Education, Treatment, and Assistance

Coker University incorporates information about alcohol and drug abuse in its formal educational curriculum and in its out-of-class activities. Certain courses in psychology, sociology, and physical education address these topics. In addition, such information is covered in orientation programs and in periodic workshops and seminars. The Health Services and Counseling Services Offices distributes brochures & pamphlets and maintains a library of such information.

Primary Prevention and Awareness Efforts for Drug and Alcohol Include:

Coker University has partnered with Vector Solutions, whose mission is to help students address critical life skills such as alcohol abuse prevention, sexual assault prevention, and financial literacy in higher education institutions across the country. Each year over 5 million students and employees complete these courses. As part of our comprehensive prevention program for students, Coker expects all student to complete Alcohol and Other Drug and Sexual Violence prevention courses annually. This online education will empower students to make well-informed decisions about issues that affect a student's years at Coker University and beyond. The online course uses an engaging, thought approach to provide students with the tools needed to navigate the risks of life in college.

Integrated into the CobraQuest new student orientation program, the Essential Info Presentations cover a variety of safety and security issues, including but not limited to, Title IX and Sexual Misconduct, Emergency Procedures, Alcohol & Other Drug Issues.

Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Efforts for Drug and Alcohol Include:

Annual notification of the student drug and alcohol policy and available resources.
Annual training for all new and returning student leaders prior to the start of each academic year on prevention, awareness, and treatment options.
Annual training for all new and returning student-athletes prior to the start of each academic year on prevention, awareness, and treatment options.

When education fails to elicit appropriate behavior, the University attempts to appropriately combine judicial, legal sanctions, treatment and referral as a response to substance abuse. The policies concerning sanctions address treatment and referral in general terms.

Counseling is provided for students through a number of sources. Any student of the University is able to receive preliminary counseling free of charge, either on a voluntary or referral basis through the Coker University Health and Wellness Center. The University Counselor may provide referrals to local psychologists or other health professionals for individuals who are in need of long-term or specialized assistance. Additional counseling is available through Darlington County Mental Health Center (332-4141). University students who voluntarily avail themselves of services can be assured that all professional standards of confidentiality will be observed. The status of any student or University employee will not be jeopardized for seeking early assistance for a substance abuse program.

Treatment or counseling referrals and additional information can be obtained through the Center for Health and Wellness, or from any of the following sources:

Coker University Counseling Center (843) 383-8040

Coker University Health Services (843) 383-8040

South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation 1-800-832-7526

Federal Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services 1-800-729-6686

Alcoholics Anonymous (843) 669–6345

Narcotics Anonymous 1-888-476-2482

American Council on Alcoholism Hotline 1-800-527-5344

Rubicon Addictions Services (843) 332-4156

National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

S.C. Dept. of Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Services 1-888-727-7383