The week of October 16-20 is National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW). It is a time for higher education institutions to reflect on the use of alcohol in a community of learners and to ask hard questions about what we are doing to ensure that our campus is a healthy environment where students can grow and develop as responsible, productive citizens.

A summary of research prepared by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov) paints an alarming portrait of student life. Nationally, approximately 1,700 college students die each year because of alcohol-related injuries, almost 600,000 are injured while under the influence of alcohol, and more than 97,000 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. At AU, almost two-thirds of the violations of the Student Conduct Code last year were alcohol-related. On average, 25 to 30 AU students are transported to the hospital every year for alcohol-related conditions.

Binge drinking has a negative effect on our entire campus community. Students who drink irresponsibly are more likely to perform poorly in their classes and to place themselves at serious risk of injury or death. They also subject others to their inconsiderate and sometimes intimidating and illegal behavior. We all share responsibility for altering this dangerous and troubling aspect of campus life.

During National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, there will be a number of programs that contribute to our ongoing efforts to address the irresponsible use of alcohol in our campus culture. I encourage you to attend the NCAAW Keynote Address by Judge Mitch Crane on Wednesday, October 18, at 8:15 p.m. in Bender Arena. Judge Crane, who has spoken on more than 500 campuses nationally, will talk about legal issues related to alcohol abuse.

More information about this important issue and activities during NCAAW is available through the Office of the Dean of Students (x3300) and on the NCAAW Web site (www.american.edu/ocl/dos). The Counseling Center Web site (www.american.edu/ocl/counseling) has a resource page which includes a confidential online screening as well as listings of helpful materials and services. The Student Health Center offers medical assistance and referrals for students and information about health education programs through the Wellness Center (www.american.edu/ocl/dos/Wellness-Center.cfm). I urge members of the campus community to refer students at risk to these resources.