September is finally here, and only one question lingers on many students’ minds: “When will the boozin’ begin?”
Students drink, this is a fact, but overindulgence is a real concern at any university. To that end, Campus Security, in conjunction with the Students’ Union and the Counseling Centre, have purchased Fatal Vision goggles, also known as beer goggles. The $1,400 goggles will be used to educate students about drinking responsibly.
“Fatal Vision goggles sample the different levels of intoxication,” said Keith Uthe, Campus Security officer and coordinator for the alcohol and drug prevention team. “They are used to increase awareness of alcohol usage while in a sober state. They completely distort your reality.”
SU vice-president events Eric Jablonski said the goggles are a fun way to get a serious message across to students.
“It is a grand opportunity for students to try them out,” he said. “They’re a good idea for those who don’t drink to experience what [intoxicated people] go through. They really mess you up quite a bit.”
There are seven different kinds of beer goggles with four different levels of intoxication, ranging from below the legal limit–0.06 per cent blood alcohol–to over 0.25 per cent.
Students can test the goggles during Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs Sept. 26-28 in and around MacEwan Student Centre.
Alcohol Awareness Week is a project coordinated by Campus Security, the SU, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and the Wellness and Health Awareness Team. The goal is to inform students when it comes to blowing off steam and indulging in extracurricular activities in places such as the Den or the Black Lounge.
“We are not here to tell students what to do,” said Jablonski. “It is an opportunity for us to explain to students to make the right choices–they have options.”
Along with information on issues surrounding alcohol and drugs, there will be fun activities like the beer goggle olympics and a mocktail competition, which allows students to taste delicious alternatives to booze.
There will also be a Jaws of Life vehicle extraction demonstration by the Calgary Fire Department.
“All the people who are social drinkers should make an effort to come down and educate themselves on issues surrounding alcohol,” said Campus Security manager Lanny Fritz. “It’s a time when extra effort is made to educate the campus body.”
Sheila O’Brien, special advisor to the president on student life said the university knows students drink, but encourages them to do so safely.
“We understand that party and social life are a big part of university life,” she said. “We encourage students to understand and drink within their limits for their own health and safety.”