It Is That Time of the (Academic) Year Again

Well, with the end of August comes the start of a new academic year, at least at schools on the semester system. Along with the start of the new year comes the addition of new recruits to the ranks of collegians...the incoming class of 2021...or 22 or 23 or 24 :)

These new recruits bring with them their high school attitudes, values, and beliefs, which will directly influence the decisions they make, especially during the first 6-weeks and likely through their entire 1st semester. Unfortunately, for some of these students, their "pre-arrival" attitude--and to borrow a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr, although with apologies for its use for purposes other than those intended by Dr. King--that we are...Free at last, free at last. Thank God we are free at last serves to make them vulnerable to the untoward consequences associated with the high-risk and dangerous drinking that too often accompanies no curfews and the absence of parental supervision. 

For others, their value system suggests that as consumers, college is an adventure, purchased like a trip and from which satisfaction is expected...and the guarantee of such the responsibility of campus staff, faculty, and administrators. Like the traveler on a cruise ship having purchased the "free drinks" package, these students expect to be entertained and provided unfettered access to all they have come to expect of their "cruise" through 4-years of college...or 5 or 6 or...

Still, others have unpacked belief systems that suggest, bad things do not happen to good people and because I am good people, bad things cannot happen to me. Unfortunately, this "bubble of security" tends to burst, too often early in their collegiate experience, perhaps as early as 24- to 48-hours after arriving on campus.

Now, with 30+ years of experience in higher ed and 45-years of experience altogether in working with AOD-related issues, I know the students I described above represent the minority. That said, this is a sizable minority nonetheless. As student affairs professionals we often find ourselves struggling to ensure that as few students become disillusioned during their collegiate experience...or more to the point, "injured," either emotionally or/and physically...as possible. For this reason, I have included a link to a workbook I developed, along with Tom Workman who at the time was at the University of Houston - Downtown. This workbook was designed to guide students through a decision-making process in order to minimize the likelihood of experiencing an untoward incident related to choices made during a collegiate experience.

Although the workbook targets "Edgework" specifically - find out more about edgework at http://bit.ly/2xGoZhc - this workbook may be useful as you work with students during the coming year.

If you have the time and believe me, I remember how precious a student affairs professional's time is...and how scarce...at this time of the year, I would love to hear from you regarding what you think of this workbook.

Dr. Robert