It’s here. Are you ready to step up? Your life or someone else’s might be on the line in the days and weeks ahead if you miss it. So, are you willing to make the small investment of time to find out what “it” is?
Fellow Mustangs, “it” is the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. From Oct. 22-26, the Boulevard will become a lifeline in preparing students with the vital information they need to make healthy decisions when it comes to alcohol and drugs.
During the week, events sponsored by SMU’s new Peer Advising Network (PAN), Residence Life and Student Housing, the SMU Police Department, SMU Panhellenic Council and Program Council will give students a chance to view all aspects of alcohol use and abuse on college campuses through a variety of programs throughout the week.
Beginning on Sunday afternoon, female students interested in spring sorority formal recruitment will have an opportunity to speak with Greek women about the use of alcohol within the Greek system and other challenges.
Memorial Monday will kick off the week’s events with a visual display of flags representing the 1700 students that die each year from alcohol related incidents. We encourage students to come by and sign a banner representing their commitment to responsible decision making when it comes to alcohol. Students signing the banner will also be given a bracelet with the Gordie Foundation logo signifying their commitment.
Tuesday, or Gordie Day, will focus on the efforts of the Gordie Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to promote awareness regarding the dangers of hazing and alcohol poisoning. The Foundation was created to memorialize Gordie Bailey, a college student who died in 2004. For more information, visit gordie.org. Vineyard Vines merchandise will also be available for purchase during the day, with all of the proceeds benefiting alcohol education.
Wednesday will feature a meet and greet with the SMU Police Department. Students will have the opportunity to meet campus police officers in a relaxed atmosphere in front of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center while enjoying doughnuts from Mustang Donuts. The objective is to break down the us versus them attitude some students have and to reinforce that campus police are here to protect us, sometimes even from ourselves.
The culmination of the week on Thursday evening, Oktoberfest, will include a scary movie on the Boulevard sponsored by Program Council, as well as festival activities hosted by Residence Life and Student Housing.
This is your chance. Come by the table at the Flagpole or in front of Hughes-Trigg and show your support. Make it known that we are ready for change and that tragedy does not have to be a part of the college experience.
About the writers:
Megan Knapp is SMU health educator in the Memorial Health Center. She can be reached at [email protected].
Brooks Powell is a senior political science major and can be reached at [email protected].