An Examination of Alcohol and Other Drug Usage by Central Michigan University Undergraduate Students.

N

21

Alcohol Abuse; College Faculty; Drinking; Drug Use; Higher Education; Resident Advisers; Student Attitudes; Student Behavior; Teacher Attitudes; Undergraduate Students

This study was undertaken to obtain information on the alcohol consumption patterns of Central Michigan University undergraduates from the perspectives of the students themselves, residence hall staff, and academic faculty. Data were collected from 836 undergraduates, 113 residence hall staff members, and 96 faculty members. The student sample completed the Student Alcohol Usage Questionnaire; the residence hall staff and faculty samples completed the Observations Regarding Student Usage of Alcohol Questionnaire. The results revealed that most students reported consuming alcohol and that alcohol consumption resulted in problem behavior for many. Respondents indicated to varying degrees that they felt alcohol consumption was a problem for undergraduates at the university and that they were interested in learning more about alcohol-related issues. Most respondents felt that alcohol problems resulted in community residents having a negative image of the university. There was variable support for increased expenditures by the university for alcohol education and prevention. There was also support for having an alcohol education specialist on the staff. Additional evidence suggests that a significant number of students experienced problems due to using drugs other than alcohol, primarily marijuana and cocaine. Data tables and questionnaires used in the study are included, including responses. (NB)

1988

ED293044