Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)
New self-scheduling system! See How to make a BASICS Appointment
On this page:
- What is BASICS?
- What do students say?
- Who are the facilitators?
- What students can expect:
- How to make a BASICS Appointment
- For more information
What is BASICS? BASICS is a two-session alcohol assessment and education program offered free to all University of Michigan students who want to explore their alcohol use. Note that you need to meet with the same facilitator twice.
Some students attend BASICS to fulfill a requirement as a result of an alcohol-related offense, while others participate because they would like to learn moderation strategies to reduce negative consequences from drinking.
This program is designed to assist students in examining their own drinking behavior in a judgment-free environment. The goals are selected by the student and aimed at reducing risky behaviors and harmful consequences of drinking.
"Instead of other programs that bash drinking and say never to do it, BASICS seems more realistic, and I appreciate it."
"It was helpful in that it showed me how to have a plan before I go out."
"The one-on-one aspect of the program was great and helped make it more personal and therefore more meaningful and memorable to me."
"I was very comfortable with my facilitator. Because she wasn't judgmental, I was able to talk with her honestly."
"I feel like I've learned a great deal about myself and the program was very beneficial overall."
"While I participated in the program to complete a requirement ordered by court, I am really glad I had to do so now since it was such a positive experience."
"It was a great experience, not solely because it changed my behavior, but provided me with a new perspective and a different way of thinking about drinking."
Who are the facilitators? BASICS facilitators are professional staff and graduate-level interns. The program is managed through UHS.
If you are required to complete BASICS because of a sanction, your facilitator will typically not be the same person who referred you to the program.
Program description: BASICS consists of two sessions, two to four weeks apart, which last about 90 minutes each. All sessions are one-on-one between the student and a trained BASICS facilitator.
Session 1 assesses the student's alcohol consumption patterns, history and related issues. A drinking diary assignment will be explained.
Session 2 provides personalized feedback based on assessments and drinking diary and focuses on ways the student might reduce future health, social and legal risks.
If you are required to complete BASICS due to a University violation, it is important that you contact BASICS in a timely manner. You will receive a deadline for completing both sessions. Remember, sessions occur two to four weeks apart so please plan accordingly. See To Make a BASICS Appointment.
Confidentiality: All information within the BASICS session is kept confidential between the student and the facilitator. However, if the student indicates that s/he may harm him/herself or others, information may be disclosed as appropriate.
If a student is required to complete BASICS, he/she will sign a Release of Information form to allow BASICS staff to verify completion. The only information shared with the referral source is whether the student completed the program by the assigned date.
How to make a BASICS appointment:
Please schedule only your first meeting. Your second meeting will be scheduled during your first meeting.
- Call Marsha Benz, UHS Health Educator, at 734-647-4656.
- Want to make an appointment? See To Make a BASICS Appointment.
