by Venai Shenoy, Senior, University of Florida

For years, Frostburg State University in Maryland was known as a party school and that image was hard to shake. Many Frostburg students thought that the reputation was unjustified and decided to do something about it. They banded together to form the BURG Peer Education Network (nicknamed for  FrostBURG), which promotes healthy choices on campus and provides recreational alternatives to drinking and drugging.

�We�re here to break the myths about our campus,� according to the BURG�s Facebook page. �82% of Frostburg State University students think it�s okay not to drink at parties, and 77% of students drink once a week, less, or not at all. So why are we classified as a party school? Because it�s so much easier to hear about that one party that happened last night than about the majority of students who were responsible and safe.�

�Our group believes in empowering, educating, and creating change among our peers and our community,� says Lap C. Nguyen, a student recruiter for the 40-member organization.

Alternatives to Drinking
The group leads service opportunities in the university community while organizing educational programs and awareness campaigns on topics ranging from alcohol consumption to marijuana use. Besides campaigns and seminars, the BURG Peer Education Network puts on many interactive events designed to demonstrate that students can really enjoy themselves without making risky choices. For example, at the beginning of each school year, the group sets up a table on campus and gives out delicious �mocktails� � essentially mixed drinks without the alcohol. Another event is the BURG Bash, which is a large themed party at the beginning of the fall semester, open to the entire student body to enjoy safely and responsibly

Interested in the mission and goals of the BURG Peer Education Network? You can start a similar group at your own university. To learn more from The Bacchus Network, click here: http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/

About the Author
VENAI SHENOY IS A SENIOR MAJORING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OFFLORIDA IN GAINESVILLE, AND WILL BE ATTENDING GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE FALL.

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