For the past several years Dickinson State University and the Southwest Safe Community Coalition (SWSCC) have partnered in an effort to address the issues of underage consumption and binge drinking in the university environment. Together these two entities can see the benefits of educational programming as evidenced by a decrease in the number of reported acute intoxications on campus.

Becky Byzweski, SWSCC coordinator, has worked closely with DSU’s Director of Student Affairs Hal Haynes to initiate and maintain projects on campus. In the fall of 2004, approximately 500 educational packets were distributed to campus freshman through the mandatory Freshman Seminar Class at DSU. Packets include information on alcohol and binge drinking, with such brochures as “One More for the Road”. School policies regarding alcohol on campus were also included in the packet. Educational materials, such as posters and flyers, were also purchased to display in dorms on campus. These materials were hung on bulletin boards and waiting areas in the dorms. Throughout the year BRAD (Be Responsible About Drinking) birthday cards were mailed to all students turning 21 years of age. Included in the cards was information about Power Hours, alcohol poisoning and binge drinking. The cards encouraged them to celebrate in a manner that would not be potentially harmful to them.

Before the Thanksgiving Holiday of 2004, the Campus Activities Board participated in the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. Activities included creating a “brick” wall that would represent negative experiences with alcohol or other drugs. Students were encouraged to stop in the Student Center and write a message or thought on a “brick”. The message could also be a response to someone else’s brick. At the same time, students were exposed to a display of alcohol and binge drinking information to walk through at their leisure. Stark County Sheriff’s Department deputies set up a large display using the DW Eyes to educate the students on alcohol impairment. Students also held a “Dead Day” during this week. Student volunteers painted their faces white for a day and had a message on their shirts indicating that they had died in an alcohol related crash. The week long activity ended with a school dance.

In December, violators of the alcohol policies on campus were required to attend a presentation by Hal Haynes, Becky Byzewski and North Dakota Highway Patrol Sgt Eldon Mehrer on laws and policies and also alcohol use and abuse. Each student needed to complete this training before he or she left for Christmas Break or pay a $25 fine.

In the spring, employees in Haynes’ office mailed out the CORE Drug & Alcohol survey to over 600 students on campus. Universities and colleges use the survey to determine the extent of substance use and abuse on campuses. A drawing for an IPOD was promised for those returning their surveys in a timely manner. The return rate was a remarkable 45 percent. Results came in July and were used on campus in the fall for a Monopoly Game.

Cops & Docs, a project initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), was held for the Rodeo Club in October on 2005. The project involves an Emergency Room Physician and a Police Officer teaming up to visit with students on alcohol-related crashes and safety belt use.

The DSU campus had relatively few problems during the course of the campaign through the spring of 2005. Alcohol violations reported on campus saw a decrease and there were no acute intoxications reported on campus in the 2004 – 2005 school year. When school began in August of 2005, freshman use of alcohol seems to have increased, much to the dismay of the planning committee. This has prompted the school staff to take a look at additional planning in alcohol policies and activities on campus. Project ACE, (Action, Commitment, Education) has been developed, using community-based assets to change attitudes and behaviors, for the purpose of helping young people make healthier choices. A kick-off event was held on campus on November 30th.

For more information on this project, contact Becky Byzweski at 227-0131 or beckyb@dickinsoncap.org.