On Campus, at Home or Abroad, Razorback Community Encouraged to Stay RazorSharp

No matter where your path at the U of A takes you, the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery program at Pat Walker Health Center encourages all Razorbacks to Stay RazorSharp.  

"Whether you're sober, sober-curious or just safety-minded, Stay RazorSharp is your space to make change," SEAR Director Jennifer Morris said. "RazorSharp is for anyone who wants to feel better, live safer and lead the way. Whether you're partying smart, staying sober or supporting a friend on campus, at home or abroad — we want you to Stay RazorSharp."  

But what does it mean to Stay RazorSharp? 

SEAR Ambassadors Vice President Keeghan Jenkins said it's about being a S.T.A.R.: "Stay safe, Take care of yourself, Address misconceptions and Reduce stigma. That's what it means to Stay RazorSharp." 

For SEAR Ambassador Finn Smith, being a S.T.A.R. emphasizes staying sharp when going out and having fun. 

"RazorSharp feels like being aware of my surroundings and also making sure I'm making safe, smart decisions," Smith said. "I usually take it upon myself to look out for my friends, too." 

Morris pointed out the need to be vigilant about stimulants and opioids, and to pay close attention to food and drink to ensure they are not tampered with. Many drugs are often colorless, odorless and tasteless, which makes them difficult to detect. 

Reducing stigma shines a light on challenging common misconceptions about substance use on campus — especially the belief that "everyone is doing it."  

"In reality, most students drink less or use substances far less frequently than people often assume," Morris said.  

These misperceptions can create unnecessary pressure to drink or use in order to fit in, even when that doesn't align with someone's personal values or goals. 

"Social norms can be powerful," Morris said. "When students believe heavy drinking or substance use is the norm, they may feel isolated or out of place for making healthier choices. The truth is, many students are choosing moderation, abstinence or safer behaviors — they just don't always see that reflected around them." 

Understanding what actually is typical can help students make informed decisions, reduce stigma around choosing not to use substances and create space for healthier, more authentic choices. Stay RazorSharp encourages students to challenge assumptions, support one another and recognize that safety and wellness are far more common than they may think. 

SEAR provides direct individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis and other substance-related concerns and offers a variety of research-based prevention, early intervention and recovery support services. 

Staying RazorSharp also asks U of A students to look inward and take care of themselves.  

For SEAR Ambassadors President Avery Moore, that means "being intentional and aware of my choices, which makes me feel in control and safe. Safety isn't boring; it's empowering." 

"Nurturing yourself through self-care is a powerful strategy for fostering overall health and minimizing the desire for alternative coping mechanisms," Morris said.  

Whether that's creating better study habits, ensuring a good night's sleep or taking mental health breaks, healthy routines can help make it easier to face daily challenges and promote stability. 

For more about Stay RazorSharp or SEAR, call 479-575-2500 or email sear@uark.edu. SEAR is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

About the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery (SEAR) Program: SEAR provides individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis and other substance-related concerns. SEAR offers research-based prevention, early intervention and recovery support services designed to promote a learning environment that supports healthy behavior choices and raises awareness about the risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. SEAR is a Pat Walker Health Center program and is part of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/sear.