NCAAW 2014

Why NCAAW?

We hope your campus will join more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States that recognize the importance of campus health promotion efforts addressing alcohol abuse and impaired driving prevention.

College and university students will join forces with their peers and campus professionals on more than 800 campuses across the country to promote National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW) on October 21-27, 2012. During NCAAW, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of awareness and educational events, all designed by the campus’ prevention partners and leaders to reinforce personal responsibility and respect for current state laws and policies when it comes to the consumption of alcohol beverages.

The 2012 NCAAW Campaign theme is “#makeSMARTchoices - When it comes to Alcohol, Be SMART."

The campaign contains messages to:
   S – Set limits on drinking
   M – Make a plan for safety before going out
   A – Act to help others who might be in a dangerous situation
   R – Respect responsible choices made by peers
   T – Talk to a friend if you are concerned about his/her high-risk drinking

NCAAW has grown to become the largest single event in all of academia because students take ownership in designing and implementing this observance for their campus communities. This week gives campuses the opportunity to showcase healthy lifestyles free from the abuse or illegal use of alcohol, and to combat the negative and inaccurate stereotypes of college drinking behavior.

"NCAAW is a focused event for campuses to address alcohol abuse and impaired driving prevention," said Janet Cox, Convener of the CoHEASAP and President/CEO of The BACCHUS Network™, a national nonprofit organization that supports student health and safety through peer education. The organization provides educational resources on these issues to campuses.

NCAAW is promoted by the Coalition of Higher Education Associations for Substance Abuse Prevention. This coalition of 20 higher education associations is dedicated to promoting education, prevention, research, networking, and national initiatives to help eliminate substance abuse and the problems it causes on our college and university campuses. College administrators play a vital role in working with students to educate them about alcohol.

The campaign takes advantage of social media and encourages students to tweet about their successful strategies to stay safe and be responsible during social situations. The messages support personal responsibility and practical safety tips to avoiding excessive drinking, driving after drinking, and not riding with a driver who has been drinking.

NCAAW activities vary from campus to campus, but typically include informative presentations and social events that promote responsibility and healthy, safe decisions about alcohol.

For NCAAW campaign educational and promotional materials and alcohol abuse and impaired driving prevention resources, visit http://www.bacchusnetworkstore.org/
For more information and details, visit http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/ncaaw.html