Responsible alcohol consumption

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A healthy and safe study and work climate

At the University of Twente , it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. We aim to be a healthy, sustainable and inclusive employer and study environment. We want to achieve this by creating a healthy and safe study and work climate.

The use of alcohol can be harmful to health, lead to dangerous situations, negatively influence study and work performances and exclude students and employees who do not drink. The UT recognises the problem of alcohol consumption and considers it important to raise awareness of the consequences of alcohol consumption for the health of students and employees.

Therefore, a policy on responsible alcohol consumption is established This policy applies to students and employees of the University of Twente (UT) who serve and/or consume alcoholic beverages in the buildings and grounds on campus or in UT buildings off campus, including the terraces.

Why is responsible alcohol consumption important?

In the National Prevention Agreement (dutch website), the government indicates that it wants to reduce problematic alcohol use, because alcohol consumption can be harmful to health. Excessive alcohol consumption affects the well-being of students and employees. 

For young people, it is especially harmful. Because drinking is harmful to developing bodies, it can lead to alcohol abuse and alcoholism late in life, and alcohol also plays a big part in aggressive behaviour, violence and traffic accidents. The aim of the NPA is to reduce the number of young adults studying who drink excessively and/or problematically by 50% between 2018 and 2040. This goal has been endorsed by the Dutch Association of Universities (UNL) and the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH).

What can you do

Tip! What you can do to reduce the use of alcohol during get-togethers or festivities:

  • Instruct the organiser not to serve any alcoholic beverages before 15.30;
  • Choose a non-alcoholic welcome drink;
  • Together with the organiser and caterer, make sure that there are enough non-alcoholic alternatives, such as non-alcoholic beers and mocktails;
  • Ask the caterer to have waiters exclusively carry around non-alcoholic beverages, so people have to explicitly order any alcohol from them or at the bar;
  • Avoid drinking games at team and department outings.

Tip! What you can do to reduce the use of alcohol during big events:

  • Make sure there are enough non-alcoholic alternatives;
  • Consider only serving light beer (<3.5%);
  • Avoid the use of large glasses or cups (400/500cc), pitchers, kegs, volume discounts, etc.

Information and health education

Do you find that your alcohol consumption negatively affects your study or work performance?

Discuss it with your study advisor, manager or HR advisor.

The University of Twente is involved in the health and the sustainable employability of its students and staff. That is why we support staff and students to recognise alcohol use. Do you need help because of your alcohol consumption?

Then take a look at the help and guidance organisations below (dutch only).

Start the challenge! one month with non-alcoholic drinks

Sober suits you

One month where you choose to drink and celebrate with non-alcoholic drinks, 0.0-beers, lovely mocktails, and sodas. You’d be surprised what this does to you and your friends. Is it hard? Maybe… it depends on your alcohol routine, but even more on how strong your will is :-)

The "Sober suits you" campaign has been developed by the UT to raise awareness about not drinking alcohol for a month. With different communication tools, colleagues can participate in this campaign. If you along with your team would like to organize a similar or a different challenge? Then you can use these tools and sign up at IkPas. Please contact responsible-alcohol-consumption@utwente.nl for more info.

What is IkPas?

IkPas is taking on a challenge with yourself or with your team. You don't drink alcohol for a month to see what it does to you. You become more aware of the choice you can make whether or not to drink, you break through your entrenched patterns and alcohol is no longer a matter of course.

Ik Pas -  Challenge yourself by taking part!
Sign up!

Related topics 


Contact

Please contact HR Services for any further questions. Tel 053 489 8011. 

For ideas, comments or changes to this page, please email webteam-hr@utwente.nl

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