Trick or treat? The consumption of alcohol on a school night could go either way, but it can be particularly tricky when that night is Halloween. That’s why the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) program filled the University Student Union Wednesday to educate the student body on partying safely during one of the most popular days on a college campus.
Halloween is not normally thought of as a time for learning, but the ATOD had other ideas. For the third consecutive year, it hosted Octsoberfest, an event created to teach people how to party in a safe manner. The timing of the occasion helps serve as a reminder to every student.
“The event is designed to help students make wise decisions while partying,” said ATOD coordinator Ralph Davis.
Originally, Octsoberfest began as a kick-off program for a grant, but the continued success of the program has made it an annual event.
This year, several student groups were active in Octsoberfest. Among them were Program Council, Project Choice and Students Active in Community Health (SACH). Although partying safely was each faction’s main topic, some expressed concern in other areas of student safety education.
But despite the presence of educators and student organizations, Octsoberfest is not just about education.
Project Choice raised the issue of alcohol awareness. More specifically, it wanted to show the effects drinking has on judgment and motor skills. To do this, students at the Project Choice booth were given “drunk goggles.” The goggle-wearing participants were then challenged to a ball-throwing contest. The activity showed how drastic of an effect alcohol can have, but it was also a game
“We wanted to create a festival-like atmosphere,” Davis said.
The SACH also handed out “ze mad scientists.” These “mocktails”, consisting of various non-alcoholic beverages, poked fun at the party atmosphere. All activities promoted not only the importance of safety, but also having a good time.
Despite the timing of the event, the ATOD’s message hopes to extend beyond Halloween. It’s something the school hopes will stay with students throughout their lives.
“We want to encourage safe partying not just during Halloween,” said Simone Silva of the Program Council. “We’re talking about partying in general.”
Octsoberfest seemed to get its point across to the CSULB community. Students who attended seemed to be receptive to the presentation.
“I enjoyed the experience,” said senior finance major Pawel Gwizdala. “They were trying to send a message to us, but didn’t shove anything in our face. It was pretty relaxed. Plus, they gave us free stuff.”
For more information about Octsoberfest, contact the ATOD, Program Council, SACH or Project Choice.
