Turning 21? CMU birthday cards remind you to be safe
Central Michigan University encourages the safe celebration of a student's 21st year with a birthday card program.
Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe said the program began with an idea from Michigan State University.
"We started looking into it in 2001," he said. "At that time, a number of schools started sending out cards."
The idea began at MSU when a student died as a result of alcohol abuse. The school provided money to start a foundation, and the birthday card program began.
The program initially was known as BRAD - "Be Responsible About Drinking" - after the late student's name.
CMU began purchasing several of these BRAD cards, but then put their own spin on the concept.
The cards are now printed on school stationary, with a note from the Office of the Dean of Students on the inside encouraging students to celebrate safely.
Included with the birthday card is a small laminated slip containing information about alcohol poisoning and taking care of friends.
The slip also provides a list of phone numbers, such as those for taxi companies and campus and emergency services.
The card comes with a Java City coupon for a free cup of brewed coffee, redeemable on the student's birthday from Goodies to Go.
Java City employee and Macomb sophomore Mike Weiss sees the Java City coupons on a regular basis.
"I've seen a couple a week, at least," he said. "I think it's good that the university is recognizing the fact that people should make wise decisions on their 21st birthday, rather than just sweeping everything under the rug."
Ingalls senior Amber Marklein agrees.
"You're not going to stop drinking, so you might as well promote doing it safely," she said. Marklein received a birthday card, a notecard, and a Java City coupon on her birthday.
Roscoe said that CMU spends about $1,100 annually on postage for the cards.
"This money comes from the Parents Fund, rather than students tuition
dollars," Roscoe said.
In addition to using the Java City coupons, several students keep their note cards with safe drinking tips.
"I've heard stories about people pulling out the card," Roscoe said. "We always hope that people use this,
or are at least aware of this. We hope that it can impact at least one person's life, maybe more."
This program is one
element of CMU's Take Care Initiative, Roscoe said.
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