College and university students will join with their peers on more than 3,000 campuses across the country October 15-21 to promote National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW).

During NCAAW, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events, all designated to reinforce personal responsibility and respect for current state laws and school policies about the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

NCAAW has grown to become the largest single event in all of academia because students take ownership in designing and implementing this observance for their campus communities. This week gives campuses the opportunity to showcase healthy lifestyles free from the abuse or illegal use of alcohol and to combat negative stereotypes of college drinking behavior.

"What has set this program apart and contributed to its growth is its approach," said Edward Hammond, chair of NCAAW and president of Fort Hays State University. "Ultimately, this isn't about alcohol, but attitudes. We don't preach, we teach.

"We educate and we empower students to take responsibility for their own decisions and environment. Participation in NCAAW helps students and college administrators launch or strengthen year-round prevention efforts."

NCAAW is promoted by the Inter-Association Task Force on Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Issues. This umbrella organization of higher education associations is dedicated to promoting education, prevention, research, networking and national initiatives to help eliminate substance abuse and the problems it causes on college and university campuses. The NCAA is one of the member associations of the task force.

"We need to do a better job of showing college students -- particularly new students -- that most of their peers are not abusing alcohol and making bad decisions," said Mary E. Wilfert, program coordinator in health and safety at the NCAA. "Students want to fit in and follow campus norms. If we incorrectly lead them to believe that everyone is getting drunk on a regular basis, then we increase the chance that's what they will do.

"We have a responsibility to tell students that making healthy choices is the true norm based on campus research. Then, we can begin changing attitudes and behavior."

Following are some ways that professionals in the NCAA can promote and support NCAAW along with students. NCAAW activities vary from campus to campus, but typically include informative presentations and social events that promote responsibility and healthy, safe decisions about alcohol. Last year's top model programs can be reviewed at the Inter-Association Task Force Web Site at www.iatf.org.

Things athletes and recreational sports
professionals can do:

Use electronic media (such as scoreboards or marquees) to advertise prevention messages. Place ads in athletics programs or in the newspaper.

Make prevention announcements at sporting events.

Have athletes act as prevention mentors at local middle and high schools.

Place prevention message on cups and napkins at athletics events.

Have coaches and athletes make a public service announcement for radio or television.

Sponsor a responsible "tailgate" party in conjunction with an athletics contest.

Hang safety and prevention banners in the gymnasium and at the fields.

Sponsor or co-sponsor a fun, visible event in conjunction with NCAAW, such as a fun run or walk or a tug of war.

Open the fitness center for longer hours.

Offer free fitness demonstrations.

Do blood pressure or cholesterol screenings.

Have a sporting event marathon (softball, volleyball, etc.) to raise awareness and/or money.

Offer free swing dancing or ballroom dancing lessons.