Coastal Carolina to launch alcohol responsibility initiative

CONWAY - Officials at Coastal Carolina University say they will roll out a new campus initiative that encourages students to make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol use.

“Smart Choice,” will be introduced at the 2009 New Student Convocation at Coastal Carolina University, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17 on the Prince Lawn.

According to a news release from the university, Michael Collins, Assistant Professor of Management at Coastal and a key organizer of the Smart Choice campaign, will deliver the main address at this annual event, which will be attended by approximately 1,800 incoming freshmen and 700 transfer students.

Initiated in response to trends in alcohol consumption by college students—a major concern at universities across the nation, Smart Choice is one element of a comprehensive approach designed to create a culture of accountability and responsibility to prepare students for success during their college years and after graduation, the release said.

In just the past year, the university has had its fair share of students in trouble with the law for drinking or drugs.

A drug and underage consumption sting last year busted 21 locations in all, including the CCU campus.

Also last year, the campus suspended two of its Greek organizations for violating the school's alcohol policy by holding an unauthorized off-campus party where alcohol was served.

There were incidents with students, both on and off campus as well as several student athletes who were arrested for incidents involving alcohol.

“This is one proactive measure to try to get with students early on to help them make responsible decision making and they are consequences,” said Haven Hart, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, “last year we implemented a minimum sanctions chart and expectations for students who violate the student code of conduct we post that on our website we tell them after three alcohol incidents you're not going to be a student in here anymore."

"All their lives up to this point students have been drilled on what ‘not’ to do,” Collins said in the release. “They don’t want to hear that any more by the time they reach college. What they want is positive messages about their future.”

Collins says that the program, to include public messages, social projects and activities, wallet cards and counseling support—will instill in students the realization that their actions have far-reaching consequences for their lives and the lives of others.

“I think it's very hard for us to stay positive to the fact that we don't drink because we have so much peer pressure around us we have so many parties and have friends that party," said incoming freshman Mutia Graham.

“Instead of going out when I need to be studying or like working here on campus you always find that choice needs to be made sometimes during the week of going out with my buddies because they don't have class or do I need to stay in and study or prepare some things for work, that's just something I sometimes face personally," said junior, Tom Cocke.

A key feature of the Smart Choice campaign is a seven-point plan that Collins will outline in detail in his address. Smart Choice organizers believe these axioms, printed on wallet cards and issued to all new students, will help make students more cognizant of their identity and position as students of Coastal Carolina University.

Smart Choice programs under development include financial incentives for Smart Choice housing; a game show-inspired activity called “Are You in Jeopardy?” that teaches students about sexual assault awareness and prevention; Smart Choice Spring Break options, which offer students the opportunity to get involved in Habitat for Humanity trips and other service activities; and Greek life programs.