Promoting Reduced-Risk Alcohol Choices

PRAC:  A Campus-Community Coalition partnering together USM and the town of Gorham

The University of Southern Maine is one of countless institutions of higher education nationally to create a campus-community coalition to address issues surrounding alcohol and the college experience.  The goals of PRAC include the development of working partnerships between campus and community members, identifying and implementing strategies and efforts to reduce the negative impact of high-risk and underage alcohol use, and serving as a resource for the campus community regarding alcohol.

A Collaborative Approach:

Since its inception, the membership of PRAC has grown to include several departments within the USM community, as well as members of the Gorham community.  Participation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Students

• Gorham Police Department

• Hannaford of Gorham

• USM Police Department

• Faculty

• Athletics

• Department of Residential Life

• University Health Services

• Dean of Student Life Office

• Advising Services

• Human Resources

• Career Services

A Guiding Philosophy:

As a foundation for its discussions, initiatives, and overall process, PRAC utilizes USM's alcohol philosophy statement:

"U.S.M. recognizes that the role of alcohol in our community can be a potential obstacle to the personal and professional growth of individuals.  U.S.M. strives to create a campus climate that promotes social interactions that do not rely upon alcohol and seeks to encourage safe, healthy and responsible choices made with all members of the U.S.M. community in mind."

Accomplishments:

Examples of the coalition's accomplishments to date include the following:

• Developed and distributed an informational pamphlet to students as then entered the Gorham community during opening weekend in the fall

• Hosted a licensee conference for local alcohol vendors

• Established consistent alcohol-free social programming

• Investigated the prevalence of alcohol advertising in the community

• Increased the number of alcohol-free residence halls

• Improved communication and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and campus administrators

A Comprehensive Approach:

The efforts of PRAC are part of a larger, comprehensive approach on behalf of USM to address alcohol and other drug issues.  USM is an active participant in Maine's statewide initiative known as HEAPP (Higher Education Alcohol Prevention Partnership).  To learn more about USM's program, HEAPP, or other helpful resources, visit USM's alcohol webpage at the following address:  www.usm.maine.edu/alcohol

Opportunities for Involvement:

PRAC serves as a resource for the campus as well as for the greater Gorham community.  All meetings are open to the public, and new members are welcome.  For more information, please contact Paul Dexter, Assistant Dean of Student Life, at (207)780-5577, or via email at pdexter@usm.maine.edu