Student Wellbeing secures grant renewal for health and safety 

Augusta University’s Office of Student Wellbeing secured a grant renewal of $15,800 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to expand student engagement in alcohol awareness and impaired driving prevention efforts. 

“The overall purpose is to make sure students are informed of the risks of driving under the influence and feel prepared in settings where alcohol consumption may be present, along with ensuring that our programming opportunities educate students on how to keep themselves and others safe,” said Morgan Davis, director of the Office of Student Wellbeing. 

Supported by federal funds, the grant will continue bringing the Arrive Alive Tour to AU’s campus. This interactive program uses a driver simulator, impact video, impairment goggles and mock traffic tickets to educate students on the dangers and consequences of driving while drunk, distracted or impaired. 

The grant also funds tabling events with campus partners, like the one held by the Augusta University Police Department during which students can participate in hands-on activities including a pedal kart obstacle course with vision impairment goggles, a mock field sobriety test and a “Know Your Pour” activity. 

Davis emphasized the importance of students being aware of their on-campus resources and knowing where to turn for support or assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. 

The Office of Student Wellbeing is dedicated to helping students thrive both personally and academically. With a mission to empower students to pursue balanced, healthy lives through education, engagement and connection to resources, the office envisions a campus where holistic wellness is woven into every aspect of student life and learning. 

“Innovative projects like this are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of this century,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable.” 

The grant year runs from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026. Davis shared that the office plans to continue reapplying for the grant to ensure students have access to these impactful learning opportunities.