The University of Wisconsin is implementing a new policy for students caught violating the university’s alcohol policy on campus mandating participation in an alcohol course geared towards college students.
The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students, or BASICS, is a structured program intended for use by individuals with alcohol problems, but is applicable to college students as well, said Dr. Sarah Van Orman, co-chair of the Chancellor’s Alcohol Policy Group and University Health Services director.
The course has two options, two 90-minute group sessions of 8-12 students or two one-on-one sessions with a professional substance abuse counselor, according to a statement from UW.
Van Orman said the group sessions are intended for students with first time violations of the student code or for less serious offenses. The one-on-one sessions were reserved for higher violations or for things as serious as stints in detox, she said.
“The detox issue is important because when someone has been to detox, this means they have drank so much as to put their own safety at risk,” Van Orman said.
Tom Sieger, University Health Services director of prevention services and campus health initiatives, said the program was chosen due to its high possibility of success.
“It’s a good model. It’s a proven model, and it’s consistent with our educational mission,” he said. “This will be an effective tool to help individual students make good choices around alcohol.”
Sieger said the model was necessary on campus as alcohol problems persist as upwards of 50 percent of students engage in high risk drinking.
“Unfortunately our campus is located in the midst of a state culture where Wisconsin adults have the highest rate of binge drinking in the nation. It’s a complex and pervasive problem in the state, not just campus,” said Sieger.
BASICS is one of the initiatives enacted this fall – the other is the changed legislation of the Responsible Action Guidelines, Van Orman said.
The Responsible Action Guidelines have been changed to include that students assisting others in emergency situations will be protected and not subject to a ticket, according to the Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Chair Hannah Somers.
“This will protect a friend of an individual who may need medical attention because they were drinking too much, as long as there are not mitigating circumstances,” Somers said.
“As long as [this individual is] acting responsibly, staying with the person and helping, they will be protected,” she said.
This is important in cases of alcohol poisoning as well as being a sexual assault victim or witness, Van Orman said, as these situations are dangerous and require the notification of authorities.
Somers said the change was necessary as students expressed fear of being ticketed.
While the current policy only applies to alcohol policy violations on campus, Sieger said that the city of Madison has been in discussion with the alcohol policy group to have a serious violation result in a uniform consequence.
The Chancellor’s Alcohol Policy Group advises campus pertaining to alcohol policy, Van Orman said, and consists of individuals holding high positions within the various aspects of student life.
