Aug. 19, many students will be aware of the changes made at the direction of WSU President Elson S. Floyd.
* adding more alcohol-free floors to residence halls;
* notifying parents the first time a student under 21 violates WSU’s rules against underage drinking;
* requiring alcohol screening for at-risk students and providing intervention if necessary;
* teaching students how to recognize signs of alcohol poisoning and how to intervene;
* and asking the faculty senate to approve an increase in the number of classes offered on Friday mornings.
* WSU has beefed up its mandatory “Booze, Sex and Reality Checks” program for freshmen and its bystander intervention education called Green Dot.

“Robust research shows that parents can have a significant influence on their children’s drinking habits and we want to tap into that,” she said. “Rather than using parental notification as a scare tactic, we view it as an opportunity to involve parents in the process of reducing harm.”

Bruce Wright, WSU task force chair, 509-335-3575, wrightbr@wsu.edu
Melynda Huskey, WSU dean of students, 509-335-2193, melyndah@wsu.edu