Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Campus Regulations

Transcription

1 The University of Texas at Tyler Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Campus Regulations Biennial Review Kimberly Harvey-Livingston 9/10/2010

2 Report Contents Statement of AOD Program s Goals Page 3 Description of Accomplishments Page 4 Description of AOD Program s Elements in the Five Areas Page 5-8 of Environmental Interventions Summary of AOD Program Strengths and Weaknesses Page 9-10 AOD Policy Page Recommendations for Revisions of AOD Prevention Program Page 11 Appendix A: Programming Page Appendix B: AOD Policy and Distribution Materials Page 14 Appendix C: Evaluations Page 14 2

3 The mission of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Program (ATOD) is to increase awareness of the negative consequences of substance abuse and to assist in making responsible decisions in regards to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. STATEMENT OF AOD PROGRAM S GOALS ACADEMIC YEARS 1. Include the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. This document is web-based and is distributed to all students, faculty, and staff through the UT Tyler system each semester. Additionally, effective Spring 2009, all UT Tyler teaching faculty will be required to distribute a course syllabus that includes a link to the Student Rights and Responsibilities webpage. 2. Increase collaboration between departments in student affairs and academic affairs to improve the normative environment promoting responsible behaviors related to alcohol and other drug use. This may be accomplished through an increase in membership and activity of the Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force. 3. Introduce tobacco initiatives as staff and funding allows. 4. Work with the East Texas MADD office to address the community environment related to underage drinking. 5. Provide ongoing education for members of the campus community for the purpose of promoting responsible behaviors related to alcohol and other drugs. 6. Create new multimedia interactive programs that incorporate social norming messages for students, faculty, and staff. 7. Incorporate motivational interviewing techniques to follow-up judicial education appointments. 8. Review, evaluate, and report changes in research in the health education field. Conduct campus-based assessments of student and environmental needs and resources. 3

4 DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS The AOD Policy was included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document, which is a web-based document. All UT Tyler teaching faculty are now required to distribute a course syllabus that includes a link to this document. The AOD Task Force has been expanded to include Academic Deans or their designees. The task force decided to change the name to the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) task force and take on issues related to environmental strategies to decrease tobacco use. Wellness and Prevention Education now collaborates with the local People Educating Communities About Tobacco (PECAT) coalition that focuses on both education and environmental efforts to decrease tobacco use. A Quit the Spit training was also offered to student leaders on campus. The coordinator of Wellness and Prevention Education currently sits on the East Texas Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) council. The council promotes education, environmental strategies, and strategic planning for the local MADD chapter. The University Mothers Against Drunk Driving (UMADD) peer education group has also helped sponsor the annual Tie One On For Safety Event during the past 2 years. Student leader training programs offered through Wellness and Prevention Education included Alcohol Poisoning Response, MADD speaker bureau training, Safety Net (includes response training for interpersonal violence and discusses the role that alcohol and other drugs play), Bystander Intervention, and Hooking Up or Sexual Assault. Ping My Health, an on-line personal health survey (including information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use) that provides a personalized feedback report at the end, has been added to the front of the Wellness and Prevention Education webpage. Students responding to a survey following programs indicated an increase in knowledge (73%). Students who took a pre and post E-CHUG as part of a judicial sanction indicated a 31% reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed, a 100% reduction in the number of days driving shortly after have 3 or more drinks and a 40% reduction in the number of days riding with a driver who had 3 or more drinks. 4

