Information for Parents

DePauw invites all parents and guardians to partner with us to reduce high-risk drinking on our campus.

You play a critical role in your student’s success during their college years — especially when it comes to making healthy choices related to alcohol.

While you may not be able to monitor your student in person, remember that you continue to be a primary influence in their life.

Start conversations about alcohol before they leave for college, and keep an open dialogue as they grow and experience new seasons throughout their college journey.

Potential Conversation Points

What are your expectations related to your student’s alcohol use?
How might alcohol use impact their studies, sleeping habits, overall health, or athletic performance?

Ask your student about their experiences related to alcohol.
Remind them that abstaining from alcohol is a perfectly acceptable and safe decision.
Discuss potential risks and harms associated with any level of alcohol use, such as:
- Injury
- Health consequences
- Sexual assault or other violence
- Arrest

Engage your student in conversations about the campus culture surrounding alcohol.
Ask about their own alcohol use as well as that of their friends.

Talk about helping a friend who has had too much to drink.
Emphasize that every student can play a vital role in creating a healthy and safe campus culture.
Review the Indiana Lifeline Law and DePauw’s Medical Amnesty Policy, which protect students under 21 from facing alcohol-related consequences if they:
1. Call the DePauw Police Department (765-658-5555) or 9-1-1 for help.
2. Stay with the individual until officials arrive.
3. Cooperate with university and medical staff on scene.

Ask your student about alcohol-free events they’ve attended.
Encourage them to take advantage of late-night and campus-sponsored activities that offer safe and enjoyable ways to socialize without alcohol.