BASICS
BASICS—Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students—is a program designed to assist students in examining their alcohol and other substance-use behavior. Services provided through the BASICS program are non-judgmental, non-labeling, and confidential.
This is NOT an abstinence-only program. Instead, students select goals that aim at reducing risky behavior and potential consequences.
What does the program look like?
- Initial meeting with a BASICS provider
- Online assessment
- Follow-up meeting with the same provider
BASICS appointments are offered virtually. In-person requests will be accommodated, if needed. If you have any questions about the BASICS program, please contact [email protected].
BASICS Referrals
Students may be referred to BASICS through a self-referral, a soft referral, or a mandatory referral. Referral to BASICS is educational and isn’t a means of discipline. BASICS sessions are tailored to the individual student’s goals, regardless of the referral type.
Self-referrals may be a good option for students concerned about their relationship with alcohol and other substances or who want to learn more about maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol. To make a self-referral:
- Complete the Alcohol Use Self-Assessment or the Cannabis Use Self-Assessment.
- If deemed appropriate, you will see an option to participate in BASICS. Click the “Yes, I am interested in BASICS” icon.
- Schedule an appointment in the online portal using the link sent to your email.
Soft referrals are for students for whom BASICS is recommended but not required. All students are eligible to receive a soft referral. Referrers may submit a soft referral if they are concerned about a student’s substance use and how it’s affecting them. Some of the professionals on campus who refer students to BASICS include:
- Professors, instructors, or academic advisors
- Professional staff members
- Medical or mental health providers
Students who receive a mandatory referral are required to attend BASICS. Deans, residential programs staff, Student Conduct and Community Standards staff are some of the mandatory referrers on campus.
A student may receive a mandatory referral if their alcohol or substance use contributes to:
- Being transported by CUEMS
- Violations of school policies or other students’ rights (e.g., sexual harassment)
- Ethical violations
- Inappropriate behavior at school-sponsored events, either on or off campus
- Disruptive or problematic behavior in the classroom, internships, externships, or field placements
Mandatory referrers may opt to include BASICS as an educational option after a policy, procedure, or regulatory violation related to alcohol or other substance misuse or abuse, whether on or off campus.