College is a time for both socialization and experimentation. For many students, that means carrying on the long-standing tradition of raising a glass or a bottle to celebrate just about anything. It's no secret that many college students drink, whether they do so legally or are underage.

To address the issue and prevent students from making poor decisions that could affect the rest of their lives, some colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are offering mandatory courses on the risks of alcohol abuse.

At Penn State, for example, all new students are required to complete a two-part online seminar that uses science-based research to inform them of the potential dangers of drinking. The second part of the program can be completed no less than 30 days before the first part, presumably to let the information sink in before students revisit the topic. Other colleges and universities have mandatory alcohol awareness lectures for freshmen. One of these, Keystone College, requires all of its student athletes to attend the lecture. Although the programs vary slightly from one school to the next, the message is the same: Drinking carries serious risks, from alcohol poisoning to drunk driving.

Although some students do come to college with a figurative six-pack already under their belt, the temptations and pressure to drink are often higher than they were in high school. Bars seem to line the streets of college towns, and happy hour specials can be especially appealing to students on a budget. Bar owners know they have a perpetual customer base streaming from universities, and many are located within walking distance to make it easier for students to avoid driving drunk.

But one local university dean says internal studies indicate that binge drinking tends to happen more often at off-campus parties, where there's usually a free-flowing keg and no older adults reminding students to drink safely and responsibly.

Can a required college course cut down on the problems that some college students face as a result of alcohol? Higher learning institutions in Pennsylvania are eager to find out.

Source: The Times Leader, "Schools aim to teach alcohol education," Andrew M. Seder, Jan. 23, 2012