About BASICS

The BASICS program uses a harm-reduction approach designed to:

  • Help you explore your alcohol use in a nonjudgmental setting
  • Reduce risky behavior and harmful consequences of alcohol abuse
  • Identify changes that could help you reduce your risk
  • Provide important information and skills for risk-reduction

Students who have an alcohol policy/legal violation are mandated to complete BASICS by Penn State’s Office of Student Conduct or Penn State Residence Life.

Time Commitment

The BASICS program consists of two one-hour sessions with the campus counselor. During the first session, you will meet individually with a staff member and complete an online questionnaire. You will also be screened for alcohol abuse, depression, and anxiety. At the second session, you will discuss your questionnaire and personalized feedback with the staff member. You will receive a personalized feedback report that includes a comparison of your drinking to other Penn State students. You will explore ways to reduce future health, social, and legal risks. Additional sessions beyond the first two may be required for some students.

Fees

Students with an alcohol policy/legal violation who are required to complete the program, as described above, will be required to pay a $200.00 fee. You may pay with cash, a check, debit or credit card. Students will need to pay for BASICS at the first session.

Students who self-refer to the program will not be charged a fee. Students who have been mandated to the program are not eligible for the self-referral option.

Confidentiality

The information you share during BASICS sessions is confidential; however, we will disclose health information about you when required to do so by federal, state, or local law. We may use and disclose health information about you when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, would only be to someone able to help prevent that threat. Mandated students will be asked to acknowledge a release of information statement that will allow staff to verify completion with the appropriate Penn State offices.

An Evidence-Based Program

Penn State’s BASICS program is based on a program created by Dr. Alan Marlatt (Former Director, Addictive Behaviors Research Center and Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington). The BASICS program is one of the most effective alcohol education interventions with college students. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has recognized BASICS as an evidence-based model program.

About the Marijuana Intervention Program

The Marijuana Intervention Program (MIP) uses a harm-reduction approach that is designed to:

  • Promote a non-judgmental environment to help you explore your marijuana use
  • Reduce risky behavior and harmful consequences of marijuana use
  • Identify changes that could help you reduce your risk
  • Provide important information about how marijuana affects memory and learning
  • Encourage students to reduce and/or stop marijuana use

Students who are found in possession of small amounts of marijuana or under the influence of marijuana on campus are mandated to complete MIP by the Penn State Office of Student Conduct or Residence Life.

Students who are concerned about their marijuana use but have not had a marijuana incident can take MIP as a self-referral free of charge.

Students who want to take MIP on a self-referral basis should contact the counseling center at 570-450-3160.

Time Commitment

MIP consists of two one-hour sessions with a Health Promotion and Wellness staff member. During the first session, you will meet individually with a staff member and complete several questionnaires. You will also complete screenings for depression and anxiety. During the second session, you will discuss the results of your questionnaires with the staff member. You will explore ways to reduce academic, health, social, and legal consequences. Additional sessions beyond the first two may be required for some students.

Fees

Students who are sanctioned to complete MIP by Penn State’s Office of Student Conduct or Residence Life are required to pay a $200 fee. You may pay with cash, a check, debit or credit card, LionCash or it may be billed to your student account. You will need to pay for MIP at your first session.

Students who self-refer to the program will not be charged a fee. Students who have been mandated to the program are not eligible for the self-referral option.

Confidentiality

The information you share during the MIP sessions is confidential; however, we will disclose health information about you when required to do so by federal, state or local law. We may use and disclose health information about you when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, would only be to someone able to help prevent that threat. Mandated students will be asked to acknowledge a release of information statement that will allow staff to verify completion with the appropriate Penn State offices.