Curriculum Infusion

Take a Moment for Prevention

Faculty members hold a unique position in being part of the lives of NC State students. Here are some suggestions on how best to educate students on alcohol-related issues.

Use Your Syllabus	When you create your syllabus and set norms for student behavior, consider including information on alcohol use and academic performance.
Refute Student Misperceptions	Research shows that students have misperceptions concerning the role of alcohol use in the lives of other NC State students. Students consistently overestimate the alcohol consumption of their peers, including frequency, as well as participation in at-risk drinking (e.g., chugging, drinking games). You can make an impact by being knowledgeable about actual alcohol use statistics and avoiding statements that might reinforce these misperceptions.
Make a Comment, Or Don’t	Monitor personal language and examples to avoid promoting higher-risk alcohol use.
Take Advantage of Teachable Moments	Use serious situations as teachable moments. When alcohol-related events occur in the media or discussions come up in the classroom, take the opportunity to discuss alcohol. For example, discuss appropriate behavior, balancing social and academic life, the effects of alcohol use on academic performance or challenge misperceptions concerning the role of alcohol in campus life.
Schedule a Presentation/Offer Extra Credit	If you would like to schedule a class presentation on alcohol contact Chris Austin at 919.513.3295. If your class intersects with alcohol in any way perhaps give students extra credit for completing the eCHUG program, which allows participants to print a certificate of completion.
Take a Few Minutes in Class	Faculty can play an important role in raising awareness by being vocal about alcohol issues. Faculty can use opportunities such as current events and upcoming campus events to speak out about alcohol issues as they relate to class topics, student conduct, and academics.
Bring it Up During Advising	Advising activities present an excellent opportunity to address alcohol-related issues. Bring up the issue of alcohol use with your advisees and determine if alcohol may be having a negative impact on their academic performance
Make a Referral	Too often, students in trouble do not ask for help directly, but faculty members are in a unique position to offer help in the way of a referral to assessment or counseling services. Close contact between faculty and students may be used as a vehicle for identification and referral of students with alcohol problems to appropriate services on campus or in the community.
Make Connections with Students	Faculty on many campuses are involved in their students’ lives beyond the classroom, serving as advisors, dining with students or inviting a group of students to their homes for an end of the semester celebration. This involvement encourages stronger connections between faculty and students.

Source:  Virginia Tech Hokie Wellness