Talking with Your College Student About Alcohol
Transitioning into College
Elon University recognizes alcohol misuse negatively impacts the community, personal well-being, and academic achievement. Therefore, our position on alcohol is one of education and accountability. We want to support parents in guiding students as they become a member of our campus community.
Transitioning into college can overwhelm new students as they deal with changing social and academic expectations and the responsibilities that come with being independent. As a first-year student, your college student will likely face real decisions about drinking and we join you in wanting them to be prepared. We expect students to uphold the Honor Code and make wise and healthy decisions about alcohol use, including the choice not to drink.
Starting the Conversation
Research suggests that students who talk with their parents about alcohol before they begin their first year of college are more likely to avoid alcohol, limit its use, spend less time with heavy drinking peers, and experience significantly less alcohol-related outcomes. Become familiar with Elon’s alcohol policy together. What you say, or do not say, about alcohol can make a lifetime of difference for your student.
Elon has partnered with Dr. Rob Turrisi, Program Developer of the Parent Handbook: Talking with College Students About Alcohol to provide parents with strategies for talking with their student about the risks associated with alcohol. Please refer to this guide to help you initiate conversations and unpack these uncomfortable yet necessary topics with your student. We view your support as essential and we are glad to partner with you as we work to cultivate holistic well-being for all our students.
Parent Webinar with Dr. Rob Turrisi
Click here to view August 11, 2021 slide presentation
Keeping the Conversation Going
We hope that you will continue these conversations after your student arrives on campus. First-year students are most likely to initiate or increase alcohol use during their first six weeks of the semester, which makes this a critical time to maintain communication with your student.
Check in with your student periodically and keep the lines of communication open throughout the academic year. Conversations between you and your student concerning health and wellness behaviors, values, and overall well-being will set a critical foundation for their academic and personal success this year and beyond.
Source: SAMHSA’s Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol