Campus to offer milk, cookies as alternative to booze on wednesday

By John McHugh

The University Courtyard milk and cookies Wednesday starting at 10 p.m. in the Atrium Lobby and Patio.

Guests will be able to enjoy milk and cookies as an alternative to alcohol and be able to socialize in a friendly atmosphere.

“ I think milk and cookies is a great awareness activity,” said Sam Gitchel, project director of social norms marketing. “It is just one part of the whole picture of what is happening.”

Throughout this week various events are taking place for alcohol awareness week with the aim of improving the understanding that students have concerning alcohol.

“ It is alcohol awareness week and our goal is to raise awareness of some of the alcohol issues, in particular of the social norms on campus,” Gitchel said.

Alcohol awareness week follows the comprehensive report carried out by the University Health and Psychological services department on Fresno State students. Their attitudes, alcohol consumption and social trends were studied.

“ Fresno State in some ways is fortunate, because if you look at the alcohol problems here and compare it to national averages, this campus looks very good,” Gitchel said.

The report found students believe other people drink more than they actually do.

The study reports that 76 percent of Fresno State students drink zero to four alcoholic beverages when they party.

University President John Welty spoke at a press conference held near the Kennel Bookstore Monday morning to officially commence Fresno State’s involvement within the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.

Gitchel also read a summary of the findings from the report carried out by the University Health and Psychological services department on drinking habits on campus.

Coordinated through the Alcohol Advisory Council, numerous events are available on campus. The health center is offering an alcohol-screening program, which provides 10 simple questions in order to assess a person’s drinking habits.

Also, a new feature named e-Chug has been created, which is an on-line fun self-assessment of students’ drinking habits.

A new car will also be displayed on campus as a symbol of Fresno State student’s reluctance to drink and drive.