FAQs
Why is CU-Boulder asking incoming students to take this course? Alcohol is a key health issue on all college and university campuses. Part of creating a healthy community is providing campus-wide approaches to health and using tools such as AlcoholEdu for College. The University takes its responsibility to ensure your health and safety seriously – we want to with you to create the healthiest campus possible. By completing this course, all incoming students will have an appropriate and accurate understanding of alcohol and the potential for alcohol abuse. CU-Boulder is committed to providing an academic environment where everyone can live, study, work and have fun safely.
Why did you choose AlcoholEdu? AlcoholEdu is a science-based alcohol prevention course that provides a tailored educational experience focusing on the impact of alcohol on the mind and body. Research supports AlcoholEdu as an effective tool in creating a healthy campus environment for all students. Students who have completed AlcoholEdu at other campuses are less likely to develop alcohol problems or experience negative consequences (vomiting, hangover, missing class, injuries) as a result of drinking.
When can I begin the course? July 20, 2009
Why do I have to wait 45 days to complete Part 2? The 45 day wait is in place so students can apply the knowledge from the course to their specific college environment. This allows students the opportunity to initiate behavior change, make healthy choices, or assist a friend. Students are then assessed at the end of the waiting period to see what changes or differences were made due to the knowledge they gained in the course.
What is included in the course?
What do I have to do to complete AlcoholEdu? You will need to complete the first portion of the course (Modules 1-4 as well as two surveys and two knowledge tests) by August 20, 2009. This will take approximately 2.5 hours and we recommend that you complete it in multiple sittings. Approximately 45 days later, you will receive an automatically generated email, asking you to complete the course. At this time, you will need to log in again to complete Part 2 (Module 5 and Survey 3). The entire course must be completed by October 15, 2009. NOTE: Completing AlcoholEdu requires passing the knowledge exam and finishing Survey 3. Only once you’ve finished Part 2 have you completed the program.
What will happen if I complete AlcoholEdu? Voluntary completion of the course may be considered a mitigating factor, if in the future, you are found to have violated the Student Conduct Code.
How do I login? Start by visiting www.colorado.edu/alcohol and click on the ‘Accessing AlcoholEdu’ tab. Select the appropriate instructions for the group which you are a member. Go to college.alcoholedu.com/login.aspx and under New User, enter your login ID. Should you experience any difficulties or require support, simply click on the "Help" button located in the upper right-hand corner of every AlcoholEdu screen or call 1-866-384 9062
I don’t drink. Do I still need to complete AlcoholEdu? Yes. All incoming students at CU-Boulder are completing the course. Even if you don’t drink, you may still be impacted by alcohol use in the college environment. AlcoholEdu provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don’t drink, you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choice. AlcoholEdu will also provide you with important information regarding coping with potential drinking behavior of your peers. Reminder: Part 1 needs to be completed by August 20, 2009.
I don’t have computer access at home. Do I still need to complete the course? Yes. To take AlcoholEdu, you will need computer with Internet access and audio capabilities. If you do not have access to a computer, you can use any publicly available computer with Internet access and audio capabilities. Public computers are often available in your local public library, copy center, or community center.
Can you tell me where on campus I can use a computer to complete AlcoholEdu? At CU-Boulder you can access computers on campus in Norlin Library, UMC Ground floor lab and in the ALTEC lab in Hellems. Please visit webdata.colorado.edu/labs/map/listlabs.php for a complete list of computer labs on campus.
What do I do if I have trouble with the site? While we don’t anticipate you having any trouble accessing the course/site, should you experience any difficulties or require support, the AlcoholEdu Online Technical Support Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply click on the "Help" button located in the upper right-hand corner of every AlcoholEdu screen or call 1-866-384 9062. You do not need to be logged into the course to access the Help Site.
What does it take to pass the course? A score of 80% or higher is required on the Exam. If needed, there are instructions for retaking the course under the Troubleshooting Guide
What happens if I don’t pass the exam? You will need to retake exam (unlimited access) to achieve a score of 80%. Successful completion of AlcoholEdu includes passing the knowledge exam and completing Part 2. If you have documented learning needs that require an accommodation please contact Jane Curtis at aod@colorado.edu.
How much does it cost? There is no charge to you to complete AlcoholEdu. The University is also making the course available to other campus groups, including Upper Division students, athletes, faculty, Greeks, Resident Assistants, staff and community members.
What is the deadline for completing the course? You should complete the majority (Modules 1-4) of the course before you arrive on campus August 20, 2009. You will receive an automated email approximately 45 days after you complete Part 1 reminding you to login in and complete Part 2. The entire course must be completed by October 15, 2009.
Do I have to do the follow-up survey and Module 5? Yes. Only after you have passed the knowledge exam at the end of Part 1 and completed Part 2 are you considered finished with AlcoholEdu.
My religious beliefs forbid alcohol use. Do I still have to take the course? All incoming first-year students need to complete AlcoholEdu. Alcohol use in the college environment has the potential to affect everyone. Even if you don’t drink you may be impacted by the potential drinking behavior of your peers. AlcoholEdu provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don’t drink, you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choice.
Who will see my answers? How is the data kept? Will my parents be told what I report? AlcoholEdu includes three surveys that offer you feedback on your alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are strictly confidential; CU-Boulder will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will never see any individual student's answers. Because we require you to pass the knowledge exam, the AlcoholEdu administrator at CU-Boulder will receive your score on the exam. This is the only information matched with your identity. Your parents will not have access to any information (including your score on the knowledge exam) unless you choose to share it with them.
Are there any restrictions pertaining to age? Students under the age of 18 at the time of starting the course will not participate in any of the surveys and will not be included in the aggregate data due to legal issues. You still need to complete the course within the deadlines provided.
Who is the AlcoholEdu Administrator? The AlcoholEdu Administrator is Jane Curtis, Director of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Program. You may contact her by phone at 303-492-5703 or via email at aod@colorado.edu.
Do I need a textbook or materials for this course? No – a textbook and materials are not needed. Everything that you need is provided to you online through the course.
Do I need to register through the University for AlcoholEdu? No, there is no need for registration through the University to participate in this course.