Online Program

333203
Assessment of a College Alcohol Alternative Program


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Jacqueline Lanier, DrPH, MCHES, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Christy Bazan, MPH, LEHP, MCHES, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Julia Broskey, M.Ed, Dean of Students Office, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Amanda Papinchock, BS, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Katie Karas, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Alcohol abuse and binge drinking continue to be problems at colleges nationwide  Up Late at State at Illinois State University provides a unique way to combat this issue by providing safe and fun alternative to alcohol programming for students.  The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an alternative alcohol program, Up Late at State, at a mid-sized, Midwestern college campus.  The study aimed to determine what motivates students to participate in alternative alcohol programming, how programming can be improved, and its impact on alcohol use by program participants.  In addition, the perceived benefits students received by participating in the Up Late at State programming was explored.  A mixed methods study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative sources.  A quantitative survey was sent to participants of the Up Late at State program as an online, anonymous instrument.  Further qualitative research included focus groups and interviews of relevant stakeholders.  The study found that Up Late at State has loyal attendees that always attend the events as an alternative to drinking alcohol. However, there appear to be some key populations missing which present opportunities for program improved to reach those populations. The assessment project has helped to provide valuable information to the University on an important issue affecting students on campus and the community.  This study may guide college health/community-public health educators/student affairs professionals in developing  late night programming opportunities for college students  as a way to reduce alcohol abuse and subsequent issues such as violations, crime, and violence.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the impact that an alcohol alternative program on a college campus can have on reducing the culture of alcohol overuse and abuse.

Keyword(s): Alcohol Use, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked in the public health field for over 15 years on various community health initiatives. My work has provided the opportunity to develop community partnerships and empower organizations to create sustainable changes so that the healthy choice is the easy choice. Where people live, work, play, and go to school matter and affect their choices to be healthy.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.