HEALTHY CHOICES

are sprouting from our prevention education...

A message from NCAAW Chairperson Dr. Edward Hammond

On behalf of the Inter-Association Task Force on Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Issues, let me welcome you to another National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week! This year will certainly be the biggest and best yet as more than 3,000 colleges and universities in North America jointly recognize the importance of campus prevention efforts.

And, how our prevention and awareness programs are growing to reach all parts of the campus and community! You have received this manual because you, as a campus professional, are in a position to make NCAAW a success on your campus! The Task Force has recognized you as a leader in the fight for healthy choices among our students!

Each year, we produce this manual in hopes that it will spark new and worthwhile ideas for your campus alcohol abuse prevention efforts. National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week is a very timely observance because it brings attention to important campus issues early in the academic year. But, it's crucial to understand that prevention is not a "one-week activity." The healthy choices your students make (or don't make) can be largely impacted by your commitment to year-round efforts.

In recognition of your outstanding year-long efforts, the Task Force awards cash prizes to outstanding campuses whose alcohol abuse prevention programming shows special innovation and effectiveness. You'll find application information at the end of this manual, and I hope you'll consider applying. No matter how large or small your school, no matter how large or small your budget, your efforts are important and deserve recognition!

As you use this manual to assist you in the planning of your programming, your marketing, your public relations, and your evaluation, we hope that you will realize that only you can know what will work best on your campus. You will decide how you "grow" your program to include other groups on campus in the planning process, and what types of programs will reach your students and campus best, and meet your goals.

The 21 higher-education organizations that make up the Task Force are dedicated to making our campuses safer and more enjoyable for everyone. From campus security, to fraternities and sororities, to athletics, to residence halls and peer education programs, we all have a vested interest in making National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week a memorable event.

Dr. Edward Hammond, President
Fort Hays State University
NCAAW Chairperson