College-aged drinking contributes to roughly 1,500 deaths, 696,000 assaults and 97,000 cases of sexual assault each year, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA).
Marymount University is committed to addressing the issue of excessive underage drinking through the support of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). Marymount has been selected to receive an $8,000 Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant from Virginia ABC, which will support a new student training initiative for campus leaders.
The initiative will train approximately 50 student leaders who predominantly work with first and second-year students on Training for Intervention Procedures, known as TIPS.
“We are excited to use this grant to provide student leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide intentional support and developmental opportunities to first and second-year college students to create a strong foundation for healthy behaviors surrounding alcohol consumption, and also prevent negative alcohol-related consequences,” explained Anne Aichele, Senior Director of Student Transition, Engagement and Leadership at Marymount University.
NIAA data shows that the first six weeks of a student’s first year at college can be the most influential in regards to setting expectations and behaviors surrounding responsible alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can lead to poor academic success, physical and mental health concerns and dangerous behaviors.
Through training with the Alcohol Education and Prevention program, Marymount student leaders will be empowered to educate their peers on intervention strategies and skills, building confidence to intervene and prevent alcohol-related incidents on and off campus.
This mission is timely as the University plans a full return to in-person classes and activities for Fall 2021 following the successful implementation of hybrid learning and safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marymount remains committed to a safe return to a more “normal” campus environment as students begin the new school year.
“The Office of Student Living and Engagement is proud to take the lead in continuing to educate our student leaders and all of our students on the dangers of excessive drinking and the ‘how to’s’ of building a safe community,” added Susan Boyd, Associate Vice President for Student Living and Engagement at Marymount University. “This partnership with Virginia ABC strengthens our commitment and prepares our students to succeed this upcoming year and beyond.”
