What We're Doing

Partysmart Party Registration

How to have a good time and avoid unruly guests, fines, sanctions, and arrests!  Know about common party violations, use these tips to help you and your housemates plan, and don't forget Party Smart Registration!

Party Smart

Information

College Alcohol Risk Assessment (CARA)
The CCC began gathering information about campus drinking behavior using the CARA. Members scanned bulletin boards, monitored news, features and advertising in student and local media, and attended off-campus parties.
Annual Student Survey
Each spring, hundreds of UMass Amherst students are surveyed to track their beliefs and behaviors around alcohol. Survey data helps the CCC identify issues and trends, while evaluating the impact of its strategies.
Forums
The CCC hosts forums with neighbors, law enforcement agencies and municipal leaders to learn about their concerns and gather input and ideas.
Focus Groups
Student focus groups help develop and evaluate the images and messages used in the CCC’s marketing materials.

Policies

Massachusetts Laws Bus Signs

Posters on campus area buses spotlight alcohol-related laws.

CCC members, with the guidance of national expert Peter Lake, helped review and revise campus alcohol polices. As a result, the quantity of alcohol allowed in dorms was reduced; drinking games and paraphernalia were banned; and consequences for violations were strengthened.

Off-campus, the CCC’s research into legal avenues to stop alcohol abuse and nuisance parties has led to implementation of stricter bylaws and regulations in area communities.

In 2016, the CCC Municipal Strategies committee were instrumental in launching Party Smart Registration.

Enforcement

More comprehensive policies are supported by consistent enforcement by campus and community authorities. CCC meetings, community roundtables and networking have strengthened relationships, communication and partnerships across jurisdictions.

Education

Educational programs are helping students better understand the rights and responsibilities of using alcohol. Recent accomplishments include expanded advertising, printed materials; interactive presentations for new students and their parents; implementation of a mandatory online alcohol education course; and support for BASICS, the campus intervention and screening program.

Social Norms Marketing Campaign

Marketing Campaign

Social norms messages share facts and help dispel myths.

Social norms are people’s beliefs about what’s normal in a given situation. Beliefs can cause people to change their behavior; this can be useful or destructive, depending on how accurate the perceptions are.

At UMass Amherst, like at many other schools, there's a big gap between students' perceived and actual drinking behaviors. People believe most students are drinking a lot, a lot of the time, when in fact, the majority drinks moderately, if at all.

Retail Partners Campaign

The CCC is working together with area bars, restaurants and package stores in reducing dangerous drinking in our community.