Alcohol & the College Experience

U.S.M.'s philosophy regarding alcohol is as followed:

"U.S.M. recognizes that the role of alcohol in our community can be a potential obstacle to the personal and professional growth of individuals.  U.S.M. strives to create a campus climate that promotes social interactions that do not rely upon alcohol and seeks to encourage safe, healthy and responsible choices made with all members of the U.S.M. community in mind."

There are several myths about alcohol and the college experience.  Interested in the truth?  Click here!

University Policies & Maine State Law

• University Policies
• U.S.M. Residence Hall Policies
• U.S.M. Residence Hall Configurations
• University of Maine System Student Conduct Code
• Maine Liquor Liability Laws

Links to Interactive Websites

• E-Chug - Brief self-assessment that will give you instantaneous feedback about your drinking.
• The Culture of College Drinking - this site provides students with the opportunity to take a virtual tour of the human body, dispell some of the myths about alcohol in college life, and have access to some of the most updated research in the field.
• Parents Page - Parents can visit this link to read about important facts, have access to a printable brochure, and obtain tips on how to address alcohol issues with their college student.
• Alcohol & the Commuter Student - Like any student, commuter students face challenges when it comes to making decisions about alcohol and other drugs. Visit this online brochure to explore some of your options for handling these choices.
• Facts on Tap - Visit this site for information on Drugs, Alcohol and Your Body, Alcohol and Sex, Alcohol and the Commuter Student, Children of Alcoholics, Dealing with a Friend's Drinking, and other issues regarding the college experience.
• BAC Wheel - Calculate your own blood alcohol content by using this interactive tool.
• AlcoholEdu - Students who violate campus alcohol policies for the first time will have the opportunity to take an online, multi-media alcohol course. Visit this link to read testimonials from students who have completed this course, as well as some prominent facts about the potential toxic effects of alcohol. These facts come from recent studies, all of which can be accessed from this site.
• Marijuana - Review the latest research about marijuana through this informative, interactive and easy-to-use website.
• Club Drugs - The use of designer drugs can have a tremendous impact upon students that extends far beyond their college years. Learn about the effects of some of the more prominent club drugs through this website.

Treatment & Support Resources

• University Counseling Services - The UCS webpage provides information about on campus resources, as well as referral information for treatment and support resources in the community.
• Alcoholics Anonymous - This is the international website for A.A., which has links to state and local hotlines and meeting lists.
• Maine Central AA Office - This is the Central Service Office for Alcoholics Anonymous in Maine. Find up-to-date meeting lists for any part of the state at this site.
• Children of Alcoholics Foundation - One in five college students nationally come from an alcoholic family - the COA Foundation provides guidance and support for such students.
• Al-Anon/Alateen - This is a key resource for people who are affected by the alcohol use/abuse of others.
• How To Moderate Your Drinking - Check out these helpful tips for changing the am marijuana useount and frequency of your drinking.
• E-TOKE - Brief self-assessment that will give you instantaneous feedback about your marijuana.
• Virtual Pamphlet Collection - This comprehensive collection from the University of Chicago includes pamphlets on alcohol and other drugs, depression, eating disorders, and many other issues you may face as a college student.

U.S.M. & Maine State Prevention Programming

• Thirsty Thursday - The Gorham Events Board provides weekly alcohol-free social programming on Thursday evenings on the Gorham campus.  Check out the schedule!
• U.S.M.'s 21st Birthday Card Program - This program is geared towards encouraging students who are turning 21 to make healthy choices and celebrate responsibly on their birthday - visit this link to preview the card that the University sends to each of these students the week of their birthday.
• Stall Talk - This program at U.S.M. provides accurate information about the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding alcohol use among the Gorham campus residential population - visit this link to view some of the highlights of USM's Core Survey data, which serves as the basis for this campaign.
• Promoting Reduced-Risk Alcohol Choices (PRAC) - U.S.M. has established a campus-community coalition with the town of Gorham to address alcohol issues that extend beyond the boundaries of the campus.
• Higher Education Alcohol Prevention Partnership - Visit the homepage of Maine's statewide initiative to reduce high-risk drinking on our campuses.
• Maine Office of Substance Abuse - Learn how state-wide prevention efforts impact yourself, your campus and your community.

For questions or comments regarding this page, please contact Paul Dexter, Director of Early Student Success, by email at pdexter@usm.maine.edu, or by telephone at (207) 780-5577.