Assessment

Assessing College Student Alcohol Use

Client Profile
A large university was experiencing alcohol related issues on campus and was seeking to develop effective prevention and remediation strategies that would ensure the safety and well being of students.

Challenge/Situation
School administrators and faculty were aware of students’ alcohol use anecdotally, yet lacked “hard data” on the frequency of student alcohol use, its consequences, and how best to respond to the issue. Campus personnel also lacked information on whether their existing binge and underage drinking prevention strategies were making any difference.

Services Provided
EVALCORP designed and implemented a comprehensive multi-method needs

assessment study

. Data were gathered from students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators. An inventory of data on student alcohol use, related consequences, and existing and needed services was developed. Multiple forums and focus groups were held with school personnel and students to review findings from the assessment process.

Results/Value Added
As a result of the study, new policies were developed and implemented on campus. Within two years of the assessment, student alcohol related problems declined significantly. The university utilized findings from the needs assessment report to attract new funding, and ultimately, increase campus safety. The university continues to monitor student alcohol use based on the assessment methods and tools developed by EVALCORP.