News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 10/12/04   SLU TO HOST ANNUAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK OCT. 18-21       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University will host “Alcohol Awareness Week" Oct. 18-21 with a series of events that blend education, awareness and fun to promote responsible and safe student behavior in relation to alcohol use.       The week’s events will include a reverse town hall meeting, when a university- community panel will query students about alcohol use and abuse; a visit to campus by a high tech drunk driving simulator; and – on a lighter note -- Mocktails, a non-alcoholic drink mixing competition.       “Wasted Behind the Wheel,” which is described as a visual and interactive education tool designed to promote alcohol and substance abuse awareness, will be open to student and community visitors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18 in the northwest parking lot of the War Memorial Student Union.       The simulator combines real life video footage and simulated motion to illustrate the consequences of driving drunk. It is sponsored by the university’s Campus Activities Board.       After visiting the simulator, students can write their impressions or other messages on a simulated brick wall in the union. Informational handouts on alcohol and drug abuse will also be available.       A panel is usually on the receiving end of questions, but in the table-turning “reverse town hall meeting,” scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19 in the Student Union ballroom, the panel will direct questions to the student audience. Previously, Southeastern has successfully used the “reverse” concept to stimulate discussion and awareness on the topics of alcohol and race relations.       Panelists for the town hall meeting are expected to include Southeastern President Randy Moffett, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards, 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux and Tangipahoa Parish Coroner Rick Foster. Tom Terrell, director of the University Counseling Center, will moderate.       The event is open to both the campus and community. Students may submit questions in advance to Alcohol Awareness Week chair Jim McHodgkins, assistant dean of student life, at 985-549-3792.       On Wednesday, Oct. 20, students can visit a poster display on alcohol abuse awareness topics created by students of health studies professor Ralph Wood. The display will be set up in the lobby of the Pennington Student Activity Center.       "Mocktails," a no-alcohol party with food, music and a contest among student organizations to see which can concoct the best non-alcoholic beverage, is scheduled for 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 21, also in the union mall. Prizes will be awarded for best tasting drink, best theme and best decorated booth while students enjoy free music, food and fun at a popular and often zany competition.      For additional information about Alcohol Awareness Week, contact McHodgkins at 985-549-3792.