College Freshmen Required To Take Alcohol Classes

7/24/2008

CBS Channel 7 News South Carolina

By Meghan Fisher

Local college freshmen will learn about alcohol awareness and prevention through a new program at Spartanburg Methodist College. The college will implement a mandatory program for freshmen this fall called AlcoholEdu. Funding is availble for the program for at least two years.

"This is the premier alcohol education program available in the United States at the moment. It is recognized by many other institutions as the most effective, and it is respected by our colleagues. This type of program helps give students a better idea as to what is real and should change their expectations, and therefore change their behavior," said Spartanburg Methodist College Dean of Students Art Hartzog.

More than 400,000 college students participate in this program nationwide. In South Carolina, the College of Charleston, Coker College, Limestone College, Newberry College, and Presbyterian College have all used the course. There are two parts that have to be completed. The first is a three-hour session with a survey that tests alcohol knowledge. Students will have to pass an exam to pass. The second part has alcohol information, a video, and a final survey. The school says the program will reach out to any age or gender, and help students change their attitudes about drinking. AlcoholEdu also offers a place for parents to take the course along with their students.