The University at Buffalo has started the implementation of AlcoholEdu for College Students. This is an objective, science-based online alcohol prevention program designed specifically for college students as part of a comprehensive campus prevention program.

The program is designed as a tool, which provides a snapshot of student knowledge, attitudes and behavior. There are four components of the program.

Component 1 deals with shaping decisions dealing with environmental issues such as the college effect, campus life and drinking patterns among students.

Component 2 focuses on knowing the facts about alcohol and its effects.

Component 3 concentrates on when it matters dealing with drug interactions, parties, and safety and helping other.

The final component is deciding for yourself by reviewing the laws, policies, dangers and effects related to alcohol and making good decisions regarding drinking.

The survey is required for incoming freshmen and is taken online before the fall semester. The students then take a posttest after 40 days on campus. Posttest results show that 83 percent of students felt more prepared to handle situations that might come up in college that involve alcohol, 83 percent have thought about the content of the course and 74 percent have thought about the course when making drinking decisions.

What can you do to protect and educate your college freshman? Contact your college's wellness center and find out what strategies are in place to educate and

protect your student. Talk to you child about the local and state laws. Many small college towns have open-container laws that, if violated, can carry heavy fines and even jail time.

Freshmen should know the facts about alcohol and the consequences

of engaging in high-risk

drinking behaviors. Most important, parents and guardians, stay in contact with your child with phone calls and visits. They need their family's support as they embark on this new path.

For more information on this topic, contact the Amherst Task Force, 4255 Harlem Road, Amherst, NY 14226 or e-mail Sally@eccpasa.info.