Communications

To: Parents of First-Year Students

From: Susan E. Bruce, Director, U.Va. Center for Alcohol and Substance Education

Date: November 20, 2006

Re: Alcohol Education

Dear Parents of First-Year Students:

The University of Virginia is committed to educating students about alcohol use and how to make healthy decisions. Parents can be helpful in this process.

Research indicates that conveying parental expectations about alcohol use can counter some of the pressure students may feel to drink. The holiday break can be a good time for parents to continue conversations about their students’ experiences with U.Va.’s social environment.

As part of summer Orientation, many parents wrote messages on postcards to their sons and daughters about their hopes for them this year, especially around health and wellness issues. The Center for Alcohol and Substance Education (CASE) mailed the postcards six weeks into the semester to reinforce the importance of health-enhancing choices. All students received a postcard, either from a parent or with a message from CASE.

If you attended the “Health and Wellness” session during summer Orientation or if you created a postcard for your student, CASE would appreciate your feedback on the quality of these programs. Please take a moment to complete a brief online survey.

During the holiday break, keep in mind that you may have a more successful discussion with your son or daughter if you ask indirectly about the social scene rather than asking directly about your student’s alcohol use. Try asking “What do people in your suite/hall do for fun?” or “How do people get home safely?” Know that for many students, hearing nothing from their parents on questions of alcohol use can imply approval.

If your son or daughter would like to receive weekly announcements about alcohol-free events on Grounds and in the Charlottesville community, encourage them to join the Hoos-Sober listserve. Students can subscribe by e-mailing hoos-sober with “subscribe” in the subject line.

The Center for Alcohol and Substance Education appreciates your time and feedback. We hope you enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Susan E. Bruce

Director

U.Va. Center for Alcohol and Substance Education