Services are designed to educate students about the negative consequences of substance use by utilizing harm-reduction strategies and skill building, as well as correcting misperceptions that many students hold about college alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.
Students can receive individual counseling to explore the use of alcohol and other mood-altering substances. They are able to explore use of substances openly and to receive personal feedback about alcohol and drugs in a safe, secure setting. All client information is held in confidence (see confidentiality). In addition, a weekly student alcohol and substance abuse support group is offered. One of the benefits of this group is the peer feedback provided by the participants.
TIPS is a skills training program specifically designed for college students. The emphasis of the training is on how to handle situations in which individuals have misused alcohol. The materials are focused on the college environment and how your actions can prevent alcohol-related problems. For legal-aged students it will provides the opportunity to learn how to create a responsible drinking environment. The class is a pre-requisite for the campus registration process.
Colgate offers an in-depth guide for parents to learn how to talk to their children about alcohol and its use on campus:
A Parent Handbook for Talking With College Students About Alcohol