The University of North Alabama hosted an alcohol awareness event aimed at educating students on safe drinking practices and the consequences of alcohol misuse. Organized by UNA’s Health and Well-being department in collaboration with Fraternity and Sorority Life, the program combined interactive activities with educational resources to help students make informed choices about alcohol consumption. The event drew 226 participants, primarily from Greek Life, but welcomed any student interested in learning more about alcohol safety.
Ashley Cook, a graduate assistant with UNA’s Health and Well-being department, explained that the event was part of the ongoing “Cap Your Can” campaign, which encourages mindful drinking. The campaign, launched last year, featured “capies,” small rubber caps that fit over drink cans to remind students about safe drinking practices.
“We want students to walk away not only with the importance of mindful drinking but also an understanding of the potential legal and health consequences,” Cook said.
The event featured four main activity stations:
- Mythbusters – This station focused on debunking myths about alcohol consumption, including common misconceptions about how alcohol affects men and women differently. Participants, grouped in teams, tackled true-or-false questions in an engaging competition.
- The Cost of Drinking – An elimination-style game at this station emphasized the financial impact of a DUI. Students who were “eliminated” received tickets outlining the costs associated with legal fees, license suspension, and other expenses related to impaired driving.
- DUI Simulation – Partnering with the UNA Police Department, the DUI simulation allowed students to experience the challenges of navigating an obstacle course while wearing goggles that simulate alcohol impairment. Participants could attempt the course on foot or with a Segway provided by the police department.
- Alcohol Jeopardy – Led by Health and Well-being graduate students, this station offered a quiz-style game that covered facts about alcohol, encouraging students to learn in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Anna Leigh Rossi, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, highlighted the timing of the event, scheduled just before Halloween, when alcohol consumption tends to increase.
“We wanted to remind students about the importance of being safe if they choose to drink,” Rossi said. “This time of year, alcohol use is prevalent, especially within Greek Life, so we wanted to address it head-on.”
Rossi noted that one goal of the event was to destigmatize discussions around alcohol and encourage students to seek help if needed. “I tell my students it’s about making smart choices, looking out for each other, and knowing when to ask for help,” she said. “We want them to understand that medical amnesty is available. Calling for help is always the right thing to do if someone is in danger.”
The program also underscored the importance of using campus resources. “Our number one priority is student well-being and safety,” Cook said. “Events like this show students that we care about their health and encourage them to use campus resources, whether that’s UNA Health and Well-being, the university police, or Fraternity and Sorority Life.”
Rossi described the partnership as one of the most comprehensive collaborations with Health and Well-being so far. “This event really allowed our graduate students to see how their academic training applies outside the classroom,” she said.
The organizers hope the event’s messages resonate with students, helping them to make informed decisions and look out for one another in social situations.
