Rogers State University’s Student Affairs and Campus Activities Team (CAT) members are partnering this month to host a series of fun and educational events to teach students about the risks of drinking to excess.
Slated to begin Oct. 14, “Scared Sober October” is a weeklong initiative to promote making good choices involving alcohol and alcohol consumption, and to teach RSU students about the potential consequences of making bad choices.
“This (Scared Sober October) annual event aims to teach university students about the dangers of binge drinking, driving under the influence, and to educate them about non-alcoholic alternatives,” said Meg Thompson, RSU student activities coordinator. “It’s our hope that, equipped with information, our students learn howt to drink responsibly, should they choose to drink at all.”
Scheduled events will include:
Monday, Oct. 14-20: Alcohol 101+ Online Training
Students can participate in a cost-free digital alcohol education program designed to provide college students with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions around alcohol, including not drinking.
Throughout this self-guided program, students learn about core alcohol education topics and apply that knowledge using a series of interactive simulations and activities.
For more information about Alcohol 101+ Online Training, visit https://www.alcohol101.plus/
Monday, Oct. 14: Mocktails, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the DCTC Lobby
Students are invited to relax and enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail after a stressful class or day. Students will learn about the dangers of drinking to excess, including the critical signs of alcohol poisoning, common drinking myths and most importantly, how to drink sensibly.
Tuesday, Oct. 15: Shots for Sobriety, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the DCTC Lobby
RSU students are encouraged to attempt the pop-a-shot basketball or play giant basketball pong while wearing alcohol-impairment goggles. Students also will learn more about the dangers of drinking too much and may spin the prize wheel to win RSU prizes
Tuesday, Oct. 15: Cultural Dinner (UK), 5:15 p.m. in the Chapman Dining Hall
Students are welcome to enjoy a specially curated UK-inspired meal, while learning more about the various European cuisines being offered.
Wednesday, Oct. 16: Drunk Driving Simulator with the OHP, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DCTC Parking Lot
Students are invited to see for themselves how dangerous alcohol-impaired driving can be in the drunk-driving simulator golf cart course. This is an opportunity to learn about the critical signs of alcohol poisoning, drinking myths and responsible drinking. This event is sponsored by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Campus Activities Team.
Happening simultaneously will be Cookout with a Cop, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the DCTC Patio. At this event, students can enjoy free hot dogs and burgers while having a conversation with RSU Police, getting to know campus police officers and learn more about their role in protecting and serving the students, faculty and staff at the university. Social Justice League is assisting with the Cookout with a Cop event.
Thursday, Oct. 17: Sweet & Sober, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., DCTC Lobby
Various dessert items will be provided for students in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center lobby as a reminder that being sober isn’t just practical and safe, it can be sweet.
Friday, Oct. 18: Pumpkin Pick up for Painting Contest, beginning 10 a.m., DCTC lobby
Students can pick up a mini-pumpkin and pant it to go or decorate it and enter it in the pumpkin decorating contest, the details of which will be available at pumpkin pick up. Top entrants will be selected to win prizes.
Thompson said that, for as fun and educational as the week of events will be, the goal is to direct students to make responsible choices.
“We want to give our student body the opportunity to ask questions they might have and provide them with the necessary resources to enjoy their college experience on a more sober – and safe — path,” she said.
For more information about Rogers State University, visit www.rsu.edu.