ACE IT is a workshop offered as part of the University of Illinois Counseling Center’s Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program. ACE IT's goal is to help you to stay safe, be healthy, and succeed academically—whether or not you choose to drink. It's offered in partnership with New Student Programs and is required for all new undergraduate and transfer students under the age of 21.
What can I expect at ACE IT?
ACE IT has been automatically added to your Canvas account if you are required to complete the online modules for the Fall 2023 semester. They can be accessed by navigating to http://canvas.illinois.edu and clicking on OPEN LEARNING - ACE IT – Required Alcohol and Other Drug Workshop. It can be completed as early as June 7 and should be finished by October 13. On average, students report that it is most convenient to finish all of the ACE IT complete-at-your-own-pace modules at one time and to plan for 30-45 minutes.
During ACE IT, you will review interactive educational modules that discuss a variety of alcohol and other drug-related situations. Each module will be presented by peer educators to examine attitudes, situations, and choices regarding alcohol and other substance use. You’ll also get a first look at the variety of services offered by the Counseling Center, learn about resources throughout campus, and check your knowledge along the way.
To receive credit for this required workshop, each section must be completed in order. You will also receive resources that you can save for the future along the way.
What is ACE IT’s approach?
Many new students are making their own decisions about whether or not to use substances for the first time, and the University of Illinois is committed to increasing the health, safety, and academic success of students as they adjust to campus life. Students who choose not to drink need to know that they are not alone and that the University supports this choice. Students who believe that drinking will be a part of their college experience also need to be aware of ways to make a safe plan regarding alcohol use, the possible impact that the abuse of alcohol may have on their health, and resources if further support is needed. As part of the Counseling Center’s innovative harm reduction approach, ACE IT does not lecture or preach abstinence.
ACE IT uses a variety of recordings, videos, websites, and short quizzes to provide education and review scenarios about alcohol and the campus drinking culture. ACE IT Peer Educators do not lecture but ask students to consider their own values and possible assumptions to avoid making high risk or passive decisions related to the use of alcohol. Participants will also receive information on making a personalized harm reduction plan regarding substance use and how to help a friend in need of support regarding drug or alcohol use.
How do I complete ACE IT?
ACE IT has been automatically added to your Canvas account if you are required to complete the online modules for the incoming Fall 2023 semester. They can be accessed by navigating to http://canvas.illinois.edu and clicking on OPEN LEARNING ACE IT Required Alcohol and Other Drug Workshop.
When does the online training open and what is the deadline to complete it?
It can be completed as early as June 7 and should be finished by October 13 for the Fall 2023 semester.
How will ACE IT staff know I completed the training?
Completion will be recorded in the Canvas learning management system and can be checked by the student through Canvas Badges.
Can I give feedback about the program?
Yes! There is a survey available here.
How do I become involved with ACE IT?
Harm Reduction Peers are volunteers of any background that provide peer education and facilitation focusing in safe alcohol and drug use education, outreach, and empowerment. Volunteers meet at times designated by the group, determine projects for the semester, and also receive ongoing training.
HaRPs will gain public speaking skills, design social media campaigns around harm reduction education, plan large-scale events, and facilitate workshops and tablings on alternatives to substance use.
Successful completion of CHLH (Community Health) 127, which is offered every Spring semester, is helpful but not required.
What if I have other questions?
Contact ACE IT Staff at aceitprogram@illinois.edu.