West Virginia University

WVU Alcohol Policies

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention and Education at West Virginia University

WVU has taken great steps to ensure that all students have access to programs and support to help encourage responsible alcohol use and promote physical safety on campus. The Advisory Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs provides the following list of alcohol and substance abuse prevention and education efforts:

Education

  • University Health Service’s two prevention educators work closely with other campus units such as athletics, Greek affairs, residential education, and student organizations to provide integrated substance abuse programming.
  • University 101, a required orientation course for first-year students, includes alcohol/drug education.
  • Intercollegiate Athletics offers programming to all its teams on alcohol and other drugs through its CHAMPS/Life Skills program.
  • Parent Advocate provides helpful information to families of students; information is also sent via the Mountaineer Parents Club newsletter.
  • Community Medicine offers many outreach efforts, to high school students as well as those in college.
  • DPS provides educational programming throughout the academic year.
  • Prevention messages are provided through advertising and articles in the Daily Athenaeum, MIX, and in community handouts.

Prevention and Intervention

  • A regulated and limited fraternity party policy is in place.
  • University Health Service (UHS) has a Student Assistance Program (SAP) for assessment, treatment and referral of individuals with drug and alcohol problems. Students sent to the Judicial Office or in Residential Education who have on-campus alcohol violations are automatically referred to SAP.
  • The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, part of Student Affairs, provides confidential individual counseling.

Alternatives

  • WVUp All Night provides an attractive weekend alternative.
  • Student Affairs worked with student leaders to create FallFest, a welcome-back concert and celebration for students that replaced a former unsanctioned and unsafe block party.
  • The student tailgating lot near the football stadium operates successfully under careful regulations.
  • The Student Recreation Center offers many options for healthy, enjoyable alternative activities.
  • Adventure WV, an outdoor orientation program, includes substance abuse prevention efforts.

Enforcement

  • Strengthened Student Code of Conduct.
  • Students in violation of alcohol policies in the Residence Halls are subject to increased fines and community services hours, and their parents/families will be notified.
  • Increased security and police interaction with students in off-campus housing areas.