A new class aiming to teach students about alcohol safety will begin at West Virginia University in the fall.
Incoming students must complete AlcoholEdu prior to arriving on campus, and students can begin to login on Aug. 2.
Students will use their MIX ID to log into the system. All incoming freshmen and transfer students under the age of 21 are required to take the course.
"Since 2001, the program has been developed. The University decided that now is the right time, which is a direct result of the formation of WELL WVU, and it fits with our strategic plan for prevention." said Colleen Harshbarger, director of Student Wellness.
Students can also complete the program as part of a group alcohol education requirement. Students who are referred to the Student Assistance Program will complete a separate program offered by the University.
"I believe the program will have a positive effect on students and open their minds on the dangers of alcohol," said Bill Hardy, an incoming freshman Pre-chemistry major.
The program offers many safety tips and resources for students to use. These include alcohol-related content such as videos, blogs, chats and comics, a Blood Alcohol Concentration calculator, a map of US laws, safe partying strategies and tips for helping a friend.
"WVU is committed to maintaining a campus environment where all students can live, learn, and have fun safely. We want students' college experience to be healthy, enjoyable and above all safe." Harshbarger said.
In a recent study, 86 percent of students reported being moderately to highly engaged, and attentive while taking the course. Also, an AlcoholEdu test group demonstrated a 37 percent decrease in alcohol-related consequences.
"This program, along with other strategic approaches to influencing our culture towards healthy lifestyle habits, will have a lasting positive impact on our campus. I look forward to seeing how the first year goes with the AlcoholEdu program," Harshbarger said.