Mercyhurst College
Erie, PA 16546
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA 16546
(814) 824-2000
Coalition Representatives
Sarah Allen, Asst. Director of the Student Union
Sam Barlekoff, Asst. Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct
Why We’re Involved…
Mercyhurst College recognizes the impact of underage and high-risk drinking among it’s students and it’s community. In the past, college efforts to mitigate the risks of alcohol misuse have focused primarily on campus engagement; popular research, however, also indicates a need to address the prevalence of alcohol in the larger community. By partnering with Gannon University and Penn State Erie - The Behrend College, Mercyhurst hopes to foster a local community that prevents underage and high-risk alcohol use.
What We’re Doing On Our Campus…
A wide variety of campus efforts focus on promoting the safe and responsible use of alcohol for students who choose to drink. All incoming freshmen are required to take a 3 1/2 hour, interactive, online alcohol education module called AlcoholEdu for College. The course emphasizes responsible alcohol use and promotes strategies for students to make informed decisions. In tandem with this course, the Residence Life staff conducts its Get Caught! campaign, randomly stopping freshmen across campus and quizzing them about information presented in the online course. Students who answer correctly win prizes ranging from cash to gift cards.
Mercyhurst also conducts two alcohol awareness weeks through the office of the Student Union & Student Activities. The first week is held in conjuction with National Alcohol Awarenss Week in October. The latter is held around St. Patrick’s Day. Both weeks are filled with campus events, speakers, and educational campaigns to promote responsible alcohol use.
Students who are found responsible for violating campus alcohol policies are adjudicated through the Student Conduct Office. Penalities for violations include fines and community service requirements. In addition, students are required to complete additional alcohol education requirements.
Students who are experiencing personal problems associated with alcohol abuse are encouraged to attend counseling at the Mercyhurst Counseling Center. The college’s Campus Ministry Staff also offers a support group entitled Let’s Talk About Alcohol mimics the 12-step approach widely recognized for addiction recovery.
Campus programming efforts also seeks to provide alternative, safe social opportunities and environments for students. The Student Activities Council (SAC) hosts a wide variety of late-night events throughout the academic year — dance parties, contests, comedians, tourneys, and off-campus trips are just a few of popular events students enjoy. Resident Assistants (RAs) conduct over 600 programs a year in campus residential areas.
