LIVE REAL Mentor Program
"The LIVE REAL mentor program is an important piece in a process that is aimed at decreasing the high risk use of alcohol by our students which will ultimately lead to a reduction of the problems associated with high risk alcohol use and increase the success of our students in the classroom."
- Gene Taylor, Chair, President's Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs
LIVE REAL Mentor Program Dates
NDSU students, staff and faculty are welcome to attend any of these 1 hour training sessions. To schedule an individual training session for your department or student organization, please contact Erika Beseler Thompson at 231.5478 or Erika.Beseler@ndsu.edu.
LIVE REAL Mentor Basic Session:
An introduction to the LIVE REAL Mentor Program. Participants will learn about the effects of high risk alcohol and drug use and how to take steps to promote an environment of safe and responsible attitudes toward alcohol at NDSU. These sessions are open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty.
Wednesday, February 27th, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Rose Room, Memorial Union
Thursday, April 25th, Noon - 1:00 p.m., Room of Nations, Memorial Union
LIVE REAL Mentor - Marijuana Session:
A supplement to the LIVE REAL Mentor Program. Participants do not need to have previously attended the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program. Attendees will learn about the basics of marijuana, use rates at NDSU and nationally, and how to challenge myths and assist those struggling with use. These sessions are open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty.
Thursday, March 21st, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Rose Room, Memorial Union
LIVE REAL Mentor - Family & Genetic Factors Session:
A supplement to the LIVE REAL Mentor Program. Participants do not need to have previously attended the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program. Attendees will learn about the role that family factors and genetics play in substance abuse and addiction. Risk factors and coping mechanisms for family members and friends of individuals with addiction will be discussed. This session is open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty.
Thursday, January 24th, Noon - 1:00 p.m., Rose Room, Memorial Union
LIVE REAL Mentor - Advanced Session:
Level 2 Training for LIVE REAL Mentors. Participants should have completed the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program. Attendees will develop an increased understanding of the role of mentors in referring individuals for assistance with substance abuse concerns, gain knowledge of the stages of change, and an increased confidence in recognizing and referring individuals of concern. This will be a 3-hour session incorporating skill-building sessions and participant interaction. Please RSVP to Erika.Beseler@ndsu.edu if you wish to attend.
Wednesday, April 10th, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Mandan Room, Memorial Union (RSVP by April 3rd)
Program Philosophy
NDSU is committed to creating a healthy, safe, and positive community for students. The LIVE REAL Mentor Program is designed to increase knowledge of the NDSU community about the effects of high risk alcohol and other drug use, how to appropriately refer students to prevention and treatment services, how to communicate consistent messages that promote wellness and safety, and promote a culture of safe and responsible attitudes toward alcohol. NDSU themes “It’s About People” and “Students are Paramount” guide the philosophy of the program.
High risk drinking has been identified as the most serious public health problem facing U.S. colleges and their students. It has the potential to deter students’ academic success while attending NDSU as well as their success in obtaining and maintaining careers in their chosen fields after graduation.
Program Overview
The LIVE REAL Mentor Program fulfills objective 8.1 of the ‘President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Strategic Plan to Address High Risk Alcohol and Other Drug Use.’ The program provides education and training for NDSU students, faculty and staff, who choose to identify themselves as a resource for students looking for guidance for their issues with alcohol and other drug abuse and who will actively seek to educate students about the effects of high-risk alcohol and other drug use. The one hour curriculum will address the following:
- Rates of use/misuse of alcohol and other drugs by NDSU students
- Prevention strategies used to decrease high-risk alcohol and other drug use
- Recognition of signs/symptoms of alcohol and/or other drug misuse
- Signs of alcohol poisoning and intervention strategies
- Campus, city, and state laws related to alcohol and other drugs
- Effective referral strategies for students or colleagues that exhibit alcohol or other drug abuse problems
For more information about the role of LIVE REAL Mentors, please visit the LIVE REAL Mentor Resources page.
