Parents

Currently half of Ontario college students who drank alcohol in the last 12 months reported experiencing one of the following: did something they later regretted, forgot where they were or what they did, got in trouble with the police, had sex with someone without their consent, someone had sex with them without their consent, had unprotected sex, physically injured themselves or another, seriously considered suicide.[i]

Ontario college students also perceive that the use of alcohol and other substances on campus is much higher than actual use.  Students believe that almost all students drink at least once a month when actually the number is actually 67%.  They also believe that 86% of students use cannabis at least once a month when the reality is 18%[ii].  Sharing information like this with your student may decrease pressures they may feel to fit into what they believe is normal college life.  It also can help guide them to healthier decisions and keep the lines of communication open.

[i] American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment Ontario Province Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2016.  Hanover, MD: American College Health Association; 2016

[ii] Ibid

• Not too much: using smaller amounts or drinking fewer drinks
• Not too often: having several days of no use, not drinking EVERY Friday and Saturday
• Only in safer contexts: be around safe people and familiar places
• Stay safe when impaired: don’t drive while under the influence
• Think about the impact on others: roommates may not appreciate a smoke filled room
• Encourage them to do other things they enjoy: make sure they know the many other ways to have fun, cope with stress, meet people

• Missing or skipping classes (or classroom assignments) or a drop in academic performance.
• Frequent requests for more money to cover expenses, or taking a second job.
• Moodiness, defensiveness, or silence when you try to talk to them about school.
• Reported incidences on campus in residence and/or security.

For those in Residence, we have a team of support services to partner with you and your young adult to help them thrive. We have a robust and dynamic Residence Life Team of 20 Residence Advisors located on the floors of Residence, a Community Advisor, 3 Residence Life Coordinators (live in professional staff), a Residence Community Standards Coordinator, Residence Life Manager, and the Algonquin Residence Council which functions as a student advocacy group. These campus leaders work to provide support and academic and social growth opportunities throughout the residence experience.

For all students with Algonquin College, Student Support Services is with you every step of the way. Partnerships include: Counselling, Health Services, the Mamidosewin Centre, the Centre for Accessible Learning, the ASD Transition Centre, the AC Umbrella Project and so many more! Please encourage your young adult to reach out to these services! For more information please click here: Student Support Services at Algonquin College

• Drinking under age is prohibited in residence
• Nothing can burned in residence rooms including cannabis and tobacco
• Residents 19 + can possess up to 12 cans of beer or 26oz of wine or liquor at one time
• Residents 19 + may possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent amount of cannabis oil

For further information about our policy on alcohol and cannabis please review the Residence Community Living Standards and the Residence Handbook which can be found at Residence Life.

The week of Move in and Orientation is DRY

Therefore, no consumption or possession of alcohol or cannabis on the residence premises will be permitted. This is to give your young adult the opportunity to experience all the first week has to offer to its fullest potential! It’s also a chance to make positive memories with new friends right from the beginning!

• Cannabis Use and Youth – a Parent’s Guide
  The aim of this guide is to help parents weigh the risks (and benefits) of cannabis use and put them in perspective within their individual situation. The goal is to offer you an honest and thoughtful discussion on cannabis so you can make confident decisions about cannabis use—or non-use—in the context of your family.
• All People, All Pathways online support meeting
  The purpose of this weekly peer recovery group is for individuals affected by addiction to share their experiences about what has helped them on their journey, and provide a safe and aware environment for those seeking help to ask questions, free from stigma or discrimination. The meetings are facilitated by peer professionals. Each week, the meeting focuses on a different topic. There will be an educational component followed by discussion. Those in attendance are encouraged to ask questions or provide suggestions based on their personal experience. This group is inclusive of all individuals in or seeking recovery from all forms of addiction, plus their families, allies, and professionals. All are welcome to attend. 
• Ontario’s Drug and Alcohol Helpline
  An information and referral specialist that will answer your call, email or web chat 24/7. The service is free and confidential. They can provide information about treatment services and supports in your community, listen, offer support and provide strategies to help you meet your goals and provide basic education about drug and alcohol problems. 1-800-565-8603.