5 DESCRIPTION OF AOD PROGRAM S ELEMENTS IN THE FIVE AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS 1. Alcohol-Free Options All social programs geared toward students on the UT Tyler campus are alcohol-free. These programs include dances, movies on the lawn, live music, gaming tournaments and comedy shows. Two weeks every year (Homecoming and Patriot Days) are devoted to various oncampus activities that are alcohol-free. The University Center and Patriot Zone (game room) have extended hours. The recreational sports program provides opportunities for exercise, outdoor adventures, intramural team sports, and wellness information. The recreational sports facility (the Patriot Center) is open extended hours throughout the year. UT Tyler sponsors intercollegiate teams in 15 sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, and volleyball. All sporting events are alcohol-free. 2. Normative Environment The university takes great pride in a tradition of offering quality academic programs, expert faculty, dynamic student life, and engaging research and service opportunities (Office of Academic Affairs). The university offers core courses Monday-Friday, including exams, projects, and learning opportunities that require class attendance and academic responsibility. All on-campus residences are substance free, and students who violate this policy may be cited or arrested by campus police and referred for disciplinary action through university judicial affairs. There is a zero tolerance policy for illegal substances found in an on-campus residence, and violators of the policy face eviction from university housing. Programs on substance use and misperceptions of drinking norms are provided in residence halls throughout the year. Freshmen participate in a program during freshmen orientation regarding the alcohol and other drug policy, the expectations of the university regarding substance use, and normative messages. Throughout the year, orientation leaders, resident assistants, fraternity and sorority members, athletes, and student organizations are offered seminars regarding the alcohol and other drug policy, legal and health consequences of substance use and abuse, and campus normative messages. The Student Counseling Center and Wellness and Prevention Education Services assists students who are referred or self-referred for problems related to alcohol or other drug abuse in finding a treatment setting in the community which will accommodate their needs. This assistance is available in addition to any initial help provided through these services. Substance abuse and dependence screenings and on-line alcohol educational programs are also available through Wellness and Prevention Education Services. A person who wishes to anonymously report a concern about a student may submit an on-line Student Behavior Concerns form, which will be 5

6 sent to the Student Concerns Committee (a behavioral intervention team) for review and action as needed. The university contracts services with UT Advantage to provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for benefits eligible employees. Alcohol Availability Most of Smith County, including Tyler, is dry and does not sell alcohol in retail stores in the area. However, alcohol is available in restaurants and clubs in the city and surrounding areas are wet. The purchase, manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, storage or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while on campus or on property owned or controlled by the University, including all campus residence buildings. The President of the University may, however, waive this prohibition with respect to any event sponsored by the university. For waiver requests to be considered, a Permission to Serve Alcoholic Beverages form must be submitted. For an event to be eligible to apply for a waiver, certain criteria must be met. For example, alcoholic beverages may only be served by a licensed alcohol provider, authorized by the Texas Beverages Commission, and alcoholic beverages must not leave the site. For a list of rules for approved functions, see the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy in Appendix B. The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment was conducted spring % of the year-old UT Tyler students completing the survey chose not to use alcohol within the last thirty days, and 92% of this age group reported that they had not driven after drinking any alcohol at all year-old students had the highest rate of drinking with 29% indicating that they had had 5 or more drinks of alcohol at a sitting within the past 2 weeks and 27% indicated that they had driven after drinking some alcohol. Only 3% of UT Tyler students indicated that they had driven after having 5 or more drinks. The office of Wellness and Prevention Education Services and the UMADD Peer Education group began working with the local MADD office to address some of these issues. 3. Marketing and Promotion of Alcohol Events that are approved by the president to serve alcohol may, under no circumstances, be advertised using alcoholic beverages as an inducement to attend. Advertising of events may not include reference in any manner to the sale or availability of alcohol. Events must not have drinking as the primary purpose and cannot advertise All you can drink or any form of drinking contest. Food and non-alcoholic drinks must be available and at least as prominent as the alcoholic drinks. Any sign, flyer, poster or banner may not be posted by off-campus groups or retailers. All advertising by an on-campus group or individual must be approved by the department of Student Life and Leadership. 6

7 Social norms and other pro-health messages are distributed primarily through Wellness and Prevention Education Services and the Student Counseling Center in the Department of Student Services, the University Health Clinic, the Herrington Patriot Center, Campus Police and the Human Resources Office, through webpages, presentations, posters, brochures, pamphlets, and promotional items. 4. Policy Development and Enforcement On-campus functions require registration of the space, and alcohol may not be present without the specific approval of the president. Any approved function must have clearly defined boundaries and must include security personnel to enforce state and local laws and campus regulations. Only licensed alcohol providers, authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission may serve alcohol. Campus police regularly patrol on-campus facilities, including student housing, and enforce laws pertaining to minors in possession of alcohol, providing alcohol to minors, driving under the influence, and other laws and policies related to alcohol and other drugs. Residence Assistants are also responsible for responding to suspicion of alcohol or other drugs and other complaints. Anonymous crime reports may be made through the on-line Silent Witness form on the UT Tyler Police Department s website. An individual or organization that fails to comply with state laws and regulations and/or UT Tyler or UT System regulations and policies will be subjected to disciplinary sanctions such as probation, suspension, and suspension of rights and privileges from the university in addition to possible legal prosecution. The University of Texas at Tyler has a strict zero tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs. Violators face disciplinary sanctions such as suspension or expulsion for a period of time and suspensions of rights and privileges from the University in addition to prosecution under Federal and Texas laws. During the fiscal years, 123 students were referred to Judicial Affairs for an alleged alcohol or other drug violation. A majority of these (85) were referred to Wellness and Prevention Education for mandatory Substance Abuse Evaluation and/or Awareness Education. (See Appendix C) 7

