Motivating Campus Change

MC2-Motivating Campus Change-is an ongoing research project evaluating three unique alcohol education programs at the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College.

Since 1999, nearly 5,000 students each year have been randomly selected to participate on each campus. Both students who drink and those who do not drink are eligible to participate. More on the MC2 survey.

MC2 researchers at WWU follow stringent guidelines set forth by the Human Subjects Review Boards at both the University of Washington and WWU to ensure the confidentiality of students who participate. These measures reduce risk of harm and increase the benefits to WWU students. View the MC2 consent form.

The MC2 survey results each year are used to promote accurate alcohol use norms, via advertising (link to the ads) in the student newspaper and poster displays on campus and on the local bus service. More on social norms.

In 2001-2002, 50 percent of students who participated in the survey were randomly chosen to receive (a) specific personalized feedback about their drinking habits and health behaviors and (b) alcohol risk reduction tips in the mail.

In 2002-2003, about 25 percent of participating students will be invited to attend a two-session alcohol education workshop, developed for and led by college students, that highlights the pros and cons of drinking and how to avoid problems. Students will learn basic information about alcohol, as well as skills for reducing the risks of drinking for themselves and their friends. Students will also receive a personalized blood alcohol chart.

MC2 is funded on the three campuses by a $2,764,905 grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

For more information, e-mail: mc2@wwu.edu.