College-bound students need guidance

By Dr. PETER CRESSY
SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
As a former university chancellor, I spent many summers counseling parents at freshman orientation about how to get their son or daughter off to college on the right track. College is a time of considerable transition for a young adult, and for many, it marks the first opportunity to exert one's independence.
During these final days of summer, while families are still together, parents should invest time -- at the dinner table, on the drive to college or anytime in between -- to talk to your college-bound student about alcohol. Even though many college students no longer live at home, the research shows parents have the most influence over their son's or daughter's decisions about drinking.
First, be clear in your expectations about drinking. If your son or daughter is under 21, tell them you expect them to obey the law and not drink. If they are 21 or older, tell them you expect them to drink responsibly and in moderation, if they choose to drink at all.
Second, it is important that your son or daughter doesn't feel pressured to drink. Talk about the reasons not to drink and the ways to avoid drinking in difficult situations.
Attending classes
Third, encourage your son or daughter to be active in something while at school -- be it theater, politics or sports. Encourage them to maintain a schedule that incorporates study and social time. Remind them that they're in college to learn, so attend class.
Fourth, find out how students can get help on campus for themselves or for a friend, and relay that information to your son or daughter.
Fifth, and most importantly, keep in close contact to determine if your son or daughter is feeling overwhelmed, making friends, getting involved with activities and enjoying classes. Let them know you are there to help them through this tough transition period.
Parents can receive additional advice and information from the "Parents, you're not done yet," brochure developed by the distilled spirits industry's not-for-profit organization, The Century Council, which is dedicated to fighting underage drinking and drunk driving. The brochure can be downloaded at The Century Council's website, www.centurycouncil.org.
Dr. Peter Cressy is the president of the Distilled Spirits Council and the former chancellor of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He also served as president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.