Basics
Have You Been Referred to BASICS?
BASICS is a program offered by Student Wellness & Health Promotion that helps you to explore your alcohol and drug use in a non-judgmental environment. The program’s goal is to reduce risky behavior and the harmful consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse.
Make an Appointment for BASICS
Any student can schedule a BASICS appointment by calling our office: (302) 831-3457. If you are required to attend BASICS, we will continue handling those sessions remotely through the end of the Fall semester due to the continuing threat of the COVID variant. The email you receive will be sent from IMPACT Feedback and will include instructions how to access and complete the program remotely. Failure to do so will result in additional sanctions and fines if you are referred through Community Standards & Conflict Resolution.
Learn More About BASICS
What is BASICS?
BASICS stands for Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students. It is a tool that uses personalized feedback and motivational interviewing to assist students in reducing high-risk drinking behavior. It increases students’ motivation to change high-risk behavior and encourages students to make more positive choices for their health and wellness.
Who is BASICS for?
Any student who would like to know more about their alcohol or drug use can choose to attend BASICS. Additionally, students who violate the University’s policies related to alcohol and drugs are required to attend BASICS. BASICS is a program that helps you examine your use, identify changes that could work for you, and reduce your risk of future problems. It is not therapy or substance use treatment.
What happens in BASICS?
In BASICS, you will complete an online assessment, creating a personalized profile of your substance use. Substance Use counselors will talk with you about these results, helping you identify consequences of your choices and explore ways to reduce risks. Your counselor will also review common myths and facts about alcohol, and teach strategies to moderate use.
“[BASICS] made me realize my drinking might be out of hand sometimes.” – student reported feedback
Common BASICS Questions:
We’ve collected some of our most frequently asked questions about BASICS. Click the toggles below to read the answers. Call our office: 302-831-3457 if you have any additional questions.
Is there a cost to attend BASICS?
Where is BASICS located?
BASICS is located in Student Wellness and Health Promotion, Suite #305 Warner Hall, 280 The Green, Newark, DE 19716
Who will know I've attended BASICS?
Your online questionnaire and the content of your individual session with the substance use counselor is confidential. If you have been mandated to attend BASICS, Community Standards & Conflict Resolution will only be notified of your attendance and completion.
How long is BASICS?
BASICS has three levels. The BASICS level you attend depends on the number of times you’ve been mandated or referred to the program.
Pre-COVID:
- BASICS 1 consists of one 50-minute session (a small-group experience followed by your completion of an online questionnaire) and one 50-minute individual session in which you review your personalized feedback with a prevention specialist. These sessions are scheduled at least one week apart from each other, and cannot be completed in the same week.
- BASICS 2 consists of two 50-minute individual sessions with a prevention specialist, and still includes the completion of an online questionnaire during the first session.
- BASICS 3 involves four individual sessions, and includes the completion of the online questionnaire.
NOTICE:
All BASICS sessions will be held remotely this fall, unless otherwise specified.
How will Community Standards & Conflict Resolution know my sanction is complete?
If you were referred by Community Standards & Conflict Resolution, they will be notified via e-mail once you have attended all required sessions.
Harm reduction strategies used by 90% or more of BASICS for Greeks participants:
- Planned for a safe way to get home
- Chose not to drink even though I could have
- Knew where my drink had been at all times
- Assisted someone else with getting home safely
- Refused to ride with someone who had been drinking or was high
Additional BASICS Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the BASICS program and some of our most recent data and statistics for the campus, you can check out our BASICS Fact Sheet. Click the button below to download a .pdf copy of this resource.