The Reality Campaign

The Reality Campaign is a social norms campaign that uses the National College Health Assessment Survey (NCHA) to expose students to misperceptions and behaviors of Stetson University students. Posters generally show a perception of behaviors such as alcohol and other drugs, tobacco usage, sexual health, sexual assault and various other health impediments. The campaign uses photos of Stetson University students nominated to participate in the campaign, known as "social influencers."

The students who took part in the Reality Campaign are known as "social influencers." These students are voted by their peers as the university's "cool kids." Social influencers are generally student leaders of campus organizations, role models for other students and are otherwise highly respected by their peers. Students are nominated and voted on every fall semester, and the most highly ranked are chosen to become social influencers.

About the National College Health Assessment Survey

The National College Health Assessment Survey (NCHA) is used by thousands of universities throughout the country. The data in the Reality Campaign is from 479 Stetson University students who responded to the confidential online survey. The return rate was 24 percent, which is considered to be a good response rate for an institution of our size. Our data is representative of our students by ethnicity, residential status, age, academic status, Greek affiliation and athletic affiliation. Entrance into a contest for a shopping spree was offered to students for their time.

The NCHA survey offers a way to map the widest range of health issues affecting our campus community:

  • Alcohol, tobacco and other drug use
  • Sexual Health
  • Weight, nutrition and exercise
  • Mental health
  • Personal safety and violence

If you'd like to see a full report or more statistics, please contact Wellness and Recreation ([email protected]).

What the Data Tells Us

Stetson University's NCHA data tells us that there are large disparities between students' perceptions of their peers' alcohol, drug and tobacco use and reality. For example, a common perception states that 86 percent of students drink three times per week, while the reality is that only 46 percent drink three times per week. The survey also indicates health impediments, such as stress, that might affect students' academic performance.

Spring 2012 Results

Fall 2013 Results

Fall 2015 Results

Fall 2017 Results

Additional statistics will be revealed on Reality Campaign posters throughout the academic year.

Applying the Data

We don't claim that the data is perfect or that reported usage numbers should be viewed as absolute. Data should never be directly applied to any individual student. The NCHA uses self-report data, and although it could be said that respondents lied in their responses, the NCHA is considered to be highly reliable and valid as a self-report measure amongst college students (Higher Education Center, 1998). There was no direct motivation for students to lie. If you have doubts about the data, keep them in mind and encourage your friends not only to take the survey the next time it's repeated but to take it honestly.