Discussion Topics

As family members, your support and discussion with your student about the risks and consequences associated with alcohol and drug use prior to their transition to campus is very effective. Although many students choose not to drink, they may still be exposed to risky situations that may include the consumption of alcohol during their college experience. It helps if a student knows they can talk to a parent openly about alcohol.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips for a productive, meaningful, conversation with your student before they arrive at Missouri S&T: 

 

Communicate the "why". Why is this important to you, and where does it fit into your hopes for your student’s college experience? Connect the topic of substance use to other conversations you have had with your child about transitioning into college life. Here are some great resources on creating conversation among parents and college students along with five conversation goals. 

Set clear expectations. Studies show that parents and legal guardians have a significant impact on their student’ drinking behaviors in college.

 

Know and discuss relevant University policies and the Standard of Conduct with your student. It’s also important for students to understand what is considered a standard drink. 

Discuss

Making students aware of the relationship between alcohol, sleepiness, and GPA that exists in college is valuable (Singleton & Wolfson, 2009)

    1. Risky consumption is associated with lower GPA, and students at research universities who are heavy episodic drinkers are less likely to be engaged in interactions with faculty  (Porter & Prior, 2007)

    2. Frequency of binge drinking is associated with lower grades in the college setting (Pascarella, et al., 2007)

Educate your student about the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to obtain assistance – for themselves, a friend, or roommate. Students can benefit from signing up for STEP UP! bystander Intervention training program to foster a culture of awareness, intervention, and inclusion. 

Discuss your family history with substance use. It is important for students to know if there is a history of alcohol misuse or other substance misuse in the family so they can create a plan and access on campus resources accordingly.

Support your student throughout their S&T experience.  This is critical and particularly important in the first six weeks of the semester. Learn about UCARE, S&T's centralized referral source for student support along with the robust well-being resources available to support your student’s success.  We ask that you encourage your student to engage early and often with these services and resources.

  • 3 out of 4 S&T students who choose to drink, avoid high-risk alcohol consumption

  • 35% of S&T students have never consumed alcohol.     

  • The majority of S&T students avoid higher risk co-use of combined alcohol and other drugs

  • Most S&T students do not use cannabis or other drugs


    Source: Missouri College Health Behavior Survey [MACHB] 2023, N = 443

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