Hendrix Health Center

 Minnesota State University Moorhead
Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

Biennial Review - 2004

(Approved by President Roland Barden on August 31, 2004)

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 Student Health Services for Minnesota State University Moorhead has prepared this biennial review.

Biennial Review Process

A committee was convened and oriented to the requirements of the Drug Free Schools Act and the completion of a Biennial Review to comply with the act.

Members represented: Campus Security, Student Health Services, Housing, Student Conduct Office

The committee 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.
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. The committee concluded with recommendations for additions to what the campus was already doing in its effort to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol and other drug misuse.

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.

• CORE Survey Summary

Summary of New Effort Since Last Review

1. Student fees are funding a full-time, 9 month position for a Licensed Addiction Counselor.
2. Intervention options include a three level Alcohol Intervention Option program delivered by the Licensed Addiction Counselor, through Student Health.
3. Communication mechanisms are improved between Housing, Security, Student Development Office and Student Health.
4. The Student Health Alcohol Task Force completed a year-long discussion and forwarded recommendations to the VP for Student Affairs.
5. University representatives serve on the community wide Alcohol Task Force.
6. Consider Online CORE Survey for 2005.

Recommendations

The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention has recommended that colleges and universities focus their drug and alcohol programming efforts on campus environments. The Higher Education Center states, "student decisions to drink or use other drugs are shaped by campus norms and expectancies, campus policies and procedures, availability of alcohol and other drugs, enforcement of regulations and laws, and availability of alcohol-free social and recreational options.
Biennial Review committee recommends:

1. Creation of a website to contain all documentation pertinent to alcohol and other drug information, education, policies and resources. Location to be determined by President Barden/VP Wiese or other University officials as designated by the President.
2. Completion a survey of all department websites to evaluate availability of alcohol and other drug information, and ease of access to information.
3. Draft a recommendation to the President that there be a permanently established Alcohol Task Force who shall receive their charge from the Office of the President.
4. Request funding for a campus-wide social norming campaign to create a new campus culture surrounding the issue of alcohol and other drug use and its effects on academic success.

University Compliance with Federal Legislation

I. University Policy

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) is committed to creating an educational environment that encourages cognitive and affective development, where students and campus community members make informed and responsible choices. Supporting the ideals of responsible choices, MSUM has established policies prohibiting the use of alcohol and illegal substances.
STUDENTS
It is the policy of MSUM, in accordance with Minnesota State law, that the use of, or possession of, illegal drugs on the University campus, including the residence halls or at University sponsored events is prohibited.
In compliance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board Policy the illegal use of, or possession of alcohol is prohibited on the University campus and at University sponsored off-campus events. Students who use, possess or distribute alcohol or illegal drugs on campus, will be subject to disciplinary and or legal action, as set forth in the Conduct Statement of the University. Disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to:

1. Education programs
2. Community service hours
3. Referral for therapeutic assessments, counseling or referral to off-campus treatment
4. Suspension or separation from the University
5. Referral to law enforcement agencies for prosecution of felony, gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges
6. Expulsion from the University

EMPLOYEES
No employee shall report to work under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances or other drugs, which affect his/her alertness, coordination, reaction, responses, judgment, decision-making or safety.
During work hours or while on the University/States premises, no employee shall use, sell, possess, or transfer alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs, with the following exceptions: Consumption, possession, sale or purchase of alcohol when authorized by the Commissioner under separate statutory or executive agency. When appropriate, the University shall notify licensing boards.

II. Distribution of Written Policy

University drug and alcohol policies are found in the Annual Campus Crime Report published by the Campus Security Department, the Student Handbook, and a Human Resources brochure. One or more of these publications is sent or given to every student and employee annually.

In addition, brochures are available in the following departments: Human Resources, Housing, Hendrix Health Center, Admissions, Campus Security.

The information is also found on department websites:

• Campus Security
• Student Affairs
• Office of Student Development

III. 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.

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.

• Campus Crime Report
• Hendrix Resources

IV. Legal Sanctions

State and federal legal sanctions for violations of drug and alcohol laws are detailed in the Annual Campus Crime Report.

• Campus Crime Report

V. 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 of alcohol and other drug problems) Lakeland Mental Health (218)233-7254

Drug and Alcohol Related Courses or Programs

The following undergraduate courses directly or indirectly address the topic of alcohol and other drugs:

First Year Experience
Health 110

Peer Education of Student Health Services
Student Health Services - Classes and Groups
Alcohol Intervention Options (3 levels/referrals)
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Housing on-line program for minor sanctions
Student Development – Community Service
Students Against Destructive Decisions - organization

Links

• Hendrix Health Center

Other Campus Efforts

1. Alcohol Task Force
   This time limited task force consisted of faculty, staff and students representing MSUM. Over a five month period, this group came together to identify and examine our current attitudes, policies, procedures, the culture and perceptions of our campus and community, and educational efforts addressing alcohol and other drug issues. The committee addressed the issues under the following topic areas: Campus Culture, Policy and Procedure, Education, and Community. The committee made the following recommendations to the Vice-President for Student Affairs.
   1. Create funding source for a Social Norms Campaign
   2. Do additional surveys beyond the CORE
   3. Engage in dialogue with Deans
   4. Examine consistency in application of policy
   5. Improve communication between departments to better serve students who may not be succeeding due to alcohol and other drug use.
   6. Address this topic during faculty orientation
   7. Give tests on Fridays
   8. Work with local liquor establishments to limit advertising to students
2. Athletics Department
   All student athletes are required to sign a code of conduct for the University as well as for their own individual team. Coaches have speakers come in to talk to their athletes on how alcohol and other drug use can affect their health and academic success as well as their athletic performance.
3. Office of Judicial Affairs
   The Office of Judicial Affairs provides disciplinary sanctions to those students whose behavior has not met the student code of conduct. Students may be assigned community service, or be referred to appropriate professionals.
4. New Student Orientation
   Programming on Alcohol and other drug issues is provided by Housing and Student Orientation Leaders. Presentations include discussion of misperceptions, and promote healthy alcohol-free alternatives.
5. Housing
   The criteria for sanctions have been revised to create clear and consistent application by all staff. Staff has worked with the Chemical Health Educator in Hendrix to expedite referrals and keep an open line of communication.
   Housing staff will now deliver the Alcohol 101 intervention programming for low level sanctions.
   
   (Under Noteworthy accomplishments)
   
   Dr. Beth DiRicco of the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools Higher Education Center for Alcohol and other Drug Prevention, was the featured speaker.
   
   All Counseling and Health Center staff will be trained in the use of “Basics”. This substance abuse intervention strategy targets at-risk students and is recommended by the Department of Education.

VI. Statistical Information

CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey - 2003

The CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey was administered by the Chemical Health Educator of Student Health Services to 415 MSUM students through classroom administration during Spring semester, 2003.

• CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey - 2003

Survey of Professor Deborah White

Recent Noteworthy Accomplishments

• In the summer of 2004, University President Roland Barden focused his annual retreat on the issue of alcohol and other drug use/misuse and its impact on student success.
• Dr. Beth DiRicco of the was the featured speaker.
• We anticipate the development of a permanent Task Force, receiving its charge directly from the Office of the President.