The Montana Board of Regents and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education approved the implementation of the online programs in May 2014 for all colleges and Universities in Montana. As a state, we are continually working to help educate our students in very important areas – alcohol education and healthy relationships/sexual assault. In addition, it’s important for students to have the tools and resources needed to take action as a bystander.

AlcoholEdu for College is an online science-based alcohol prevention program that provides a tailored educational experience focusing on the impact of alcohol on the mind and body, as well as sexual assault issues. Research supports AlcoholEdu for College as an effective tool in creating a healthy campus environment for all students (regardless of drinking behaviors). Used at over 400 colleges and universities across the country, data gathered from AlcoholEdu surveys indicates a significant improvement in alcohol-related behaviors. Students who have completed AlcoholEdu for College at other campuses are much less likely to develop alcohol problems or experience negative consequences (e.g. vomiting, hangover, missing class, injuries) as a result of drinking.

According to the “college effect,” student drinking patterns change upon arrival at college. Providing students with access to an informative and developmentally appropriate alcohol education program at this critical time represents just one piece of a comprehensive institutional initiative to address issues related to alcohol on campus. This program will enable the University to gather valuable data about our students that will be shared with campus stakeholders each year.

The program is composed of surveys, knowledge tests, and alcohol-related information. In Part 1 you will complete Chapters 1-3, two surveys, and two knowledge tests. In Part 2 you will complete the final chapter and survey.

Topics include:

  • How media, family, and social expectations shape ideas and behaviors
  • Body/health factors including blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
  • Potential risks associated with problem drinking such as violence and drinking and driving
  • The potential impact of alcohol on academic performance and relationships
  • How to make healthy choices, deal with peer pressure, and find help
  • Helpful resources, such as a BAC calculator and reference guides about alcohol and other drugs that students can access at any time
  • Common myths about sexual assault and rape
  • Definition of consent
  • The link between sexual assault and alcohol

Customized by gender, drinking pattern, level of awareness, and student choices, the AlcoholEdu for College program content is relevant to each student. For example, the program pathway is different for students whose initial responses categorize them as abstainers, high risk, or moderate drinkers.

Alcohol misuse and abuse have been key health issues on college campuses across the country. Part of creating a healthy community is providing campus-wide approaches to health and using tools such as AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates or the Adult Learner for College. Montana State University Billings and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education takes its responsibility to ensure your health and safety seriously – we want to work together with you to create the healthiest campus possible but also to provide the tools and education that you can take with you for life. MSU Billings is committed to providing an academic environment where everyone can live, study, work, and have fun safely.

Requirements

  • AlcoholEdu: All new Freshmen, new Transfer students and all new Graduate students are required to complete this module.
  • Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates or the Adult Learner: All new Freshmen, all new Transfer students and all new Graduate students are required to complete this module. If you are a survivor of any interpersonal violence and feel triggered from taking this section, please contact the Director of Student Health Services to discuss exemption options. SHS Director: Darla Tyler-McSherry (406) 657-2564.

If you have completed AlcoholEdu, Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates or the Adult Learner as a student on another campus, please contact Student Health Services at everfi@msubillings.eduor 406.657.2153 for verification.

Students will receive an email with log in information.

Students will also receive an automated e-mail approximately 45 days after you complete Part 1 reminding you to login in and complete Part 2.  You will need to complete Part 1 of each program by the end of your first enrolled term.

August
Course Opens
Monday, August 17

September
Part 1 Due
Wednesday, September 6

October
Part 2 Due
Friday, October 20

Registration holds for Spring semester 2024 will only be placed on accounts if Part 1 is incomplete.

To pass, you must receive a score of 75% or higher on Part 1 and Part 2. You will need to retake the program if you do not receive a score of 75% or higher.

You will need to retake the program. Successful completion of AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates or the Adult Learner for College includes passing the knowledge exam and completing the final chapter and survey. If you have documented learning or physical disability which requires an accommodation, please contact Disability Support Services at (406) 657-2283 (voice phone) or 406) 545-2518 (Video Phone).

The 45 day wait is in place in order to have students apply the knowledge from the program to their specific college environment. This allows students the opportunity to initiate behavior change, make healthy choices and/or assist a friend. Students are then assessed at the end of the wait period and program to see what changes or differences were made due to the knowledge they gained in the program. 

It is important that we get a 100% completion rate, and as such, we will be tracking compliance and following up with those students who do not fulfill this request. While we do not expect this to be an issue, students will receive a hold on their course registration if they choose not to complete and pass the program. To pass the program, students must receive a score of 75% or higher on Part 1. Students will need to retake the program if they do not receive a score of 75% or higher.

Additional Questions

Even if you don't drink, you may still be impacted by alcohol use and sexual assault issues in the college environment. AlcoholEdu for College provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don't drink, you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choice. AlcoholEdu for College will also provide you with important information regarding coping with potential drinking behavior of your peers. You may also learn new information about proven prevention theories and educational strategies to understand the many aspects of the sexual assault issues and unwanted sexual behavior that is prevalent on campuses across the country.

Alcohol use in the college environment has the potential to affect everyone. Even if you don't drink you may be impacted by the potential drinking behavior of your peers. AlcoholEdu for College provides personalized paths through the program so if you don't drink, you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choice.

AlcoholEdu for College includes three surveys that offer you feedback on your alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are strictly confidential; MSU Billings will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will NEVER see any individual student's answers. Students need to pass the program exams with an 75% passing grade or higher to acknowledge completion of the program. The AlcoholEdu for College administrator at MSU Billings will receive your score on the exam, but this is the only information ever matched with your identity. Your parents will not have access to any information (including your score on the knowledge exam) unless you choose to share it with them.

During the surveys, you will be asked if you would like more information about specific MSU Billings organizations. If you click "yes," you will receive information (via e-mail) regarding only the selected organizations. Your e-mail address cannot be tied to your AlcoholEdu for College scores or any other information.

A textbook and materials are not needed. Everything that you need is provided to you online through the program.

You will not receive college course credit for AlcoholEdu for College and Sexaul Assault Prevention. This program is designed to increase your knowledge, abilities, and skills pertaining to high-risk alcohol use and behaviors in such an environment. It is an expectation of MSU Billings and expected of any new student entering the University. The program is designed for population-level prevention and is meant to assist students, MSU Billings, and the community in creating a safe and healthy environment for all to live, work, and study.

Course Problems/ Technical Difficulties

While we don’t anticipate students having any trouble using the site, should they experience any difficulties or require support, the Vector Online Technical Support Center is available M-F 9:00-5:00 EST at 1-800-434-0154 ext 3. 

NOTE: You MUST use a laptop or desktop computer and one of these web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari. This course is NOT compatible with mobile devices, Net Books or iPads. Only have the window with AlcoholEdu and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates or the Adult Learner with no other apps running, including no music, DVD's, FB, G-chat, etc. The course is not currently compatible with Internet Explorer.

 

Questions? Please contact the Student Health Services office at 406-657-2153 or e-mail everfi@msubillings.edu.