The Shark Way
The Shark Way program is funded through the NCAA CHOICES Grant, which enables Hawai'i Pacific University to develop and implement alcohol education initiatives and raise awareness in our community. This program operates under the Athletics Department in partnership with multiple other departments on campus.
A significant component in The Shark Way is ensuring that HPU students have the knowledge and resources to make wise and healthy choices regarding alcohol and drug use. The pages to the left highlight important information on Alcohol and Drugs, as well as Staying Safe. We hope you will take the time to navigate these pages to see what information is available to you.
While The Shark Way program is growing, current initiatives and opportunities to get involved are highlighted below!
Shark Way Initiatives
alcohol and drug survey
The Alcohol and Drug Survey, sent out to students annually in the fall semester, allows HPU to gain an understanding of student perceptions and experiences surrounding drugs and alcohol. Prizes are made available to participants and in the past has included roundtrip tickets to visit a neighboring island and an Amazon Echo.
Programs and Events
As a way to engage students and provide educational awareness and prevention programming, HPU students set up events available throughout the fall and spring semester. Such events include sober saturday hikes, root beer pong, movie nights, comedy sketches, mocktails, a silent disco, and other unique initiatives.
Marketing
Sharing information with students is an important component of The Shark Way. Marketing efforts take data from the Campus Climate Survey and other topics and trends to provide creative information to students. Some initiatives have even reached local businesses, with the Coaster Competition allowing students an opportunity to create HPU branded materials including safety contact details to appear in local establishments.
Join the Team! Be an Intern!
One of the very exciting opportunities available to HPU students is the chance to serve as a Shark Way Intern!
Shark Way Interns work for at least one semester, and focus on developing, implementing and assessing initiatives to support awareness programming regarding alcohol use at HPU. Hours vary and interns may receive academic credit for their work.
Various job responsibilities may include:
- Advertising/Branding
- Advocacy
- Assessments and Analysis
- Event Planning
- Program Development
If this sounds like an opportunity you want to take advantage of, please submit a resume and cover letter (indicating why you are interested in the position and what you believe you can contribute to the team) to kconlon@hpu.edu. You are also welcome to reach out with questions.