You'll receive two suggested text messages each week for ten weeks: one focused on general emotional support and another promoting alcohol safety. Messages are strategically timed around high-risk periods and key moments in the semester. Simply review each suggested message, personalize it if you wish, and send it to your student when it's most convenient.

Texting is uniquely positioned as an autonomy-supportive form of communication. Unlike phone calls or in-person visits, texting allows students to respond on their own terms, fostering a sense of independence. Research confirms that for most students, texting does not feel intrusive or overbearing but instead provides a low-pressure way to stay connected. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't call your student, as phone calls can still play an important role in maintaining your connection. Calling allows for deeper conversations, emotional nuance, and real-time support when needed. The key is finding a balance that respects your student’s growing independence while keeping lines of communication open.

Messages will begin during your students first week on campus. General support messages come at varying times based on your student's schedule and campus events. Alcohol-safety messages will be sent during the afternoon on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, when students are most likely to encounter drinking situations.

Yes! While we recommend keeping the core content (especially specific limits regarding alcohol use), we encourage you to adjust the tone and wording to match your usual communication style with your student.

You always have complete choice over whether to send any suggested message. We'll follow up to ask if you sent it, and your feedback helps us improve the program. You can skip any message that doesn't feel right for your situation.

Research has shown that parents significantly influence their child’s drinking habits, even during the college years. It’s a common misconception that allowing students to drink can help them manage alcohol more responsibly. In reality, setting clear boundaries around alcohol use, even if you’ve already permitted your student to drink, is far more effective at reducing risky behaviors (among students who drink) or preventing these behaviors from even occurring (among students who have never tried alcohol).

Yes! This program is designed for all parents of incoming college students, whether or not their student currently drinks. Research shows that many students are first exposed to alcohol during their transition to college, and parental communication plays a key role in shaping their choices. Even if your student doesn’t drink now, maintaining open conversations can reinforce their values and help them navigate social situations confidently. For parents whose students may already drink, this program provides guidance on setting clear expectations and reducing potential risks. No matter your student’s current behavior, staying engaged and keeping communication open can have a lasting, positive impact throughout their college experience. DPP is designed to support this ongoing communication, making it easier for parents to stay connected and involved in a way that feels natural and effective.