SHIFTing the Culture of Campus Substance Use
SHIFT Advisory Board Meeting, Fall 2020
Shifting the culture of substance use on campus can be a big challenge—especially at a school as large and diverse as UT Austin, and during a global pandemic. But SHIFT is tackling it on multiple fronts, reminding students that college can be fun and social without revolving around alcohol or drugs. The program, funded by the Hildebrand Foundation, marked a year on campus in September.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve ramped up virtual programming and have been sharing these resources with students. Their team understands that the pandemic has disrupted people’s routines and everyday lives, as Director Kate Lower talks about in a recent Hogg Foundation for Mental Health podcast.
Ahead of Halloween, they hosted a virtual movie night and promoted safe socializing tips on social media. Their Student Advisory Board has been meeting virtually, and since the beginning, students like Miles Greenfield have been crucial to the program’s mission.
“We want to be realistic and meet students where they are,” the junior health and society major explains. As a key member of SHIFT’s Student Advisory Board, he has helped shape the program since before it was rolled out. “We’re going into the classrooms. We’re equipping faculty with resources they can offer their students. We’re forming partnerships with bars that are popular with students.”
Along with these personal connections, SHIFT uses shift.utexas.edu to highlight efforts in and out of the classroom. Pilot initiatives engage students, faculty and staff in a dialogue about how substance use may or may not relate to the student experience. Ultimately, SHIFT aims to cultivate a more mindful student, enhancing their safety, well-being and success.
But perhaps SHIFT’s most innovative tactic is the SHIFTovation Awards ⎯ money for research projects pitched by faculty and students. These studies are aimed at helping SHIFT the culture on college campuses as it relates to substance misuse.
“We will know we’re successful when there’s a culture change on campus,” Greenfield points out. “We want every student to graduate into a life that’s successful, celebrated and healthy.”
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