While college students plan their spring break getaways, West Virginia University officials want to make sure they dont forget to pack responsibility and good judgment.

Leading up to WVU s spring break (March 24-April 1), the WVU School of Medicines Alcohol Education Program is sponsoring a T-shirt design contest to promote alcohol safety awareness.

The contest is open to WVU students on all campuses. To enter, participants should create an original design addressing alcohol safety for Spring Break. Designs should incorporate no more than two colors and can be submitted as either a high-quality 8.5-by-11.5 printout or electronic image (300 dpi JPEG file).

While students are encouraged to have fun and be creative, entries should not be obscene or indecent, said Ruth Kershner, an associate professor in WVU s Department of Community Medicine.

The grand prize is an 80 GB Apple iPod, and the winning design will be printed on T-shirts, which will be distributed in the Mountainlair prior to spring break.

Entries can be submitted to rkershner@hsc.wvu.edu or mailed to: Dr. Ruth Kershner, Department of Community Medicine, P.O. Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26506 . Designs will also be accepted through campus mail.

The deadline for submissions is March 5 at 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Kershner at rkershner@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-293-7440.

Alcohol safety reminders

Missy Pforr, a WVU health educator, says activities like this are important because students need constant reminders of the harmful effects of alcohol and even the possibility of death.

Some students tend to drink too much while they are in college,she said.It is their first time away from home, and they are experiencing the power of independent decision making.

Research shows that students engage in excessive drinking during spring break,she added.This puts them at high risk for alcohol poisoning.

As students prepare for spring break, she has a few reminders:

  • Intervene when friends are in trouble with alcohol. Dont leave someone alone, and recognize the need to call for help.
  • Never walk alone at night. Walk with friends and never accept rides from strangers.
  • Never leave a drink unattended and then continue drinking it.
  • Finally, feel free to contact a WVU health educator to discuss alcohol concerns, 304-293-6584.