- Parents Corner - A Family Guide
Parent and University Partnership
While our studies show the majority of UNH students come to college having already tried alcohol (90%), many do not drink (28%), and others do not engage in high-risk drinking (56%).* For those who do drink, the negative consequences are significant. It is hard to predict who those students will be. The University of New Hampshire is strongly committed to your student’s success and healthy development. It is our desire to work in partnership with you to initiate conversations with your student around alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in an effort to reduce their risk and create a safe and healthy community in which to learn and grow.
Your Opinion Matters
Parents continue to have a great influence on their college-age students. Voicing your opinion about underage drinking, safety around prescription drugs and encouraging your student to avoiding illegal drugs will affect the choices they make at college. It is important for your student to know how you feel about these issues. Use the tips below to start a conversation about AOD issues, academic performance and their role and responsibility as a member of the UNH community.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Examine your own attitude and beliefs around AOD
- Role model low risk drinking
- Be prepared to initiate many ongoing discussions
- Talk face-to-face rather than over the phone or email
- Provide accurate facts regarding AOD use
- Avoid scare tactics– they don’t work
- Create “teachable moments” from TV or news
- Ask open ended questions (what do you think about...?)
- Listen calmly without interruption or preaching
- Allow student to express their ideas and concerns
- Help process the pros and cons of AOD use
- Discuss potential scenarios they may encounter
Perception vs. Reality
As part of our partnership with parents, we ask that you help us correct misperceptions surrounding alcohol use. It’s common for many students to think that “everyone on the campus drinks,” however, this is a misperception. Research has shown that students tend to have an exaggerated view of how much other students drink. Students who believe these misperceptions often feel pressured to drink more to fit in with their peers. The reality is that most of our students make great choices and decisions and only a small percentage are drinking in high-risk ways.
Correcting Misperceptions
- 26% of UNH students report that they do not typically drink alcohol each week yet only 2% report that they believe this to be true*
- 64% of UNH students report that they drink once per week • or not at all yet 87% of students report that they believe the typical student “parties” two or more nights per week*
- 56% of UNH students report that they limit their alcohol drinks • to 0-4 drinks yet 49% report that they believe it was double that at 10 or more alcoholic drinks each week*
- 86% of NH college students do not get in trouble with police, • residence hall staff, or other school authorities as a result of substance use*
Alcohol and UNH
Before Your Student Arrives on Campus
Review the federal and state laws and University policies regarding alcohol, illegal and prescription drug use. Make sure your student understands that penalties may include formal charges on ones permanent record, monetary fines, mandated alcohol/other drugs classes, possible eviction and loss of scholarship or financial aid.
After Your Student Arrives on Campus
- Communicate frequently with your student especially during the first six weeks of school
- Ask how they are spending their time and express your views on anything you hear that sounds unsafe or unhealthy
- Remind students of their career goals and what they hope to achieve
- Provide positive feedback on their involvement in low risk activities (clubs, non-alcohol events, volunteering, working, etc.)
Where to Draw the Line
We care about the health, safety and success of students, but we also care about the welfare of the campus and community. Students have a responsibility to their campus community. When a student’s behavior violates the student Code of Conduct or laws, they will be held accountable.
Parental Notification at UNH
To reduce the incidence of high risk drinking on campus, and forge a stronger partnership with parents, you will be notified by letter if your student has been charged with an alcohol and/or other drug related violation by the Campus Police, Durham Police or the Office of Conduct and Mediation.
The Partnership
We hope to work corroboratively with you to help your student make the most of his or her college years. UNH provides a number of resources aimed at supporting you and your student in dealing with alcohol-related issues. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact, or refer your student to any of the following resources:
- Office of Health Education and Promotion,
Health Services
Responsible for alcohol & other drugs Education and support services including confidential individual counseling and referrals to support group meetings.
603-862-3823 - UNH Counseling Center
603-862-2090 - UNH Police Department
603-862-1427 - Office of Conduct and Mediation
603-862-3377 - Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program (SHARPP)
800-735-2964 (Confidential)
- Department of Residential Life
603-862-2268
- After Hours: Non-Alcohol Activities
- Durham Police
603-868-2324
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on alcohol and other drugs related information at UNH, please visit the following Web sites:
- UNH Campus Safety, Alcohol & Illegal Drugs
- UNH Students Rights Rules and Responsibilities
- Choices Matter Video
- UNH Scholarship Policy
- MyStudentBody: Online Alcohol Education Program
- Health Services: Alcohol Information
- Health Services: Other drugs Information
- UNH Student Organization Services
- Inside Scoop - Student Life at UNH
Download Family Guide: Exploring the Realities of Alcohol at UNH...
*New Hampshire Higher Education Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Survey, Spring 2009
