[Editor's Note: This announcement was originally published on Nov. 21.]
In an effort to help encourage the safe serving of alcohol on the Fairfield University campus, Fairfield University students employed at the on-campus sports bar, The Levee, have recently become certified in TIPS – Training for Intervention Procedures.
TIPS is a skills-based training program designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving.
Fairfield Corps teamed up with Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut (WSWC) to conduct a training session in the student center at the University. This is the second session offered in an on-going series of training sessions coordinated by Fairfield Corps and offered free of charge by WSWC.
Fairfield Corps is a program aimed to facilitate and help Fairfield University students learn how to make healthier choices by enhancing decision making skills. Program coordinator Pam Paulmann explains: “By training all of our student employees in TIPS we are reinforcing safe practices and helping them to encourage others to do the same. We strongly believe we have a responsibility to do all we can to promote the safe and legal use of alcohol. We take pride in educating ourselves and our community to the best of our ability.”
Jackie Carlino, Manager of Community Programs at WSWC, commends Fairfield University and the Fairfield Corps Program for coordinating the training. “Fairfield Corps is providing an invaluable service to the Fairfield Community by training, not only Fairfield University students, but extending the invitation to the Fairfield community as well. Last session, employees from six area restaurants were represented and I am sure this will only continue in the future. This is a wonderful example of a collaborative effort between the University and the community to help keep Fairfield safe.”
The four hour TIPS training session was conducted at the student center on campus earlier this month by a certified TIPS trainer. Members of The Levee staff received a three year certification, after successfully passing the required testing.
For over 20 years, TIPS has been a global leader in education and training in the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol. By building on individuals’ fundamental “people skills,” TIPS provides the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and how to effectively intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut (WSWC) is a state trade association for the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry in Connecticut. The TIPS training is coordinated through the WSWC Community Relations Program. One of the initiatives of the program is to encourage restaurants and those that serve alcohol in Connecticut to complete TIPS training. As a service to the state, the WSWC offers complimentary TIPS training to servers of alcohol throughout Connecticut. To schedule TIPS training or to obtain more information about WSWC, contact WSWC Community Programs Manager, Jackie Carlino, 203-624-9900 or jackie.carlino@wswc.org.
Photo caption: Elizabeth Rockwood, Kevin Tellie, Chris Schelzi, and Tyler McClain, employees of The Levee at Fairfield University, participate in TIPS training held on campus recently.
