UB-SAFER (UB Students Avoiding Further Exposure to Risk)
Offered by Wellness Education Services
(In cooperation with the Student Wellness Team and Student Affairs)
What is UB-SAFER?
UB-SAFER is an educational intervention program for University at Buffalo students who have violated
university alcohol or other drug policies, as well as students who feel that they would benefit from the program.
What is the message of the UB-SAFER program?
The overall message of our program is that students can reduce the consequences of high-risk drinking by utilizing
harm-reduction strategies. Through dialogue with students, we explore options for reducing risk to one's self and
reducing the secondary negative effects for the university community as a whole.
What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a proven approach for working with student misperceptions and high-risk behaviors, and
moving students in the direction of reducing negative consequences from drinking and other drug use.
What is the role of the UB-SAFER program?
The UB-SAFER program is designed to reinforce university policies and support student decision making to
reduce high risk behaviors and help students achieve academic success. Wellness Education Services works
in collaboration with Residence Halls and Apartments and the Student Wide Judiciary to identify students
who would benefit from this intervention.
How does UB-SAFER accomplish this goal?
The UB-SAFER program is a specialized intervention that uses group and individual sessions to help students
think about their current behavior and their options to reduce harm in the future. UB-SAFER is composed of 3
components: two 2-hour group sessions and one twenty-minute individual session with a Wellness Education
Services substance abuse specialist. These specialists have years of experience working with individuals
from the university and the surrounding community.
Group Session 1:
- Students complete questionnaires about their substance use, perceptions and beliefs.
- Students explore the role of alcohol and other drugs in violating university policy.
- Students identify how their substance use affected judgment and placed them and others at-risk.
- Student consciousness is raised regarding how academics, health, the campus community, and personal relationships can be negatively affected by high-risk drinking and drug use.
- Discussion about standard sized drinks, blood alcohol level and alcohol tolerance.
- Importance of gender differences in alcohol metabolism; time dependent nature of "sobering up."
- Risks of using alcohol with prescription drugs and marijuana.
- Alcohol poisoning: warning signs, how to avoid it and getting help for a poisoned individual.
- Strategies for risk-reduction and alternatives to drinking and drugs.
Students are given:
- Feedback on their personal risk-profile.
- Feedback on their use relative to national and university norms.
- Information regarding potential health effects of continued high-risk behavior.
- Awareness of community resources and an opportunity for referral for additional services if warranted.
Are all three components required for successful completion?
Yes, in order to successfully complete the UB-SAFER program a student must attend and actively participate in
all three sessions.
How are students referred?
In the majority of cases students will be referred by staff from Residence Halls and Apartments or Student
Wide Judiciary. However, students can self refer into the program and UB staff and faculty can encourage
students to sign-up for the program. For further information, call Marla McBride at 645-2837, ext. 2, or e-mail: well_sepad@vpsa.buffalo.edu
The dates are:
- Tues. 9/16 and Thur. 9/18 (both 317 SU) 4-6pm
- Wed. 10/8 (250SU) and Fri. 10/10 (317SU) 3-5pm
- Sat. 10/11 and Sun. 10/12 (both 108 Baldy Hall) 10:30am-12:30pm
- Tues. 10/28th and Thurs. 10/30 (both 317SU) 4-6pm
- Sat. 11/1 and Sun. 11/2 (both 250SU) 10:30am-12:30pm
- Tues. 11/11 (250SU) and Thurs. 11/13 (317SU) 3-5pm
- Wed. 12/03 and Fri. 12/05 ( both 317SU) 4-6pm
For further information call Marla McBride at 645-2837, ext. 2, or e-mail: well_sepad@vpsa.buffalo.edu
