Frequently Asked Questions - Alcohol
What is UK's alcohol policy? What happens when a student violates UK's alcohol
policy? What is UK's illegal drug policy? What happens when a student violates UK's illegal drug
policy? Will UK notify me if my student is in trouble with drugs or alcohol?
What should I do if I suspect my son or daughter is drinking heavily?
What is UK doing to address high-risk alcohol use among college students?
What is the best way to talk to my student about alcohol?
You want me to "share the facts." How am I supposed to know the facts?
What is UK's alcohol policy? What happens when a student violates UK's alcohol policy?
The alcohol policy is outlined in Part IV of UK's Student
Rights and Responsibilities (www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/part4.html). For minor violations, the University typically follows a
"three strikes" pattern of sanctions. The first time a student violates the alcohol policy he or she is usually required to attend Choices, a 6-hour alcohol and drug education program, at a cost of
$100. After a second violation, the student may pay a $200 fine and be placed on probation. The student may also be referred to a counseling center for an assessment. If the student is under the age
of 21, his or her parents may also be notified. If a student violates the alcohol policy three times, he or she will typically be suspended from the University. For more serious alcohol violations,
especially those that place the student or others in danger, the "three strikes" pattern may not be applied. Depending upon the circumstances, a student could be suspended on his or her first alcohol
violation.
What is UK's illegal drug policy? What happens when a student violates UK's illegal drug policy?
The University does not allow illegal drug use on
campus. For drug use, the University typically responds in a pattern similar to that used for alcohol violations. The first time a student is caught using drugs, he or she is usually placed on
probation and required to attend Choices, a 6-hour alcohol and drug education program, at a cost of $100. The student may also be referred to a counseling center for an assessment. If the student is
under the age of 21, his or her parents may also be notified. If a student is caught using drugs a second time, the student will typically be suspended from the University. If a student is caught
selling or distributing drugs on campus, the student is usually suspended on a first offense.
Will UK notify me if my student is in trouble with drugs or alcohol?
You will normally be contacted by the Dean of Students Office only if your
student violates the alcohol policy two times and is under the age of 21. For drug use, you will normally be contacted on the first offense.
What should I do if I suspect my son or daughter is drinking heavily?
Encourage him or her to meet with someone from the Counseling and Testing
Center. All counseling services are confidential and free to eligible students. Students can call (859) 257-8701 or stop by 201 Frazee Hall to make an appointment. Visit
www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Counseling/ for more information.
What is UK doing to address high-risk alcohol use among college students?
UK takes the issue of college alcohol abuse and underage drinking very
seriously. Since 2000, the Campus Community Coalition, which includes UK administrators, faculty, staff, students, local government officials, and community members, has been working diligently to
implement environmental management strategies. The Coalition's charge is to identify solutions and make recommendations that will enhance the safety and quality of lives of UK students as influenced
by high-risk alcohol use. Four areas of concern were identified and agreed upon by the Coalition: sales/marketing and promotion of alcohol, policies/law, cultural norms, and alcohol-free alternatives.
The Coalition continues to meet regularly to address campus alcohol abuse.
The Alcohol Education Office, housed in the Dean of Students Office, has several programs to address high-risk alcohol use on UK's campus. Research has found that college students grossly overestimate the amount of alcohol consumed by their peers. They are influenced by their peers and in turn will drink the amount they perceive to be the norm. UK has implemented a campus-wide social norm marketing campaign known as Party Smart to correct these misperceptions.
Peer education is another vital component of the Alcohol Education Office. The CAUSE (College Alcohol Use Student Educators) is a peer education network made up of 16 student leaders who have chosen to educate the campus community about making low-risk choices with alcohol. They frequently address residence hall students and Greek organizations as well as plan annual events such as Alcohol Awareness Week and Spring Break Safety Week.
What is the best way to talk to my student about alcohol?
Studies show that parents remain a key influence after their sons and daughters leave for
college. Your opinions and guidance can help your child make responsible decisions regarding alcohol. The following tips can help you stay involved with your student and provide guidance and helpful
advice.
Listen. You won't get far by lecturing. Ask your child to talk about alcohol and other drugs. Find out what concerns he or she has.
Make your expectations clear. College is a huge investment of time and money. Set clear expectations that your son or daughter will focus on academic work and personal development. Underage alcohol consumption and alcohol-impaired driving are illegal. Make it clear that you do not condone breaking the law.
Offer information. Alcohol is toxic. Far too many students die every year from alcohol poisoning. Discourage dangerous drinking such as drinking games or fraternity or athletics hazing. Encourage your son or daughter to have the courage to intervene when someone else is engaging in dangerous drinking.
Get and share the facts. Students grossly overestimate the use of alcohol and other drugs by their peers. Young adults are highly influenced by peers and tend to drink in amounts they perceive to be the norm. You can play a vital role in providing accurate information.
Be a good role model. Evaluate your own use of alcohol, tobacco, prescription medicines, and even over-the-counter drugs. Consider how your attitudes and actions may be shaping your son or daughter's choice about whether or not to use alcohol or other drugs.
Talk with your son or daughter about alcohol. While parents may not be able to actively monitor students away from home, they can be available to talk and listen, and that is just as important. It can do more than help shape lives, it can save lives. For these tips and more general information, check out www.edc.org/hec/parents.
You want me to "share the facts." How am I supposed to know the facts?
Research has found that many UK students are making low-risk choices with
alcohol, and those are important facts to share with your student. The Alcohol
Education Office works with the Parent Association to supply you with that
information. Campus alcohol use is addressed at Kentucky Welcome and in
Parent Association publications, such as Cat Chat e-mails and the Insider's
Guide.