8 Judicial Violations FY FY FY FY Other Illegal Drug/ Paraphernalia Possession Contributing to the Delinquency of Minor Possession/ Consumption of Alcohol Minor in Possession Campus crime statistics indicate a drop in violations during 2007, an increase in 2008 and a drop in In 2008, 80% of the citations were given during 6 different large parties occurring in a campus residence, and 12% of the citations were not UT Tyler students. (See Appendix C) Judicial Referrals- Drug Violations Judicial Referrals- Liquor Law Violations Arrests- Drug Violations 20 Arrests- Liquor Law Violations

9 SUMMARY OF AOD PROGRAM STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES Strengths Campus and community partnerships have been enhanced to advance environmental interventions. Partnerships include the UT Tyler Rec Sports program, MADD, PECAT and others. Students who violate an alcohol or other drug policy are referred for education and/or screenings related to substance abuse. Counseling and community referrals for substance abuse issues are made available for students, faculty, and staff. The University of Texas at Tyler is a dry campus with alcohol being served only with the specific approval of the president. Restrictions must be followed in order to be eligible to apply for president s approval. Peer educators are participating in outreach and programming that is evidence-based. Trainings are made available to students, faculty, and staff on bystander intervention, responding, and referral skills. The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA- NCHA) showed a decrease in under 21-year-old students who completed the assessment had used alcohol within the last 30 days. (51% in 2008 survey- 36% in 2010) The 2010 ACHA-NCHA showed a slight decrease in marijuana use (7.5% in 2008 survey- 5.5% in 2010) and tobacco use (25% in 2008 survey- 19% in 2010 (this includes adding all forms of tobacco use together)). Tobacco initiatives were introduced during this time period. Tobacco initiatives were introduced. Weaknesses There is limited collaboration between academic and various student affairs departments to promote responsible behaviors related to alcohol and other drug use. Incoming freshmen are given minimal information regarding ATOD and campus safety prior to moving on campus. Alcohol and Other Drug Policy does not yet include information on policies related to tobacco use on campus. 9

10 The number of students indicating on the ACHA-NCHA that they had received information on AOD use from UT Tyler decreased (77% in 2008 survey- 38% in 2010). 80% completing the ACHA-NCHA said they were not interested in receiving information about AOD use. AOD POLICY Policy Contents In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the following information is part of the alcohol and other drug policy distributed to employees and students each semester: A description of the health risks associated with alcohol abuse and the use of illegal drugs. A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal laws. A description of treatment, counseling, rehabilitation programs available at the University. A statement of the University s disciplinary measures regarding alcohol and illegal drug use by students and employees. Other policy information Policy Distribution Students In order for all students to receive a copy of The Alcohol and Drug Abuse policy for students, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse policy for students was sent by student to all currently enrolled students each semester. The policy is included on the Wellness and Prevention Education Services, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and Campus Police websites. Faculty are required to include the Student Rights and Responsibilities website on all syllabi. Student Conduct and Discipline policies may be found in the UT Tyler catalog, the Handbook of Operating Procedures, and the Student Handbook. Additional policies related to students living on-campus and athletes are given to the students in these respective areas. Personnel The Office of Human Resources provides newly hired full-time and part-time employees with a Drug Free Workplace Policy Statement and a Drug and Alcohol Policy Brochure as part of their initial orientation. A signed acknowledgment form ensures that new employees are familiar with the provisions of the policy. The university contracts services with UT Advantage to provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for benefits eligible employees. In addition, brochures and cards with contact information and services are available in the Office of Human Resources to remind employees that counseling through the EAP is available to them and their family members at 10

