Alcohol and Other Drugs

2008 Biennial Review for Minnesota State University Moorhead
 

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

 

Introduction

 

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 Amendments required institutions of higher education to design and implement alcohol and illicit drug programs on their campuses. As a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education has to certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent "the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees" on campus property or as part of any campus activity. This legislation directed Universities to:

  1. To develop a written policy on alcohol and other drugs
  2. To develop a process that ensures policy distribution to all students, staff and faculty
  3. To enumerate federal, state or local sanctions for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol 
  4. To describe health risks associated with alcohol abuse or illicit drug use
  5. To describe University drug and alcohol programs available for students and employees
  6. To specify disciplinary sanctions imposed on students and employees for policy violations
  7. To conduct biennial reviews to assess the effectiveness of its alcohol and drug programs.

The law further requires an institution of higher education to review its program to:

  1. To determine its effectiveness and implement changes if they are needed, and
  2. To ensure that the sanctions developed are consistently enforced

In compliance with federal legislation, the Director of Health and Wellness for Minnesota State University Moorhead has prepared this biennial review.

 

Biennial Review Process

 

The President's Task Force on Alcohol and Campus Life met regularly throughout 2006-2008. The group reviewed components essential to the University's drug and alcohol program: policy statements, publications, services, data collection, educational programming, campus life, alternative student activities, and data on student and employee conduct. Represented on this committee is staff from residential life, campus security, health and wellness, counseling center and judicial affairs.

A major objective of this review was to continue and expand meaningful and consistent data collection procedures, as well as initiate new methods of communication about the significance of drug and alcohol use on our campus. Minnesota State University Moorhead continues to work with the University of Minnesota to collect campus specific data as part of the College Student Health survey.

 

General Conclusions

 

Minnesota State University Moorhead appears to be in full compliance with federal legislation.
Analysis of a 10 year summary of CORE Survey results demonstrated reduced numbers of students who use any amount of alcohol, who drink underage, and who use marijuana. However, while we have seen reductions, our numbers still exceed the national average.  There was an increase in the number of students knowing the campus has an alcohol and drug intervention program and an increased belief that the University is concerned about the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. There were increases seen in the negative consequences of alcohol and drug use: public misconduct, personal injury, property damage, driving under the influence and sexual assault. While more students would not choose to have drugs at a party, more students would choose to have alcohol at a party.

New student health information was gathered in February 2008. Data will be posted as soon as it is available. Preliminary data show a continued decrease in high risk drinking behavior among MSUM students.

 

Highlights of Alcohol Prevention Effort Since Last Review

Prevention and Intervention Efforts Addressing Student Misuse of Alcohol
Ongoing Activity 2006 through the Present:

 

Timeline of Activity Fall 2006 to July 2008

  • Fall 2006 Alcohol and Campus Life course becomes mandatory for all incoming freshman.
  • Fall 2006 Moorhead Together begins formal planning. This is a collaborative between MSUM, Concordia College and MSCTC.
  • September 2006 First social norms campaign launched.
  • October 2006 3,200 door tags from Moorhead Together are distributed in Moorhead neighborhoods.
  • November 2006 bystander training held for all Moorhead colleges and universities.
  • January 2007 Alcohol and Campus Life Committee recognized.
  • February 2007 College Health Survey done.
  • March 2007 second social norms campaign done.
  • May 2007 news conference to announce MSUM new tobacco free policy.
  • Summer 2007 designed 2007-2008 social norms campaign.
  • August 2007 Alcohol training for all MSUM residence life staff
  • Fall 2007 implement new social norms campaign
  • November 2007 implement the Quit and Win tobacco cessation program.
  • February 2008 bystander training for students and student affairs staff.
  • March 2008 Testify at Minnesota State Legislature regarding parental notification and alcohol policy.
  • Spring 2008 social norms campaign.


University Compliance with Federal Legislation

I. University Policy

 

Minnesota State University Moorhead recognizes that the misuse of alcohol and other drugs is a serious problem in our society and our community. This University seeks to create a campus environment which promotes healthy and responsible living that is conducive to the intellectual and personal development of students. The University is committed to establishing and enforcing clear campus policies regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs. Each year the Alcohol and Campus Life Committee review the university’s alcohol policies.

