Here are some tips as we start the school year: 

• Don’t worry about starting the conversation: Asking them about their alcohol choices will rarely lead to them choosing to consume more alcohol. Having open conversations relating to their decisions about substance use is incredibly important to get them the practice to share those with other people in their lives. It is much better to have an uncomfortable conversation about what their alcohol use might be rather than a conversation after they participate in unsafe behaviors.  
• Remember the facts: Alcohol and other drugs can cause harm to your body. That is a fact, and it is ok to want your student to be safe and healthy. It is ok to tell your student the ways that alcohol can negatively impact their mental and physical health. Get comfortable sharing that you disapprove of unsafe substance use, and share that you disapprove because you want them to be healthy.   
• Reject the myth that it is a part of college: Challenge the norm that binge drinking, underage drinking, and risky substance use are a part of college life. Avoid sharing stories about times you engaged in these behaviors, and instead have conversations about what they plan on doing. 
• Empower them to make good choices: It can be hard for even the most seasoned adults to set boundaries and say “no”. Tell them how important it is to talk with their friends about their boundaries with substances, and make sure they are making friends who look out for them. 

Conversation starters: 

• How is move-in going? Do you like your roommates? 
• Have you been in any situations with alcohol? How did that feel? 
• Have you thought about your boundaries with alcohol? I want to make sure you’re safe, I know these conversations with friends can be difficult! 
• Have you looked into any events on campus to make friends that don’t involve alcohol? I heard Pilots After Dark is fun! 
• How have you managed the stress of the beginning of the academic year? I want to let you know that I’m here for you if you need to brainstorm healthy coping strategies. 

Counseling Updates 

UP has hired new counseling staff, and we are working on a bunch of wonderful changes to our Counseling Center to provide new and exciting programming. They will be open 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday to any UP student. If your student needs to make an appointment, they can come into the building in the Upper Level of Orrico Hall, or they can call at (503)943-7134. The Counseling team is dedicated to supporting your students’ mental health and academic success while helping them flourish as human beings and empowering them to actively engage in their mental health journey. 

For updates on new programming at the counseling center check out their website: www.up.edu/counseling