A group of KU students standing in front of Strong Hall holding a sign that reads "7 out of 10 Jayhawks cut themselves off before they have too much to drink"

Social Norms

What are social norms?

Social norms are standards of perceived appropriate action or behavior. The majority of KU students report that they make good choices while out drinking with friends.

KU students report...

  • 90% watch out for friends to make sure they stay safe
  • 89% make arrangements to get home safely
  • 87% stay with the same group of friends the entire time they are drinking
  • 80% eat before or while drinking
  • 71% cut themselves off before they have had too much to drink

DATA SOURCE: 2024 KU UCelebrate Survey, n=673

Social Norms Messaging Campaign

Branded promotional items are very popular with students, and help to build a visual sense of community with fellow Jayhawks. As space allows, each Jayhawk Buddy System promotional item includes a social norm statistic to continually educate students on safer drinking practices.

For several years, T-shirts with these statistics have been distributed to students moving into university housing spaces. Other types of garments including sweatshirts, tank tops, hats, bags, and athletic accessories have also been distributed at events across campus. Personal safety items like like portable phone chargers, keychain flashlights, water bottles, hand sanitizer, and face masks (during the COVID-19 pandemic) have been provided with students' wellness in mind.

A group of three students handing out Camelbak water bottles branded with the Jayhawk Buddy System logo.
Person wearing a facemask that features the Jayhawk Buddy System logo
A group of KU students handing out power bank chargers for cell phones