Design Presentations and Visuals to Raise Awareness

Students, Faculty - Staff, and Community Members

Campus presentations can be an effective tool for establishing a “norm” on campus of responsible, legal behavior regarding alcohol use.  Using a graphic program like Power Point or something similar, students can design a presentation that highlights relevant facts and statistics as well as policies and penalties that could be given to a variety of student organizations, including residence halls, Greeks, athletes, incoming freshmen or other key groups.

A great way to make a real impact is combine your presentation with a visual that will highlight a specific statistic.  Using what is called “social math,” you can take numbers and give them a tangible meaning.  For example, calculate the estimated cost of a MIP (minor in possession) or public intoxication charge, including lawyer fees, fines, lost wages, etc.   Then using that number, determine what else that amount of money could buy like pizzas, music downloads, tennis shoes, or other relevant purchases for college students.  Then stack the boxes, CD cases, shoes, or whatever you decide down the sidewalks of the campus or set up a display in the student union.

Another social math example could be to create a visual that acknowledges some of the damages of college drinking.  In the U.S. in 2005, more than 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 were assaulted by another student who had been drinking.  Think creatively about that figure.  Is it the population of a city in your state? What could you buy if that amount were dollars?  Identify a powerful example of something that will bring home statistics to students then create a visual in a place they are sure to see -- an ad in the campus newspaper or a visual at the entrance of the campus.