Cabrini counting on peers for alcohol education

Officials at Indiana University of Pennsylvania are using funds obtained from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to educate their students about alcohol abuse. While Cabrini administrators say that they may consider a plan like IUP's, they are currently relying on P.E.E.R. educators to relay that message to their classmates.

by Joe Holden staff writer

To combat a recent spate of alcohol-related deaths and injuries on their campus, officials at Indiana University of Pennsylvania have petitioned the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for assistance with alcohol awareness and prevention programs, and utilizes peer education groups, whose policy is to focus on risks taken with consuming alcohol, and to understand the consequences of taking the risks.

"Our goal is to help students make healthy, legal and safe choices around alcohol," said Ann Sesti, assistant director of health education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

The university also uses workshops for students who violate the school's alcohol policy.

The policy is that no one can consume alcohol on campus, no matter what age.

"Just because students are 21 does not mean that they have the license to drink excessively," said Sesti. "The goal is to educate for a lifetime."

Sesti commented that the policies of the university have been in effect for a long time, and that the university is now working in conjunction with the community, the local government, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the legal system.

She added that a positive thing on campus has been the reinforcement of night activities that take the place of drinking.

Sesti recognized that due to the state liquor control board being involved, education programs are supplied and enforced to divert campus drinking.

The state liquor control board was responsible for dispensing a $15,000 grant onto the college's program.

The grant was divided three ways. Five thousand dollars went to enforcement of the program, another $5,000 was allocated for prevention, and the final $5,000 was given to fund campus activities to take the place of drinking.

The state liquor control board donated another $2,500 for the continuation of the community coalition between the college, the local community and government, the legal system and the liquor control board itself.

"Cabrini would have an eye towards underage drinking of any student, and would be interested in petitioning the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for funding of similar programs," said Paul Weaver, acting dean of students at Cabrini.

Weaver explained that to his understanding, the liquor control board's first priority and service would be to a state institution of higher learning, such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

"But by their nature, we would hope that they would help any col- lege, public or private, that is looking for assistance," said Weaver. "Cabrini is and always has been interested in educating people to make healthy decisions."

Weaver referred to Cabrini's already strong and dedicated peer educators.

"Many issues have been addressed well by the peer educators," stated Weaver. "Health educations' goal is to help people make informed decisions."

Christina Leon, a senior and a peer educator at Cabrini commented that the program sounds like a good idea.

"Cabrini and the Student Government Association are trying to get participation, but the liquor control board is offering a grant incentive; that is the only difference between our program and Indiana State University's program," said Leon.

Leon added that there are many concerns on a college campus.

"Alcohol gets much attention be- cause so much is attached," she said. "When you have an already bad situation, alcohol only compounds it."

Leon added that Cabrini is doing its part. Alcohol Awareness Week will be held during the week of Oct. 18.

"Most campus organizations will play a role in the week's many activities," said Leon.

John DiMucci, campus minister, suggested a regional summit for college authorities.

"Presidents of area colleges might look at getting together for a summit on campus alcohol abuse," said DiMucci.

"Sometimes people will do stupid things and we hope that an improvement in our (alcohol) programming will make that event less frequent," said Weaver.

"The liquor control board will only help us take our current programs to a higher level.•