Drinking & Marijuana Culture at NMC

College students navigate many changes during college, but alcohol and marijuana use is often one of the most challenging to deal with.

• In 2023, three out of five first-year students (60.6%) abstained from alcohol and 93% of first-year students did not binge drink.* (Binge drinking is defined as five drinks for men and four drinks for women within a two-hour period.)

Students who believe that most of their peers are drinking alcohol or using marijuana often feel pressure to use up to the same perceived levels, which may result in unwanted and/or dangerous consequences.

• In 2024, 32% of all NMC students reported that they abstained from alcohol and 63% reported drinking but never binging.*

Although more and more students are choosing to abstain from alcohol and marijuana use and/or practice responsible drinking, high-risk drinking is still a concern at NMC.

• In 2024, 91% of all NMC students reported that they had not used marijuana in any form (smokeable, edible, derivatives) in the last year.*

Having accurate information helps parents start the conversation with their student, and allows parents to speak with confidence and credibility.

• Responsible students: Among NMC students, awareness surrounding the dangers of binge drinking is increasing. In 2022, 60% of students indicated that academic obligations contributed to their decision not to drink, 51% don't want to worry about the negative consequences and 49% have too many personal responsibilities.*

It’s important to share information with students that dispel the perception that all their peers are using marijuana, drinking and drinking excessively.

• Peer Behaviors: In 2022, nearly 100% (99.5%) of NMC students indicated that they would not approve of a peer drinking so much that they cannot remember part of the previous evening, 99% said they would not approve of a peer drinking so much that they get sick and nearly 100% (99.5%) said they would not approve of a peer getting into situations that they may regret later*

When students realize that they’re not alone in either abstaining from or controlling their consumption of alcohol and marijuana they feel more comfortable declining the invitation to use substances.

*Information is from 2023 Year One College Behavior Data and 2022 and 2024 Nebraska Assessment of College Health Behaviors survey.

Although more and more students are choosing to abstain from alcohol use and practice responsible drinking, high-risk drinking is still a concern at the college. As you visit with your student about drinking at college, having accurate information helps initiate the conversation and allows you to speak with confidence and credibility.

Did you know?

Research suggests that student socializing patterns are often established in the first six weeks of their first year on campus. 

Research shows that parents can have a profound influence on their student’s decisions if they understand the characteristics of the drinking scene young adults will be exposed to, and talk with them about healthy ways to safely navigate that scene.

Students and parents should be familiar with NMC's policies relating to alcohol. Here are a few things to remember:

Drinking is not permitted on campus at NMC. Students should also be aware of local laws and policies practiced in Omaha which may differ from their home communities. The Omaha Police Department regularly conducts patrols to identify and ticket parties causing disruptions. Omaha police regularly issue tickets for MIP, DUI and procuring alcohol to minors.

Nebraska's Good Samaritan Law encourages individuals to call 911 for medical help when witnessing or experiencing acute alcohol intoxication without the fear of prosecution for minor in possession. Please encourage your son or daughter to become familiar with the law and take swift action whenever they are concerned about another person's well-being.

Marijuana is an illegal substance in Nebraska. Driving under the influence, possession, sale, and manufacture of marijuana are all violations that carry varying degrees of legal consequences.

Your career may be impacted if you have alcohol violations on your record as many companies, including public and private schools, are now screening applicants for past legal problems with alcohol. Your application to a professional school including, but not limited to nursing, physical therapy, law, dental or medical may also be affected if you have been found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. Applicants to such schools are typically required to report any Student Code of Conduct violations as part of their application. Not following campus and community policy could result in a campus code of conduct violation and/or legal ramifications. View the code of conduct here.