The extension of a popular beer promotion in New Brunswick means students returning to post-secondary campuses will be able to buy in – and universities are making plans to address it.
Sarah Rothman with UNB Student Services says alcohol is always top of mind for university officials during welcome back celebrations.
She says the university is approaching the issue of alcohol on campus as it always does, with peer-to-peer training.
“We train well over 400 students each September and that really gives them a framework to recognize signs of intoxication, recognize when they need to intervene, how best to intervene, and if they even need to intervene at all,” says Rothman.
Alcohol is also banned at orientation events at UNB, just like many other universities in the region.
Some universities take the ban even further. In 2004, St. Thomas University took the step of banning alcohol everywhere on campus during orientation week.
The university says the goal of the full alcohol ban on campus is to ensure that nobody is under pressure to do anything they don't want to, while trying to meet new people.
Jeremy Keats is in charge of Saint Thomas University’s welcome week. He says initially the ban wasn't too popular when introduced.
“Students react to it positively,” says Keats. “Now it’s become almost habit. The leaders know there will be no alcohol during welcome week and the first years, they don’t come in expecting it.”
Officials hope students get a solid education on alcohol as soon as they arrive.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
