Frequently Asked Questions

2. Why did you choose AlcoholEdu? AlcoholEdu is an online science-based alcohol prevention program that provides a tailored educational experience focusing on the impact of alcohol on the mind and body. Research supports AlcoholEdu as an effective tool in creating a healthy campus environment for all students. Students who have completed AlcoholEdu at other campuses are much less likely to develop alcohol problems or experience negative consequences (vomiting, hangover, missing class, injuries) as a result of drinking.

3.  When can I begin the course? The course will be available on July 30, 2007.  Once you have registered for fall classes you will be allowed to access the site.  If you have not registered for fall classes at the UI, you will need to wait until your registration is complete in order to participate in the course.  

4.  Why do I have to wait 45 days to complete the course after part I? The 45 day wait is in place in order to have students apply the knowledge from the course to their specific college environment.  This allows students the opportunity to initiate behavior change, make healthy choices, or assist a friend.  Students are then assessed at the end of the wait period and course to see what changes or differences were made due to the knowledge they gained in the course. 

The course is composed of surveys, knowledge tests, and alcohol-related information.  In part I you will complete Chapters 1-3, two surveys, and two knowledge tests.  In part II you will complete the final chapter and survey.

7. What do I have to do to complete it? You will need to complete the first portion of the course (Chapters 1-3 as well as two surveys and two knowledge tests) August 24, 2007. This will take approximately 2.5 hours and we recommend that you complete it in multiple sittings. Approximately 45 days later, you will receive an automatically generated email, asking you to complete the course. At this time, you will need to log in again to complete Chapter 4 and the final survey. The entire course must be completed by October 19, 2007.  NOTE: Completing AlcoholEdu requires passing the knowledge exam and finishing the final chapter/survey. Only once you’ve finished Chapter 4 and the final survey have you completed the program.

8. What happens if I don’t do it? You will not be allowed to register for spring semester classes if you don’t complete AlcoholEdu by the deadline of October 19, 2007. This can make it difficult to get your first choice of courses or complete prerequisites so it is important to abide by the deadlines given for completing AlcoholEdu to remain eligible for early registration. Early registration begins November 26, 2007.

9. I don’t drink. Do I still need to complete AlcoholEdu? All freshmen UI students need to complete the course. Even if you don’t drink, you may still be impacted by alcohol use in the college environment. AlcoholEdu provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don’t drink, you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choice. AlcoholEdu will also provide you with important information regarding coping with potential drinking behavior of your peers.

10. I don’t have computer access at home. Do I still need to complete AlcoholEdu? To take the course, you will need computer with Internet access and audio capabilities. If you do not have access to a computer, you can use any publicly available computer with Internet access and audio capabilities. Public computers are often available in your local public library, copy center, or community center. The UI campus has 26 computer labs (ITCs) across campus.

11. How much does it cost? There is no charge to you for AlcoholEdu. The University will also make AlcoholEdu available to other campus groups, including parents, upper class students, athletic teams, and disciplinary referrals.

12. When do I have to complete the course? What’s the deadline? You should complete the majority (Chapters 1-3) of the course before you come to campus in the fall, by August 24, 2007. You will receive an automated email approximately 45 days after you complete the 3rd chapter and knowledge test reminding you to login in and complete Chapter 4 and the final survey.  The entire course must be completed by October 19, 2007.

13. What happens if I don’t pass the test?  You will need to retake the course. Successful completion of AlcoholEdu includes passing the knowledge exam and completing the final chapter and survey. If you have documented learning needs that require an accommodation please contact Angela Reams at 335-1349 or alcoholedu@uiowa.edu.

14. Do I have to do the follow-up survey and chapter? Yes. Only after you have passed the knowledge exam at the end of Chapter 3 and then completed Chapter 4 and the final survey are you considered finished with AlcoholEdu.

15. My religious beliefs forbid alcohol use. Why do I have to do this? All entering students need to complete AlcoholEdu. Alcohol use in the college environment has the potential to affect everyone. Even if you don’t drink you may be impacted by the potential drinking behavior of your peers. AlcoholEdu provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don’t drink, you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choice.

