Fresno State students are teaming up with the Alcohol Safety Council Student Sub-Committee (ASCSS) to host Alcohol and Other Drugs Educational Conference coming up April 12 and 13.

The statewide conference held in the Henry Madden library and dining hall draws about 250 people, including students from other universities.­ The ASCSS members are trying to get new ideas from other universities and exchange information.

The ASCSS collaborates with staff and local organizations to keep its fellow classmates safe.

“My role is to see how we as students can serve the students of Fresno State,” said Rosendo Iñiguez, chair of the ASCSS and a member of the planning committee

Iñiguez and the rest of the members have weekly meetings where they collaborate and develop ideas to improve the program. On top of the ASCSS’s brainpower, it also draws ideas from other CSUs that also have the student-run organization.

“We don’t need to necessarily reinvent the wheel when they already have ideas that are working,” Iñiguez said.

ASCSS members like Elizabeth Lopez work at informational tables during large events on campus such as the fall harvest festival and spring break extravaganza this academic year. Lopez said these opportunities are a good way to reach out to students. The ASCSS also posts the Stall Seat Journal featured in restrooms across campus, giving students tips on current events and alcohol safety. ASCSS was also a part of the Mobile Wellness Lounge in the dorms and has recently implemented an in-class workshop to reach out to students while on campus.

“We don’t say ‘don’t drink,’” said Iñiguez.

Rather, the students in ASCSS understand that alcohol consumption among college students is very common. Their main goal is to educate students on how to stay safe so they don’t harm themselves or others. They want to help teach students how to be successful in everyday life.

“If at least one student learned something new that can benefit them, then we are doing our job,” said Iñiguez.

ASCSS is working to expand its focus from just alcohol education to include other drug-related issues. The program has made improvements through experienced leadership to help its goal become a reality. “We want to be multidimensional,” said Iñiguez.

Health promotion and wellness services coordinator Kathy Yarmo at the Fresno State Health Center works with the ASCSS members to help facilitate the growth of the committee. Yarmo said they are currently taking a look at the future of the program to see how to better reach the students with the information. Yarmo said Iñiguez has worked hard to expand the program and has a strong vision for its future.

Iñiguez and Lopez both believe one of the most rewarding parts of the program is helping students and seeing the results of their work.