OXFORD,
\nMiss. – A campuswide march against drunk driving and a chance to try
\nout a drunk-driving simulator are among the highlights of National
\nCollegiate Alcohol Awareness Week observance at the University of
\nMississippi.<\/p>\n
Although the national event runs Monday through
\nFriday (Oct. 20-24), the UM observance continues through Oct. 31. The
\nOle Miss observance was extended because student planners came up with
\nmore events than could be staged in one week, said Ellen Schafer,
\nhealth educator in the UM Office of Health Promotion.
\n
The Office of Health Promotion has partnered with the Office of Campus Programming, University Counseling Center, Rebel Ride and the Associated Student Body Student Involvement team to stage a variety of experiences to help students learn about alcohol and drunk driving, Schafer said.<\/p>\n
“The goal is to find a way to bring awareness to the issue of alcohol misuse and driving under the influence, while at the same time honoring students who are making responsible decisions,” she said.
\nThe activities begin with the Save a Life Tour, set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday in front of the Student Union. The display includes a drunk-driving simulator and the “shock jocks” of DUI prevention, who present images of alcohol-related accidents.<\/p>\n
“The University of Mississippi is dedicated to providing students with tools to help them in making responsible decisions about alcohol,” said Jennifer Taylor, UM director of campus programming. “The goal (of the Save a Life Tour) is to show students what it is like to drive while under the influence so that they will choose not to get behind the wheel in ‘real life.'”<\/p>\n
Other events planned for the Ole Miss observance, all at the Student Union, include:<\/p>\n
– Oct. 22 – Graffiti Wall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students are invited to come sign their names and add messages to honor friends and family who have made smart drinking decisions or in memory of those who have been affected by drunk drivers.<\/p>\n
– Oct. 24 – Highlight of Alcohol-Related Prevention and Intervention Programs on Campus, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Graduate assistants from the Office of Health Promotion and the University Counseling Center offer insights into programs to curb substance abuse. The programs offered at UM include Alcohol.Edu, BASICS, JADE, various residence hall programming, Alcohol Reality Check, Crossroads, Harm Reduction Groups, Oasis, Turning Point, individual counseling sessions and substance abuse evaluation and assessment.<\/p>\n
– Oct. 27 – Hanging of Graffiti Wall, time TBA.<\/p>\n
– Oct. 29 – 100 Students Against Drunk Driving, 4 p.m. Students are invited to pledge to be responsible alcohol consumers and join in a walk to honor their friends who have made smart drinking decisions or in memory of those who have been affected by drunk drivers.
\nRegistration for the walk begins Oct. 27 in the Student Union. Student organizations are encouraged to form teams for the walk, and the organization with the most participants wins a free night with Rebel Ride.<\/p>\n
– Oct. 31 – Responsible Pumpkin Smashing, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. To celebrate Halloween and the upcoming Ole Miss-Auburn football weekend, students can come by the witch’s cauldron and cast a spell against Auburn, sign a responsible drinking and\/or driving pledge, and smash grimy Auburn colored pumpkins in the witch’s brew.<\/p>\n
For more information on any of the activities or for assistance related to a disability, contact Schafer at 662-915-3459.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"