16. Can I do it while I’m here for Orientation? The course will be available on July 30, 2007 and only after you have registered for classes.  Depending on your orientation date and the time you register, you may be able to do some of it while you are here on campus but there may be Orientation activities that take precedence during that time.

17. Who will see my answers? How is the data kept? Will my parents be told what I report? AlcoholEdu includes three surveys that offer you feedback on your alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are strictly confidential; The University of Iowa will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will NEVER see any individual student's answers. Because we require you to pass the knowledge exam, the AlcoholEdu administrator at the UI will receive your score on the exam but this is the only information ever matched with your identity. Your parents will not have access to any information (including your score on the knowledge exam) unless you choose to share it with them or to sign an information release that allows us to share it with them.

18. How do I login? You will log in by visiting http://icon.uiowa.edu.  You will need your HawkID and password to enter the site.  You must be registered for classes in order to be able to access the course. Once you have signed in you will need to select AlcoholEdu as your course by selecting the + sign next to Fall 2007 and then clicking on AlcoholEdu.  The first time you enter the AlcoholEdu site you will need to complete the registration form in order to create an account. You will not need to create an additional login or password.  You may log in and out of the site after completing each section.  Section ends are marked with a Next button.  ALWAYS, ALWAYS log in through ICON, never go directly to the AlcoholEdu site or you will get an error message when logging in. 

19. What do I do if I have trouble with the site? While we don’t anticipate you having any trouble using the site, should you experience any difficulties or require support, the AlcoholEdu Online Technical Support Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply click on the "Help" button located in the upper right-hand corner of every AlcoholEdu for College screen or call 1-866-384 9062. You do not need to be logged into the course to access the Help Site. The most common problem is trying to login directly through AlcoholEdu rather than going through the ICON system. Go through ICON each and every time you work on AlcoholEdu.

20. I believe I need accommodations to fulfill the requirements of this course.  Who do I need to do?  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Angela Reams at 335-1349 or alcoholedu@uiowa.edu in advance.

21.  Are there any restrictions pertaining to age? Students under the age of 18 at the time of starting the course will not participate in any of the surveys and will not be included in the aggregate data due to legal issues.  You will still need to complete the course within the deadlines provided.

22. Who is the AlcoholEdu Administrator? The AlcoholEdu Administrator is Angela Reams, Director of the Office of Student Services Campus and Community Relations.  You may contact her by phone at 319-335-1349 or alcoholedu@uiowa.edu.  

23. Do I need a textbook or materials for this course? A textbook and materials are not needed. Everything that you need is provided to you online through the course.

24. Do I need to register through the University for this course?  No, there is no need for registration through the University to participate in this course.  You will need to have already registered for fall classes at the UI, though, because you will need your HawkID and password in order to access the course.  AlcoholEdu is not a course that will be listed on transcripts.  A registration form is included as part of the course online, but is completed when you first log into the system.     

25. Will I receive credit for taking AlcoholEdu?  Course credit for AlcoholEdu will not be given to students who complete the entire program.  This course is designed to increase your knowledge, abilities, and skills pertaining to high-risk alcohol use and behaviors in such an environment.  It is an expectation of The University of Iowa and a requirement of any new student entering the University.  The course is designed for population-level prevention and is meant to assist students, the UI, and the community in creating a safe and healthy environment for all to live, work, and study. 

26. Do transfer students take AlcoholEdu? No, they are not required - only students classified as freshmen.

27. What should I tell a student who is having trouble logging in? For freshmen, be sure the student is logging in through the ICON system, using their HawkID and password. The most common mistake is trying to login directly to the AlcoholEdu site without going through ICON. For other students, direct them to the online or 24/7 HelpLine or the AlcoholEdu office.

Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct, such as cheating, not doing your own work, plagiarism, etc., is taken seriously at The University of Iowa. In order for students to avoid jeopardizing their spring registration, we ask that they abide by the rules regarding academic misconduct at the University. Keep in mind that they will be referred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services for discipline regarding academic misconduct.