 

Minnesota State University Moorhead complies with and supports the Minnesota State Colleges and University Board of Trustees policy governing alcohol and other drugs on campus, the Drug Free Schools and Community Act, the Drug Free Workplace Act, the Campus Security Act and Minnesota State law.

 

  1. STUDENT AOD Policy and Procedures
  2. EMPLOYEE  AOD Policy and Procedures

 

II. Distribution of Written Policy

 

University drug and alcohol policy brochures were mailed to all incoming and returning students in August 2006 and October 2007  through funding provided by the DOE "Moorhead Together" grant. In 2006-2007, 5,478 MSUM students received alcohol policy information. In 2007-2008, 6,477 students received the information.

 

The policies are found in the Annual Campus Crime Report published by the Campus Security Department, and the Student Handbook, the Student Organization Handbook, and the Bulletin. These publications are available to all students and employees.

 

The information is also found on department websites:

 

III. Effectiveness of Alcohol policy and Education Programs

 

The Alcohol and Campus Life Committee approves each new social norms campaign. These campaigns are developed using best practices for reducing alcohol misuse among college students. Messages are communicated through the student newspaper, posters, direct mail postcards and table tents. Social norms campaigns address the positive behaviors of MSUM students, correcting the misperceptions about alcohol consumption. MSUM student’s affairs staff launched an alternative to drinking program called Dragons After Dark. This very successful once a month late night program attracts over 300 students at every event.

 

IV Legal Sanctions and Enforcement of Policy

 

MSUM collaborates with the Moorhead Police Department to increase patrols on the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. MSUM holds students accountable for their behavior. If there is a violation on the alcohol policy each student is adjudicated through the judicial affairs office. Every student case is handled in a fair and consistent manner.

 

State and federal legal sanctions for violations of drug and alcohol laws are detailed in the Annual Campus Crime Report and the Student Alcohol and Other Drug Policy found on www.mnstate.edu/aod and the Campus Crime Report.

 

V  Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drug Use and Alcohol Abuse

 

Alcohol and drug use is prohibited not simply because it is against the law, but because of the demonstrated health risks associated with use. While the following list is not exhaustive, it serves to demonstrate the range of potential hazards associated with illicit drug and alcohol use.

 

Information about the health risks of drug use and abuse can be accessed through the following web site: http://www.nida.nih.gov

 

  • ALCOHOL Loss of concentration and judgment, slowed reflexes; disorientation leading to higher risk of accidents and problem behavior; risk of liver and heart damage, malnutrition, cancer and other illnesses; can be highly addictive to some persons.
  • AMPHETAMINES Can cause rushed, careless behavior - pushing beyond your physical capacity, leading to exhaustion; tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; withdrawal can result in depression and suicide; continued high doses can cause heart problems, infections, malnutrition, and death.
  • CANNABIS Causes permanent damage to lungs, reproductive organs and brain function; slows reflexes; increases forgetfulness; alters judgment of space and distance.
  • COCAINE Causes damage to respiratory and immune systems; induces malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function. Some forms (such as "crack") are highly addictive.
  • HALLUCINOGENS (PCP, LSD, Ecstasy) Causes extreme distortions of what's seen and heard; induces sudden changes in behavior, loss of concentration and memory; increases risk of birth defects in user's children; overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma, and death. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.
  • NARCOTICS (Heroin, morphine, opium, codeine) Tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; overdose can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death; leads to malnutrition, infection and hepatitis; sharing needles is a leading cause of the spread of HIV and Hepatitis; highly addictive.
  • SEDATIVES Tolerance increases rapidly; produces physical and psychological dependence; causes reduced reaction time, and confusion; overdoses can cause coma, respiratory arrest, convulsions, and death; withdrawal can be dangerous; in combination with other controlled substances can quickly cause coma and death.

 

VI Resources

 

Counseling and Support Groups

 

On Campus:

 

  • Licensed Addiction Counselor, Student Health Services (Individuals and groups) (218) 477-2211
  • Counseling Center (218)477-2227
  • Medical Services (218) 477-2211

 

Off Campus:

 

  • Southeast Human Services (701) 298-4500
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (701) 235-7335 Narcotics Anonymous (710) 234-9330
  • Hotline 235-SEEK

 

Employee Assistance: (Available for all MSUM employees. Offers assessment).