Alcohol Awareness Through the Arts

Embracing an Innovative Approach to College Alcohol Education Through the Effective

Networking of Students and Faculty

Pattie Carr, MA, LRD Director, Wellness Program Faculty, Fine and Performing Arts

Hal Haynes, ABD Vice President for Student Development Division of Student Development

Carrie Knudson, RN Director, Student Health Service Certified Alcohol Educator

Alcohol Awareness Through the Arts Program – Dickinson State University History

Rival university 90 miles east Student deaths – both football players

Drunk driving accident Alcohol toxicity

Major impact among our students Focus: students asked how they could improve

our alcohol education program to make a real difference among their peers

The centerpiece of the new program is the Alcohol

Awareness Through The Arts program (AATTA)

• Creative writing• Dance• Film making• Music• Oratory• Play writing• Poetry• Theatre• Visual arts

ASSESSMENT

To date: Reflective Thinking Assessment Tool

In what ways, if at all, has alcohol negatively impacted your life?

What negative impacts of the use of alcohol were presented in the performance?

What are your reactions to this performance?

Student Voices

1. “Very moving. A lot of emotion in the art. It has made me realize that it is not worth it to drink in order to have fun.”

2. “Sad, but it is all true.” 3. “I didn’t feel as if I was being lectured.”

4. “I wanted to see more.” 5. “I think this is a positive thing. The only way

people will eventually learn is if they are constantly reminded.”

6. “I think it was very effective.” 7. “It makes you think about your choices.” 8. “The art work is incredible.”

2007 – 2008 Assessment

Confidential; not anonymous Pre-performance questionnaire Post-performance Reflective Thinking Tool

Immediately following performance Post-performance Focus Groups

Pre-performance questionnaire Peer led discussions using specific and

pointed pre-determined questions

Dickinson State University Major Players Administration

Visible support Financial support

University Relations Marketing

Student Development Programming opportunities Financial support

Department Chairs Encourage faculty participation

Individual Faculty members Serve as project mentors - KEY

Coaching Staff Student Leaders

Summary

The Alcohol Awareness Through the Arts program uses all of the arts to discuss the potential negative results of binge drinking

Student Driven Student Directors Student Artists

Student to Student Questions or thoughts