Thursday, October 14, 2004

Oct. 14, 2004

WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW students will get the DWI experience without having to take a single drink as part of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 18-22.

Wearing Fatal VisionTM alcohol impairment goggles which simulate an intoxicated state, students will try to maneuver a golf cart through traffic cones. Campus police will be on hand to show them what would happen if they were to get pulled over while actually driving drunk.

This and other events are sponsored by CROSSROADS: UNCW’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Program. This year’s theme is “Think About It.”

CROSSROADS emphasizes legal and responsible choices for students and is dedicated to the advancement of thoughtful and healthy decision-making regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, Oct. 18 Alcohol Awareness Week Kickoff, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the University Union; 3 to 5 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center or 5 to 7 p.m. at Wagoner Hall. Students can pick up their passports and “Think About It” bracelets.

Tuesday, Oct. 19 The DWI Experience, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Campus Commons. Students will try their hand at driving a golf cart while wearing Fatal VisionTM alcohol impairment goggles and find what might happen if they were to get pulled over for DWI. Cosponsored by University Police.

Wednesday, Oct. 20 “Think About It” Carnival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Campus Commons. This is a hands-on event for all students to learn more about the effects of alcohol. Live music will be provided. Cosponsored by Campus Activities and Involvement Center.

Information will also be provided at the Commuter Coffee Break from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Seahawk Perch.

Managing Risk, 7 p.m. in Cameron Hall, Room 105. This session is designed for members of any student organization that does not carry liability insurance. Students will learn about their legal obligations and how to hold safe and fun group gatherings.

Greek 101: Risk Management and Sex Under the Influence, 8:30 to 10 p.m. in Cameron Hall, Room 105. Required for all new Greek members; cosponsored with Health Promotion Services.

Thursday, Oct. 21 “Think About It” Challenge Night at the Student Recreation Center, 4 to 9 p.m. rock climbing, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. basketball challenge. Cosponsored by Campus Recreation.

“Think About It” Discount Night. Students wearing their “Think About It” bracelet can receive a discount at area businesses they patronize.

Friday, Oct. 22 Think About Alternatives, 8 p.m. dodgeball tournament on the intramural fields and movie, 10 p.m. and midnight ACE Movie: Anchorman, Warwick Center Ballroom.

UNCW CROSSROADS was the recipient of a national award for their 2003-2004 Alcohol Awareness Week and year-round campus programming from the Inter-Association Task Force. Last year more than 1,000 students attended at least one of the 10 events.

For more information about any of these events, contact Rebecca Caldwell, director, CROSSROADS: UNCW Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Program at 962-4136 or caldwellr@uncw.edu.