11 no charge. When requested, the Office of Human resources provides assistance by explaining alcohol and drug abuse treatment provisions covered by university insurance. (See Appendix B) All benefits eligible employees are also required to complete computerized training modules every 2 years, one of which is a Drug Free Workplace module. This training module consists of campus drug and alcohol policies, campus disciplinary action, and where to find more information. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISIONS OF AOD PREVENTION PROGRAM 1. Increase collaboration between departments in student affairs and academic affairs to improve the normative environment promoting responsible behaviors related to alcohol and other drug use. 2. Increase information given to incoming freshmen regarding ATOD and campus safety issues, possibly through a mandated on-line program. 3. Review the AOD policy increasing the scope to include tobacco policies. ATOD Task Force work toward environmental change related to tobacco issues such as tobacco-free signage around entrances and creating a smoke-free campus. 4. Provide ongoing education for members of the campus community for the purpose of promoting responsible behaviors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 5. Improve motivational interviewing techniques to follow-up judicial education appointments. 6. Implement Student Health 101 on-line magazine to encourage an increase in health information read by students. 7. Create a safety webpage that includes AOD issues for Study Abroad students. 8. Create new multimedia interactive programs that incorporate social norming messages. 9. Create blackboard groups for peer educators and trained advocates for improved communication and updates. 10. Hold focus groups to identify priority issues for programming. 11. Review, evaluate, and report changes in research in the health education field. Conduct campus-based assessments of student and environmental needs and resources. 11

12 APPENDIX A: Wellness and Prevention Education Services Programming Fall 2008 UMADD - Appreciation visits to DPS, Smith Co. Sheriff s Office, and Tyler PD prior to a county wide no refusal time period. Safety Net Trainings (faculty &staff) Alcohol education for SAE fraternity (via referral) Ladies Night at University Pines clubhouse Hooking-Up at University Pines clubhouse Safety Net Palestine campus SWACHA conference-patriot Defense poster presentation Athletes Sexual Assault Prevention Student Organization Showcase distribute information and positive social-norms promotional items Healthy Relationships & Safety University-Pines clubhouse Alcohol education intervening with friends for Delta Gamma sorority College Hook-Up Culture (to staff) Domestic Violence Awareness table Alcohol education at University Pines Sexual health education Ornelas Residence Hall Assisting East Texas MADD with Tie One On For Safety UMADD tabling social norming t-shirts & holiday pledges Campus Assault Response Effort (CARE) training to East Texas Crisis Center volunteers & staff Spring 2009 Peer Education presentation to Residence Assistants Transfer Orientation campus policy Hooking-Up presentations Wear Red Day tabling (items from PECAT) Second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event and pre-event photo opportunities Alpha-Chi (outreach, unspecified) Donations for ETCC collected CARE program presentation to Southern Methodist University Sexual Assault prevention & response tabling Survivor Poetry Read-Out in the library with resource table Take Back The Night Summer 2009 No refusal weekend pre-event appreciation of local LEOs New Student Orientations RA Trainings 12

13 Fall 2009 Athlete presentations Recreational-Sports/Wellness outreach tabling campus housing Swoopsation distribution of wellness information and social norming items Begin outreach via Facebook pages & official UT Tyler Facebook application ETCC volunteer training Domestic Violence awareness tabling Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence victims & survivors Safety Net training Peer Educator Training Weekend Assist with Tie One On For Safety Performance Enhancing Drugs Wellness lunch Adopt-a-Smoker/Dipper for the Great American Smokeout Spring 2010 Random Acts of Kindness Week Wellness Lunches HPC (Resolutions/Healthy Habits; Sexual Health; Body Image) Regional Tobacco Conference hosting Sexual Health education Ornelas residence hall Safety Net Training Third annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event Peer Educator planning retreat Denim Day/ and Sexual Assault awareness tabling Stress Free Festival Summer 2010 Positive social norms video Most of Us video placed on Wellness webpage Most of Us played during New Student Orientations Student Health 101 orientation issue introductory video RA Trainings 13

14 APPENDIX B AOD Policy and Distribution Materials 1. Alcohol and Other Drug Policy: 2. Permission to Serve Alcoholic Beverages Form: 3. UT Tyler Handbook of Operating Procedures: pdf 4. Manual of Policies and Procedures for Student Affairs: 10.pdf 5. Residence Life Policies: 6. Employee Assistance Program: 7. Drug-Free Workplace Policy Statement (pg 18) 8. Safety and Security Information Report: APPENDIX C Evaluations 1. Campus Crime Statistics: crime stats.pdf 2. Measuring Enforcement Consistency Report (Judicial Affairs): Measuring Enforcement Consistency Report through spring 2010.pdf 3. American College Health Association- National College Health Assessment: NCHA-II WEB SPRING 2010 UNIVERSITY TEXAS AT TYLER INST WEB DATA REPORT.pdf 14