News releases

Aug. 29, 2001

TO: Editors, news directors
FROM: University Communications, (608) 262-3571

RE: UW-MADISON EFFORTS TO CURB BINGE DRINKING

If you are following up on news today regarding the national survey findings on college drinking released by the American Medical Association (AMA), here are some sources who can talk about how the University of Wisconsin-Madison is already at the forefront of efforts to reduce high-risk drinking:

-- Professor Aaron Brower, School of Social Work, principal investigator for the RWJ Project, available 1-3 p.m. and after 4 p.m., (608) 263-3838 or (608) 265-8678.
-- Susan Crowley, The RWJ Project, project director, (608) 262-9007
-- Sudi Ceglarek, The RWJ Project, project coordinator, (608) 265-5231
-- Tom Garver, city of Madison Alcohol License Review Committee, (608) 246-3967

To get a copy of the AMA study or for more information, contact: Barry Cohn (312) 464-4579; Lisa Erk, (312) 464-4532; or Troy Petenbrink, (202) 822-5200.

AMA study information is also online at: http://www.stopcollegebingeing.com/

To find out more about UW-Madison efforts, visit this new Web site developed by University Communications: http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/drinking/

In addition, here is some background information to amplify your coverage of the issue locally.

OVERVIEW OF THE ISSUE

Binge drinking is a widespread phenomenon on many college campuses, not only UW-Madison. But here as elsewhere, the problem interferes with the mission of higher education and carries with it serious risks of injury, disease or death.

To address the issue, UW-Madison focuses primarily on changing the culture of high-risk drinking, not individual behavior.

Through a number of programs administered by the Dean of Students Office, University Health Services and University Housing, among others, the university is trying to take the focus off of alcohol, and help those students who do drink see that alcohol is only a small part of their lives.

The university has taken action on many fronts:

PURSUE CHANGES IN POLICY

The university takes an active role in alcohol license renewals and other city policy affecting alcohol consumption and enforcement in the campus area. The university also has participated in the Mayor's Work Group on Downtown Alcohol Issues.

WORK IN THE COMMUNITY

University leaders have sought to forge collaborations between the campus and the community, meeting with campus-area property owners, city officials, Tavern League members and others to identify common issues and discuss roles in changing the environment that supports high-risk drinking.

The university's partnership with the Luther's Blues club is a model of what can be accomplished when tavern owners and the university work together to encourage responsible alcohol consumption. Last spring Luther's hosted several all-age shows in a non-alcohol environment

FOSTER BETTER AWARENESS OF CONSEQUENCES

University staff and volunteers present many alcohol awareness, safety and community building programs to student groups.

-- For example, in fraternities and sororities, a campus life and alcohol program is offered each semester for new pledges. Facilitated by medical students and managed by RWJ students with emphasis on new pledges understanding the role alcohol plays for them and identifying alcohol-free activities they can do during their first year in the house.

SPONSOR ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES

Perhaps most importantly, the university seeks to steer underage students away from the bar scene by supporting late-night, alcohol-free activities at recreational facilities and the Wisconsin Union. With increased funding, awareness and interest by other campus organizations and the mandate from the Chancellor's office, the Wisconsin Union Directorate and the Union are poised to expand programming and publicity which began to take shape several years ago.

-- During the two years, Club 770 music and dance events, organized by and for students, have proven to be a particularly big draw, with as many as 400 students attending each Friday and Saturday night.

-- In a first, this Saturday night the Memorial Union will turn off the beer taps at 8:45 p.m. to sponsor an alcohol-free party for students, with live music and many other activities.

-- Wisconsin Alumni Student Board mini-grants have supported student organizations that sponsor late-night, alcohol-free activities.

-- Recreation After Hours: Recreation activities have been held Thursdays until 1 a.m. at the two major campus recreation facilities.

-- For Spring Break, the RWJ Project is collaborating with the Union Travel Center to offer spring break adventure trips without the "all you can drink" component.

SHOW VISIBLE LEADERSHIP ON CAMPUS

First as provost and now as chancellor, John Wiley has led the effort to bring changes in attitude and policy that will help curb binge drinking among university students. Wiley says he will continue to focus primarily on changing the environment, not individuals, as a way of reducing this problem.

The RWJ Project, which started in 1996 and continues through next August, involves many students in its activities and research. The project has the long-term objective of changing campus and community culture to decrease high-risk drinking and its negative consequences (violence, vandalism, property damage, sexual assault, and academic failure) among undergraduate students.

MORE INFORMATION

For other background or coverage ideas, contact Jonathan Zarov, University Health Services health communications manager, (608) 265-9058.

For more RWJ Project details, visit: http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/rwj

For background on the issue, recent news releases and other resources, visit:
http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/drinking/