When about 3,825 freshman begin their first weekend at the University of California, Davis, Friday, Oct. 1, some may be tempted to reach for alcohol. But to discourage the kind of partying that can lead to binge drinking, the university is offering a new, alcohol-free alternative to entertain them through the early morning. It's the kind of event identified as a promising strategy in a national campaign to reduce high-risk and underage drinking. About 3,800 residence-hall students -- almost 90 percent of them freshmen -- will arrive Sept. 25 and 26. About 200 students will move into Thoreau Hall beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the balance will move into five residence complexes beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday. In the week that follows, the freshmen and many of this year's 1,500 transfer students will familiarize themselves with the university and Davis community, participate in academic sessions, and attend social and athletic events. Friday night's alcohol-free event, called Turbulence, will offer a whirlwind of activities from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. in Recreation Hall. Starting with a women's volleyball game against CSU-San Bernardino, it will feature dance demonstrations and lessons, mixer games, a video/DJ-led dance, rock climbing, Monte Carlo games, comedy and a cafe with free food provided by campus and local vendors. "These events introduce new students to the culture of the university and its expectations for academic discovery, student life and conduct in the university community," says Janet Gong, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs at UC Davis. "They're a healthy way to kick off the year, meet fellow students and have fun." Advertising intended to draw attention to binge drinking has been sponsored by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges with the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities. Member universities -- including UC Davis -- are committed to implementing policies and practices to reduce alcohol abuse on campuses. In a 1997 survey of 14,500 students at 116 colleges and universities, the Harvard School of Public Health found that almost 43 percent of students were binge drinkers. Four of five sorority and fraternity members met the standard for binge drinking, and one of five students was a frequent binge drinker. According to a 1996 survey, alcohol use at UC Davis is substantially below the national average; 81 percent of UC Davis students average three or fewer drinks a week including 54 percent who don't drink at all on a weekly basis. And 73 percent do not binge drink (then defined as five or more drinks in a sitting). "While alcohol abuse at UC Davis does not rise to the national average," says Gong, "it's a problem we must continue to work on." Friday's event grew out of a recommendation of the campus task force on alcohol to provide late-night, alcohol-free activities. The university's alcohol and drug abuse prevention program provides preventative education programs as well as intervention, referral and counseling services. Other orientation activities -- all alcohol free -- include: * Destination Downtown -- Students will become acquainted with local businesses and the Davis Farmers Market from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the new E Street Plaza in Davis. * Aggie Jam -- This rally, organized by the Aggie Pack, will introduce students to the spirit and traditions of UC Davis including the Cal Aggie Marching Band-Uh and the Spirit Squad. The event will be held from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday on Toomey Field. * Football Game -- UC Davis will play Humboldt State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Toomey Field.