BASICS

    Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)

    BASICS helps you explore your alcohol and drug use in a non-judgmental environment. The program’s only goal is to reduce risky behavior and the harmful consequences.

    Community Standards & Student Responsibility

    BASICS helps you examine your use, identify changes that could work for you and reduce your risk of future problems. It’s not therapy or substance abuse treatment.
    St. Olaf College’s BASICS program is based on research conducted at the University of Washington and was launched in January of 2011.

    What happens in BASICS?

    In BASICS, you’ll schedule an appointment with a BASICS team member. At the appointment you will complete an assessment which will be discussed, helping you identify consequences of your choices and explore ways to reduce risks. A 30-day follow up appointment is scheduled an other assessment will be completed and discussed.
    Any student who’s concerned about their alcohol or other drug use can choose to attend BASICS. Students who violate St. Olaf’s alcohol and drug policies, are medically transported for alcohol or drug intoxication, held in protective custody, or are court-sanctioned may be mandated to attend BASICS.
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    How do I make an appointment?

    How do I make an appointment?

    If you initiate the BASICS Appointment, please email deanofstudents@stolaf.edu and you will be assigned to a team member.
    If you have been directed to complete a BASICS Appointment, you will be provided the information on who to reach out to schedule the meeting.

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    Is there a cost?

    Is there a cost?

    Yes, there is a $50 fee for e-CHECKUP To Go. e-CHECKUP To Go is required when assigned BASICS.
    A student may take e-CHECKUP To Go more than once. The fee is required every time the assessment is taken.

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    How long is BASICS?

    How long is BASICS?

    BASICS will generally consist of an initial feedback and exploration interview and a second follow up interview to see how you are doing with altering problematic use patterns and/or reducing associated risks.  Further meetings can be set up based upon the desires and goals of a given student.

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    What is the BASICS team?

    What is the BASICS team?

    BASICS team members consist of a group of staff from the student life division who are trained in motivational interviewing and the delivery of the BASICS program.
    Your work online and with the prevention specialists is confidential. Documentation of attendance is generally required if you are mandated to complete BASICS.
    If you have any questions about the BASICS program you can e-mail us at deanofstudents@stolaf.edu

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    eCHECKUP To Go

    The programs are personalized, evidence-based online interventions that are designed to motivate users to make positive changes and hence improve overall well-being and mental health.  St. Olaf College is enrolled in the program, and students through their stolaf.edu email account can take an assessment. The assessments are $50.00. The $50.00 is applied to your student account.

    eCHECKUP To Go

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    National Award Recognizes BASICS

    BASICS is one of only four college programs nationally to receive a 2009 Science and Service Award from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
    • The SAMHSA award recognizes exemplary implementation of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to prevent and/or treat mental illnesses and substance abuse. Twenty-seven agencies nationwide were recognized in this year’s competition.
    • In 2008, BASICS received national recognition and nearly $200,000 in federal funds as part of a U.S. Department of Education model program competition. It was one of only two such programs in the nation rated as “exemplary” by the competition’s peer reviewers.