Superbad, House Party, Mean Girls, Dazed and Confused … what do all these movies have in common? They’re all considered classic coming-of-age stories, but they also feature (and in some cases, glorify) underage drinking and binge drinking. 

It’s no secret that alcohol is part of the American “college experience” for many, and a student’s first college party, drinking game, or hangover could even be considered a rite of passage in some circles. While it’s important to acknowledge that these things are happening on campus for some students, it’s also critical to educate students about the risks involved in using and abusing alcohol. 

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The Office of Student Integrity (OSI) and the Wellness Empowerment Center (W.E. Center), both part of Student Engagement and Well-Being, are planning a series of events designed to educate students about risks and resources, as well as empower them to make informed decisions if they choose to drink.

“Statistically speaking, the majority of assaults that happen on college campuses in the U.S. involve alcohol, as well as many of the accidents and injuries — not to mention the legal trouble you could find yourself in,” said Ronald King, Associate Director of the W.E. Center. “Students may think they have everything under control, but when you’re drunk or under the influence, things can quickly get out of hand.”

According to the most recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 49 percent of full-time college students between the ages of 18 and 22 drank alcohol in the month prior to the survey, and 29 percent self-reported binge drinking in that same timeframe. About one in four college students report academic consequences from drinking, such as missing class, falling behind, or doing poorly on an exam.

Our campus is not immune. According to data gathered from Georgia Tech students in the National College Health Assessment administered in 2020, 55 percent reported that they had used alcohol in the two weeks leading up to the survey. Although most students indicated that they drank responsibly, 11 percent did report experiencing a blackout. 

“The majority of non-academic Student Code of Conduct violations we deal with are alcohol-related,” said Ronald Mazique, Associate Dean of Students and Director of OSI. “Our goal isn’t to punish students for drinking; rather, we take an educational approach. We focus on providing resources for students who have maybe made a bad decision and help get them back on track to being successful.”

OSI and the W.E. Center are partnering throughout the month of April to offer a series of events aimed at promoting honest discussion, teaching students safety promotion and low-risk alcohol consumption and letting them know what resources are available on campus. These events will include: