July 2004

Alcohol project puts students in the know

Department of Human Services Community Strengthening Initiative has funded the KNOW Project, an extensive program of alcohol and other drug education at Victoria University in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

A team made up of Victoria University student services and representatives of DASWest managed the project.

The KNOW team worked with university staff and students and local service providers to conduct the project over three years.

Principles of the KNOW project model were participation, collaboration and opportunities for all Victoria University community members.

Victoria University has 50,000 enrolments a year in programs ranging from short courses to doctoral studies.

There are 3,000 staff teaching across 13 sites in the west and within the central business district of Melbourne.

The population of Victoria University represents more than 90 cultural backgrounds.

Over the three years of the project, students from different disciplines planned and managed around 20 events.

Students from various courses—Sports Administration, Performing Arts, Graphic Arts, Drug and Alcohol, Health, Marketing—were invited to work with the project team on drug and alcohol information dissemination.

Events included performances, displays, presentations, activities and catered functions.

The delivery and type of campus event varied depending on the event location and the student group involved in the project.

Each event was well received by audiences from 50–200 students depending on the size of the campus.

The project addressed research findings into Victoria University patterns of drug use and attitudes towards drugs and alcohol.

Findings from the research conducted for the Tertiary Alcohol Campaign were also used.

The collaborative nature of the project model enhanced its scope and reach.

Students involved in managing events said the process was practical and relevant and helped them develop an understanding of real life event management and problem solving.

Contact with various local support services was also a bonus for students, as they developed networks and contacts for future reference.

Benefits extended to the service providers who were invited to take part in the events, as they were given access to a very important community group.

The model and approach to drug and alcohol education within Victoria University will continue to operate as part of the university drug strategy.

• For more information on the KNOW project contact the Victoria University Drug Education Officer on 9284 8886.