Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention for College Students (BASICS)
BASICS is designed to assist students in examining their own drinking behavior in a judgment free environment. BASICS is not an abstinence-only program. Instead, goals of the program are selected by the student and aimed at reducing risky behaviors and potential harmful consequences.
Services provided through BASICS are non-judgmental, non-labeling, and confidential.
BASICS involves an initial meeting with a small group of students, the completion of an online assessment, and a second individual meeting. The group meeting and individual meeting are about two weeks apart. The first session takes approximately 60 minutes. During the initial session, the students discuss an overview of the program and issues related to their drinking. The student is expected to complete an online assessment as part of the initial session as well. The second session provides the student with personalized feedback based on the assessment and focuses on ways to reduce future risk.
All students at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are welcome to sign-up for BASICS. There is no charge to participate. Students may be sanctioned to take BASICS or they may choose to participate on their own accord. BASICS is administered by a trained graduate student in the UTRGV Counseling Center.
To participate in BASICS, visit https://utrgv.basicsfeedback.com/portal.
General Information
What is BASICS?
BASICS is a harm reduction program and is designed to assist students in examining their own drinking behavior in a judgment free environment. BASICS is not an abstinence-only program. Instead, goals of the program are selected by the student and aimed at reducing risky behaviors and potential harmful consequences.
Where do I go for BASICS?
BASICS is administered through the UTRGV Counseling Center (University Center 109 in Edinburg, Cortez 237 in Brownsville).
How long will it take to complete BASICS?
BASICS is a two-part program:
- The first part of BASICS is a group session that lasts about 1 hour.
- Two weeks later, you will schedule an individual session that will last about 1 hour.
Do I need to bring anything?
It is strongly suggested that you bring your laptop to Session 1, but it is not required. All other materials are supplied by BASICS.
Scheduling
How do I schedule an appointment for BASICS?
Log into the BASICS Student Portal (https://utrgv.basicsfeedback.com/portal) and access the class schedule calendar. Select an appointment time that works for you. Remember to factor in travel time before and after your appointment.
How do I cancel an appointment for BASICS?
Log into the BASICS Student Portal (https://utrgv.basicsfeedback.com/portal) and access the class schedule calendar. Remove yourself from that selected class time. Remember to reschedule your appointment for another time.
What if I don't or can't schedule Session 1 within 2 weeks of being sanctioned/initial email notification?
After you receive an email from the BASICS portal, you will be prompted to schedule your first session. At that time, you will choose any date that works best for you. In the event that you are unable to set up an appointment with the available time slots, please call the UTRGV Counseling Center at 956-665-2574.
If you have a scheduling conflict after you have made your appointment, you have the opportunity to change your appointment online using the BASICS portal (2 hours before the scheduled appointment).
What if I don't or can't schedule Session 2 within 2 weeks of Session 1?
During your first session, you will be prompted to schedule your second session. At that time, you will choose any date that works best for you. If you have a scheduling conflict after you have made your appointment, you have the opportunity to change your appointment online using the BASICS portal. For schedule changes within 2 hours of your appointment please call 956-665-2574.
What should I do if I'm running late?
If you're running late, please call the front desk at 956-665-2574. Unfortunately, if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will be unable to attend the first session. Consequently, you will have to reschedule for another day.
Confidentiality
Will my parent(s) be notified that I have to complete BASICS?
Your parents will not be contacted or notified by UTRGV staff about your participation in the BASICS program.
Will the answers I provide in this BASICS Feedback assessment be kept confidential?
BASICS staff will not share your personalized feedback report with anyone without your written consent. However, BASICS staff are required by law to report disclosed information to the appropriate authorities:
- When serious and foreseeable harm to you or others is evident
- When release of confidential information is required by court order or requested by you
- When child abuse or neglect is evident or suspected
- When abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults who are vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment or advanced age is evident or suspected
What else do I need to know regarding confidentiality?
BASICS staff has been fully trained on confidentiality. BASICS facilitators receive the same confidentiality training that all Counseling, University Health Services healthcare providers and staff receive.
The BASICS program routinely records sessions for purpose of staff training and development. In these instances, you will first be asked for your permission to audio record and then sign a consent form. We will NOT record a session without explicit written consent.
I am required to complete BASICS. What will you tell the person/entity that requires me to complete BASICS?
We will only tell the referring party whether or not you have completed BASICS. No additional information, including your assessment, personalized feedback, or the conversation you have with your BASICS Facilitator will be shared with the referring party. Your attendance at BASICS will be available to college officials should there be another alcohol or other drug related violation. Failure to comply with the requirement to complete BASICS may be reflected in your disciplinary record.
Will this be a part of my medical record?
Record of your participation in the BASICS program is not a part of your medical or Counseling Center record. Additionally, the information you provide in your feedback report is NOT part of your medical, academic, or disciplinary record.
Where are my BASICS records kept?
BASICS records are kept on a secure off-site server, which is password protected. The information you provide is NOT part of your medical or academic record, and the information included in a disciplinary record would be attendance compliance information only if applicable.
Fees
No Charge.
Sanction Requirements
How do I prove/verify that I have completed the program?
A signed and dated page from your BASICS Feedback Report (used in Session 2) serves as the BASICS certificate of completion. Student should turn in their certificates to the entity that mandated that they take BASICS.
I have been mandated to participate in BASICS through UTRGV Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR). What do I need to know?
Certificates of completion are to be handed in within three business days of program completion and to be taken to the SRR front desk during operating hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am - 5 pm) to verify your participation and completion of the sanction requirement.
If you choose to not schedule an appointment, a bar will be placed on your account until BASICS is completed. If you fail to complete BASICS, the bar will be placed on your registration for the next semester. A bar prevents the student from registering for classes or obtaining official transcripts or a diploma.
If you are mandated to BASICS through SRR for a second time, you will be asked to complete the same process, attending both the group session and individual session.
In the event that you are mandated to BASICS for a third time, you may be referred to individual counseling sessions at the UTRGV Counseling Center for additional assistance as BASICS may not be the appropriate service location to address your needs.
If you have additional questions regarding being referred from Student Rights and Responsibilities, you can contact their office at (956) 665-5375.
Can I use this class for my court case?
You may have been mandated to take BASICS by the court system. If you are unsure, please check with your court case manager. BASICS is different than the Alcohol Education Program for Minors (APEM). Information on locations of the Alcohol Education Program for Minors (AEPM) offered can be obtained from the referring court.
Other questions about BASICS?
If you have any other questions, please call 956-665-2574.