Safer alcohol consumption

UCalgary strives to ensure the health and safety of our community both on and off-campus when it comes to alcohol consumption. Learn about safe ways to drink, and access support for yourself or others when it's needed.

Low risk drinking guidelines

Recommended portions and safer drinking tips from the Canadian Centre on substance use and addiction.

Learn more Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Quiz

Post Alcohol Support Space (PASS)

PASS is a medically supervised, judgment-free space on campus where members of the university community can sleep off the effects of alcohol and/or cannabis on Saturday nights.

It's confidential and open to any member of the UCalgary community

PASS was developed around three key principles: to make the space supportive, nonjudgemental and consequence free. A stay at the PASS won’t trigger communications to professors or family members and it doesn’t go on any record — academic or otherwise.

This initiative was developed in collaboration with Risk, Student Experience, Campus Security, Residence Services, Student Wellness Services and the Student Medical Response team.

Who can take a PASS?

Any University of Calgary member can utilize the PASS as long as they:

are under the influence of alcohol and/or cannabis (no other substances)
don't have any major injuries
are verbal and mobile

Individuals who don't meet the criteria will be referred to the appropriate medical facility.

Tasks like getting home can be dangerous for an intoxicated person and the PASS is one way to help UCalgary members stay safer and provide them with positive support.

How to take a PASS?

PASS is located in Cascade Hall.
It's accessible by escort from Safewalk or the Student Medical Response (SMR) team.
Call Safewalk at 403-220-5333 to request an escort from any on-campus location.
You can call for yourself or for someone you’re with.
The PASS is open on Saturdays only.

The PASS is staffed with advanced medical responders trained to ensure individuals get the level of care they require.

Interested in harm reduction training? Check out Safer Substance Use: Harm Reduction

UCalgary is a member of the Postsecondary Educational Partnership-Alcohol Harms (PEP-AH), a national network of campuses committed to reducing the harms of alcohol and promoting student health and safety. Learn more.