WSU freshman to be schooled on healthy partying

This fall, Cougars will get an education on how to
party.

Washington State University is planning on doing more to
ensure that incoming freshmen are better prepared to make
healthy choices when it comes to drugs, alcohol, and sex.

The approach is called “harm reduction.”

John Fraire, WSU’s vice president of student affairs, says
the emphasis on student safety results from an increase in
substance and sex abuse taking place on the Pullman campus
and throughout the country in recent years.

“If you’re going to drink, how to drink in a way that
doesn’t cause problems in your life or someone else’s
life,” says Dr. Bruce Wright executive directive of Heath
and Counseling Services at WSU about the program. “How do
you integrate that in your lifestyle so that you’re still
able to succeed and thrive in the university setting?”

Beginning this fall, every incoming freshman will
participate in a mandatory orientation session to discuss
topics related to sexual abuse.

“We know [students are] going to have fun. But, we’re
really trying to give them some education that gives them
some things to think about,” says Wright.

Students will learn about WSU’s rules regarding sexual
misconduct and about the effect alcohol can have on
decision-making abilities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.