Section 1000: Campus Policy
1003 Drug Abuse and Prevention
Effective: July 16, 1990

The staff, faculty, and administration of MSU-Northern are concerned in the use of drugs by all students and staff. Performance-affecting drugs undermine the integrity of academics and student activities. This is based on the principle that achievement is the result of sound mind and character. Tolerance of drug abuse by anyone encourages others to use drugs. Drug use may also pose a risk of injury or even long-term harm to self and others.

Additionally, drug use in the university community damages the institution in the eyes of the public. MSU-Northern is committed to deterring the use of drugs by all students, faculty and staff.

Policy Statement

MSU-Northern is concerned about and resolved to support definitive actions designed to assist all students striving to cope with escalating substance abuse problems in our society. Given these causes for concern , MSU-Northern has undertaken a serious review of its drug education and drug review policies.

Drug abuse is a major societal problem which demands the attention of all segments of society, in particular the education community. The magnitude of the problem compels this institution to accept the responsibility to provide leadership in educating all students who may be using or may be under pressure to use drugs.

MSU-Northern is committed to establishing and to monitoring requirements which will have a positive, impact on the drug use problem. Through this policy statement, the university desires to communicate a concise message to all students of our community. Northern is committed to dealing with the issue of drug abuse among students in a positive, non-punitive manner. We are determined to bring all available educational resources to bear upon the issue in a caring, yet definitive mode.

Current Activities

Alcohol Awareness Week

Chancellor's Advisory Board

An advisory committee composed of students, staff, and faculty will work with the appointed counselor/coordinator. The committee shall include: the Director of Student Life, Director of Student Support Services, the Vice President of ASN, one representative each from the student and the faculty/staff wellness programs, a classified personnel representative, two faculty representatives (Drug and Alcohol instructor and guidance and counseling instructor), a drug/alcohol professional (outside resource), a university counselor, and a student family association representative.

Counseling

• Support groups conducted by team counselors
• Individual counseling for both the adult child and the chemically dependent
• Referrals to:
  1. Al Anon
  2. Northern Montana Chemical Dependency Center
  3. peer counselors
  4. Mental Health
• Referral books
• Community intervention involvement - e.g. "HELP" - (Havre Encourages Long-Range Prevention)

Education

• Communications, drugs and society - 3 cr.
• Drug and alcohol education - 3 cr.
• Waive registration fee for individuals seeking to become informed but not seeking university credit for related topics, e.g. drug and alcohol class.
• Provide continuing education classes in related topics - offered for no credit - sponsored by Foundation, in-house personnel, etc.
• Provide workshops on such topics as values clarification, peer pressure, drug abuse, etc. and make it available to students, staff, and faculty.

Orientation Booklet -to include:

• Philosophy statement
• Policy
• Services available

Orientation

Include activities dealing with drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, responsible drinking, etc. Use films, speakers, etc.

Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with local agencies.
1. Provide meeting space for such groups as AA.
2. Provide publicity for such meetings.
3. Encourage participation by our students.

Residence Life

• R.A. training sessions with counselors
  1. Mental Health Clinic
  2. Havre Clinic
  3. Chemical Dependency Center
• Designated Driver Program
• Party contract for group gatherings in residence hall
• Speakers on related topics for residents
• Designated visiting times by campus counselors
• House Council will provide non-alcoholic activities

Staff Position

A drug and alcohol counselor/coordinator appointed by the Chancellor will organize and coordinate the total program. The coordinator shall conduct with the assistance of the advisory board a biennial review of the University's drug and alcohol policies and activities.

Student/Staff Assistance

Students, faculty and staff shall receive from the campus alcohol and substance abuse counselor/coordinator or the University counseling staff confidential information and assistance regarding alcohol and substance abuse referral to off-campus resources.

Wellness

The Wellness programs shall include topics related to drug abuse and prevention.

Wellness Program Activities

References:

See also Policy 1201 Substance Abuse and Student Athletes, MSU-N Policy & Procedures Manual

History: Adopted April 30, 1987; revised July 16, 1990

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