Last year two New Mexico State University students, Steven Judd and Christopher P. Berry, died of alcohol poisoning. Excessive alcohol consumption by NMSU college students on and off campus is nothing new, but the university’s approach to the issue is.

The Wellness, Alcohol & Violence Education Program, or WAVE, uses peer educators, NMSU students who spend 20 hours a week instructing their fellow students with presentations on wellness, alcohol and violence topics. They also man information tables at Corbett Center and host campus events that provide a safe, non-alcoholic recreational alternative for students.
 

“Unfortunately, tragedy enabled us to become what we are,” says program coordinator Jessica Adkisson. “In one year NMSU has gone from a single issue program, to the administration focusing all their resources on getting the program going.” 

Sarah Marquez is a NMSU sophomore majoring in English, and works with the WAVE Program through alcohol education taught to freshman in Eng 111 courses.
“It’s a slow process and sometimes it’s hard to see the progress, but it’s very rewarding to see students receptive and appreciative of what we are teaching them,” Marquez said.

The WAVE program is located on campus and works with on campus housing, organizations -including the local Greek chapters- as well as faculty and parents to provide students with knowledge to make safe decisions. They offer materials such as drink/weight index charts, condoms labeled with responsibility messages, and other information to help keep students safe.

“We want there to be a place where you can get help, ask questions, and know that it’s okay to do so,” Adkisson said. “We’ve got a lot of anecdotal evidence that shows we are making a difference”.
 

“It’s not just a university issue, it’s a community issue,” says coordinator Casey Atkins. “Until communities decide that alcohol abuse is no longer culturally acceptable, the problem cannot be fully addressed.”

A survey conducted on NMSU students in November of 2005 showed that 62.9 percent of underage students (younger than 21) admitted to consuming alcohol in the previous 30 days. 44.8 percent of all students reported binge drinking in the previous two weeks. A binge is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in one sitting.

“Drinking affects every aspect of your life,” said Adkisson. Among other issues facing students as a result of, or affecting by drinking are DWI/DUIs, vandalism, violence, sexual assault, suicidal thoughts and poor academic and athletic performance.

Currently, the program is working with Free and the Stonewall Coalition to sponsor Sex & Gender Awareness month. Together, these organizations are hosting events such as the Vagina Monologues, Love Your Body Day and Sex is Not a Four-letter Word.

“These events are geared toward awareness and respect for one’s own and for other people’s sexuality. Sexuality is generally a taboo subject; we are trying to help people be comfortable with sexual health in general,” said Marquez.

“The Vagina Monologues” by playwright Eve Ensler will be held February 18th and 18th at 7 pm in Hardman Hall 106. This production is part of the National V-Day Rally which has raised over $30 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it. These funds go to support educational media, safe houses around the world, and over 5,000 community-based anti-violence programs.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s performances will go to benefit Amigos de la Mujeres de Juarez. Admission is $8.00 for non-students, and $6.00 for students.

Love Your Body Day will take place February 23rd. A series of meet-and-greet daylong events, including tabling, belly dancers, drag queens, free contraceptives, and
information sheets across the NMSU campus.

The day will end with an event at 6pm in the Women’s Studies Center, room 286 on the 2nd floor of the Science Hall at NMSU. Admission is free. Kate Cunningham, a former toy designer from Good Vibes will speak about gender, sexuality, and safe sex. Shirley Judson from Planned Parenthood will be discussing birth control options and the political aspect of reproductive choice.

“There has to be a way for people to make a mistake and recover. Unless everyone works together, the problem won’t be solved,” Adkisson said.

For more information on this and other events, visit their website www.nmsu.edu/~wave, or stop by the WAVE office in Monagle Hall at the West Entrance near the International Mall.

For feedback, Megan Gordon can be contacted at gordon.meg@gmail.com

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