2008 Woodie Awards
Remember Last Night?
Program Asks For Student Reflection On Choices
Freesia Singngam
Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: News
Some communication students and their professor are trying a new approach to prevent binge drinking during Spring Weekend. Instead of just listing facts about the effects of binge drinking or saying that it's not popular, they're asking students if they can remember last night.
The "Remember Last Night" campaign integrates research, education and outreach to provide an evidence-based approach to prevent binge drinking, according to Carolyn Lin, a professor in communication sciences and campaign director. Members of the campaign chose to name it "Remember Last Night" because they hope to encourage students to reflect on their behavior and decide whether they have regrets or good memories from the night before, Lin said.
The campaign is being funded with a two-year, $273,923 grant from the U.S. Department of Education specifically to combat underage and binge drinking. It is giving special attention to freshmen and students involved in Greek life because they have a higher risk for heavy drinking.
"Remember Last Night" is trying to garner more student involvement and support because research shows that more involvement leads to more successful programs, Lin said. They're also hoping for students to pass the message along and look out for each other when they do drink.
All of these messages are being publicized using posters, slogans, videos and a Web site that allows for more campaign idea entries. They were all made by students - some involved in the communication sciences department project and others from outside focus groups-- so that the messages could be more effective.
"We put together some really good ideas," said Rory McGloin, a communication sciences graduate student and campaign coordinator. "A lot of them, we can say, were inspired by the students."
One poster includes a "Top 10 House Rules" message, which tells students to know their limits, know the signs of alcohol poisoning and "crash behind the couch - not behind the wheel."
The "Remember Last Night" campaign integrates research, education and outreach to provide an evidence-based approach to prevent binge drinking, according to Carolyn Lin, a professor in communication sciences and campaign director. Members of the campaign chose to name it "Remember Last Night" because they hope to encourage students to reflect on their behavior and decide whether they have regrets or good memories from the night before, Lin said.
The campaign is being funded with a two-year, $273,923 grant from the U.S. Department of Education specifically to combat underage and binge drinking. It is giving special attention to freshmen and students involved in Greek life because they have a higher risk for heavy drinking.
"Remember Last Night" is trying to garner more student involvement and support because research shows that more involvement leads to more successful programs, Lin said. They're also hoping for students to pass the message along and look out for each other when they do drink.
All of these messages are being publicized using posters, slogans, videos and a Web site that allows for more campaign idea entries. They were all made by students - some involved in the communication sciences department project and others from outside focus groups-- so that the messages could be more effective.
"We put together some really good ideas," said Rory McGloin, a communication sciences graduate student and campaign coordinator. "A lot of them, we can say, were inspired by the students."
One poster includes a "Top 10 House Rules" message, which tells students to know their limits, know the signs of alcohol poisoning and "crash behind the couch - not behind the wheel."
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IC
posted 4/15/08 @ 11:02 AM EST
What an utter waste of $273,923 of taxpayers' money.
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