Buffalo State Participates in National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
As part of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW) Oct 15–18, Buffalo State is offering contests, games, and simulated sobriety tests to help students understand the ramifications of alcohol and its effect on the college student body.
The United Students Government (USG), Weigel Health Center Promotions, and Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority are coordinating the NCAAW events.
"The goal of the week is for students to take personal responsibility and learn the skills to help friends and family when it comes to issues involving alcohol," said Paula Madrigal, coordinator of health education programs. "We also aim to change students’ perceptions about the amount of alcohol consumed by their peers. They tend to think that others drink more than they actually do."
The week kicks off October 15 with a “chalking contest,” in which student organizations, sororities and fraternities, residence hall members, or just groups of friends work on teams to draw their interpretation of an assigned alcohol-related slogan on designated squares on campus. Prizes will be given for "best use of theme," "most creative," and "best overall."
On October 16 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Quad, members of the University Police Department will offer standard field sobriety tests using beer goggles. During that time, participants can receive information about resources from other organizations and spin the USG "Alcohol Wheel" for prizes. At 7:00 p.m. October 17 in the Bulger Communication Center, students can test their knowledge of high-risk drinking and compete against their peers in the interactive game show, "On the Rocks."
The feature event for the week is the "Arrive Alive Tour," October 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Student Union Quad. The tour uses impact videos and a high-tech simulator inside a real car to allow students a firsthand experience in a controlled environment illustrating the potential consequences of distracted or drunken driving. Afterward, students get a “ticket” showing them the results of their driving. During that time, the UPD again will offer facilitate field sobriety tests with beer goggles. Students also can visit community resource tables, participate in video testimonials, take a photo pledge not to drink and drive, and enjoy a few "mocktails."
To culminate the week, USG will host two alcohol-free events. On October 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Union Game Room, there will be a showing of The Dark Knight Rises. On October 19 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight in the Perry, Porter and Union quads, students can enjoy Octoberfest, which features, food, music, rides, and games.