BASICS an option for MIP, MIPC
Maritza Perez
The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students is a voluntary program for underage students who have been caught drinking. In its second year, the BASICS program continues to build student success.
BASICS is a personal, two-session education forum with an alcohol counselor and educator who teaches participants about the health and social implications of underage drinking and binge drinking.
The program began after University of Nevada, Reno officials realized drinking rates for underage students at UNR were higher than the national average.
The Office of Student Conduct reports that those who participate in the program have greater retention rates at the university than those who are caught drinking underage but do not participate in the program. This trend is especially notable among freshmen.
Many times, the University of Nevada, Reno Police Department will encourage judges who hear MIP or MIPC cases to drop or reduce charges for students who participate in the BASICS program.
Moreover, UNRPD has actually increased its staff on weekends to make student safety a greater priority.
In my position as director of Legal Services, I’ve had the opportunity to do a ride-along with a UNRPD officer on the BASICS patrol.
I was taken aback by the number of underage people I saw who appeared intoxicated to the point of not having a real sense of their environment. Had I been in their shoes, I know it would have been a relief to have someone guiding me to safety.
After assessing what I witnessed, and hearing what other officers have told me, the main reason officers give MIPs or MIPCs is out of concern that a student may be in a dangerous situation. The safety of the student body is their top priority.
My hope is that the BASICS program continues on its current trajectory as a prime tool for determent of alcohol and increase of retention at the University.
Maritza Perez is director of ASUN Legal Services. The ASUN legal services office is room 350 in the Joe Crowley Student Union. Drop by with comments, questions or concerns. Reach Maritza at legal@asun.unr.edu.
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One Response to “BASICS an option for MIP, MIPC”
That is quite interesting and IRONIC that someone who drunkenly gets pushed around in a shopping cart in the middle of the road would write about the BASICS program.
Shame on you Maritza. Hypocrite.
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