SHIFTing the culture takes the whole community!
SHIFT partners with the UT Austin community to foster collaboration and help change the culture. We provide expert guidance, research, and programming support to reduce harm, challenge stigma, and promote mindful decision-making around substance use.
Whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member at UT Austin, or part of the larger Austin community, we would love to partner with you to create a more supportive environment for UT students.
Ready to get involved and help shift the campus culture? Learn how below.
Students
SHIFT Makers
Student employees who foster community and conversation while serving zero-proof cocktails at campus events.
We hire new SHIFT Makers every Spring and will promote employment opportunities on our website and Instagram.
Student Advisory Board
A dedicated group of students who advise and guide SHIFT’s initiatives on changing the campus culture of substance misuse towards one of well-being. The SAB meets once each Spring, with other opportunities to stay involved throughout the year.
If you are interested in joining the SAB or want more information, email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
Internships and Student Projects
SHIFT has opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable professional experience through internships and projects throughout the year.
Internship opportunities will be posted on our Instagram and website every Spring or as they become available.
We also love to help students’ ideas come to life! If you have a project idea on how to shift the culture, email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
Student Organizations and Groups
SHIFT supports student organizations and groups with integrating safer substance use and well-being practices into their organization. We can help in areas such as event safety planning, developing a risk reduction plan, or creating a custom presentation around substance use or culture change.
Are you a student organization or group that wants to collaborate with us? Email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
FIG and TrIG Peer Mentors
SHIFT trains First-Year Interest Group (FIG) and Transfer-year Interest Group (TrIG) peer mentors to be campus leaders who help new students build community, connect with resources, and promote well-being.
Ready to lead, inspire, and shift the culture? Email yacine.sarr@austin.utexas.edu.
UT Austin
Campus Partners
SHIFT collaborates with departments across the Forty Acres to provide expertise in substance use, harm reduction, and well-being strategies that support campus programs and events. A few departments we have partnered with include the Pharmacy Addictions Research & Medicine (PhARM) Program, University Housing & Dining, and Sorority and Fraternity Life.
Interested in becoming a SHIFT partner? Email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
Faculty
SHIFT faculty integrate evidence-based protective factors and discussions in their courses that we know reduce substance use and mitigate its risks, establishing culture shifts in the classroom. We also host semesterly Assets in Action lunch-and-learn workshops where faculty connect and share strategies in promoting student well-being in the classroom.
If you are a UT faculty member interested in learning more, email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
SHIFTovation
Monetary awards are available for UT students, faculty, and staff whose innovative, measurable, and evidence-based research or programs aim to help SHIFT the culture of substance use on college campuses.
For more information about SHIFTovation or if you have an idea to submit, fill out the online form.
Community
Community Partners
We engage partners historically on the periphery of substance misuse prevention by providing campus resource connections, opioid overdose prevention training, and zero-proof mixology opportunities through our SHIFT Makers program. Our collaborators include a wide range of organizations, from nonprofits like the Sobering Center to those in the hospitality industry like Sans Bar.
Interested in partnering with us? Email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
Substance Use Safety Committee
The Substance Use Safety Committee (SUSC) brings together UT students, faculty, and staff, and community partners to support initiatives promoting safer substance use and well-being across the UT community. Through programming and strategic planning, SUSC fosters inclusive community dialogue and addresses emerging campus needs.
All are welcome to join! Email shift@austin.utexas.edu to get involved.
Families
Talking about substance use with your Longhorn can feel overwhelming, but did you know that students who talk to their family about substance use are 50% less likely to use them? SHIFT supports families through our partnership with Texas Parents during Family Orientation and with our conversation starter guide.
For more information, please email shift@austin.utexas.edu.
