NISG and Greeks to hold Safety Week to raise alcohol awareness among students

Safety Week, beginning March 8, is a new program branching out from alcohol awareness and will include the many resources the campus has to offer.

“Safety Week comes at a relevant time, before spring break, because we want to raise awareness to students, so they are responsible and safe while out,” said Northern Iowa Student Government President Adam Haselhuhn.

The week will be co-sponsored by the NISG and Greek Life.

“Overall, (it) is important for students to be informed about these activities. We are really happy that Greek Life approached us; it’s a natural fit. There are many leaders in NISG and Greek Life,” Haselhuhn said.

Volunteers will dress in black to commemorate alcohol-related deaths as part of March 8’s “Day of Silence.”

Other activities during the week include the event, “If You’re Cruisin’, Don’t Be Boozin’” led by Mark Rowe, the Wellness and Recreation Substance Abuse coordinator. The event will offer information as well as a look into the drunk goggles.

Wednesday, the program will offer a “Sexual Jeopardy” game to provide sexual awareness.

Thursday, there will be information tables and freebies of blood alcohol cards for students to utilize to monitor their drinking. Safe Ride schedule card freebies will also be distributed.

“We are giving out about 1,000 Safe Ride schedule IDs, so students can’t say they don’t know the schedule and drive while intoxicated as a result,” said Haselhuhn.

NISG Director of Greek Affairs and the Panhellenic Vice President of Activities Bailey Loebig felt Safety Week is not like activities the community has participated in before.

“We want to get past the (Greek) stereotypes and can achieve this in collaborating with the NISG, a respected organization,” said Loebig.

“This week differs from other activities in that the event is laid-back; it gives information to people and gets the word out there that we, as Greek students, have this on our minds,” continued Loebig. “College students like to have a good time, but also need to remember the consequences.”

Loebig hopes these events will encourage students to recognize their mortality.

“Invincibility. Students need to get away from this notion: ‘It won’t happen to me,’” said Loebig.