2014-2016 AOD Prevention Program Biennial Report

1. Description of AOD program elements:

In the NIAAA's 2002 report, "A Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at U.S. Colleges" three strategies were identified in their Tier 1: Evidence of Effectiveness among College Students category.  This includes:

Strategy: Combining cognitive-behavioral skills with norms clarification and motivational enhancement interventions. Cognitive-behavioral skills training strives to change an individual's dysfunctional beliefs and thinking about the use of alcohol through activities such as altering expectancies about alcohol's effects, documenting daily alcohol consumption, and learning to manage stress. Motivational enhancement is designed to stimulate students' intrinsic desire or motivation to change their behavior. Motivational enhancement strategies are based on the theory that individuals alone are responsible for changing their drinking behavior and complying with that decision (Miller et al., 1992). In motivational enhancement interventions, interviewers assess student alcohol consumption using a formal screening instrument. Results are scored and students receive nonjudgmental feedback on their personal drinking behavior in comparison with that of others and its negative consequences. Students also receive suggestions to support their decisions to change.

Strategy: Offering brief motivational enhancement interventions. Students who receive brief, personalized motivational enhancement sessions, whether delivered individually or in small groups, reduce alcohol consumption. This strategy can also reduce negative consequences such as excessive drinking, driving after drinking, riding with an intoxicated driver, citations for traffic violations, and injuries (D'Amico and Fromme, 2000; Larimer and Cronce, 2002; Marlatt et al., 1998; Monti et al., 1999). An effective brief intervention has been developed at the University of Washington. This brief intervention for high-risk drinkers is based on the ASTP program and is known as the BASICS program: Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (Dimeff et al., 1999). BASICS is administered in the form of two individual sessions in which students are provided feedback about their drinking behavior and given the opportunity to negotiate a plan for change based on the principles of motivational interviewing. High-risk drinkers who participated in the BASICS program significantly reduced both drinking problems and alcohol consumption rates, compared to control group participants, at both the 2-year follow-up (Marlatt et al., 1998) and 4-year outcome assessment periods (Baer et al., 2001). BASICS has also been found to be clinically significant in an analysis of individual student drinking changes over time (Roberts et al., 2000).

Strategy: Challenging alcohol expectancies. This strategy works by using a combination of information and experiential learning to alter students' expectations about the effects of alcohol so they understand that drinking does not necessarily produce many of the effects they anticipate such as sociability and sexual attractiveness (Darkes and Goldman, 1993, 1998; Jones et al., 1995). The research conducted to date indicates that the positive effects of this strategy last for up to 6 weeks in men, but additional research is under way to verify and extend this approach to women and for longer time periods. These three Tier I strategies have been the basis for developing much of the AOD program elements at Whitman College, including all of our work with BASICS, social norms marketing and our opening week/orientation programs.  In addition to the Tier I strategies, Whitman prioritizes our campus 'ethic of care' in our AOD programs, utilizing our supportive, responsive community to work with anyone who demonstrates an issue with AOD issues.  

2. Statement of AOD Program goals and discussion of goal achievement.

Whitman College's AOD program focuses on five primary goals, with multiple and diverse strategies used to meet these goals.  These include:

A. Document AOD issues and campus violations:

• Tracking of students with AOD issues via Advocate
• One-on-one student meeting with the Dean of Students if ambulance transport to hospital

B. Intervene and refer those who have use/abuse issues with AODs:

• Intervention by appropriate staff when alcohol is found in a public space on campus
• Referral to BASICS if behavioral concern regarding AOD issues
• Health Center referral to emergency room or counseling center as appropriate
• Referral to Serenity Point for professional assessment when warranted for AOD issues

C. Provide on-going support for those who struggle with issues of sobriety:

• All counselors trained in BASICS and motivational techniques
• Counseling Center intake form asks questions regarding use and/or abuse of AOD on forms .  All clients identifying AOD as a concern on the intake form will complete a BASICS assessment and follow-up with their counselor.
• All students who are taken to the Health Center for AOD issues will be invited to complete an eCHECKUP self-assessment and discuss the results with a nurse
• Work with programs like Montana Academy, facilitating support, counseling and referral if needed to help with continued sobriety
• Referral to Serenity Point for professional assessment when warranted for AOD issues

D. Educate on AOD issues:

• Review of AOD policies with new student by residence life staff
• Required AOD presentation during new student orientation with small group follow-up discussion
• Required completion of online program, “Think About It” by all  incoming new students
• eCHECKUP offered to all members of Whitman Community 24/7/365
• Intensive AOD training for all new residents assistants each January
• Required annual alcohol education program for all fraternities and sororities
• GreekLife.Edu offered by several sorority chapters and required completion by all new members prior to initiation
• Professional staff participation in all College Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention (CCSAP) webinars and annual conference
• Review of college's alcohol policy and discussion of AOD use on athletic performance by all varsity sports teams
• Completion of an AOD  Social Trends survey every 3 years

E. Support safer, less risky drinking:

• Social norms posters in residence halls, interest houses, counseling center, health center and campus center
• 21st b-day cards with gift certificates sent to students during the academic semesters
• 21st b-day cards sent home to parents during the academic semesters

• Banquet permits for events serving alcohol, with service by trained staff

In the goal areas of 1) documenting AOD issues and 2) intervention/referrals for those with AOD issues, Whitman has been providing consistent efforts for many years.  In the goal area of 3) provide on -going support for those who struggle with issues of sobriety, the Counseling Center has added a new feature regarding client intake forms and the use of BASICS.  Any clients that indicate a concern regarding AOD issues on the intake form will be required to complete a BASICS assessment and discuss the results with their counselor.  Any student who is taken to the Health Center for AOD issues will be invited to complete the eCHECKUP self-assessment and discuss the results with a nurse. In the goal area of 4) educate on AOD issues, we have added several new initiatives.  This includes requiring all incoming new students to complete a 2-3 hour online course called “Think About It” that includes sections on alcohol and drug use.  We have also obtained eCHECKUP and make it available to any member of the Whitman community 24/7/365.  Finally, as a steering committee member on the College Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention (State of Washington), professional staff participate in all online webinars and the annual spring conference.

3. Summary of AOD strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:
Whitman College focuses the majority of our AOD resources on supporting and educating our students.  We work with an incredibly bright group of students who respond well to information based on documented research so our interventions, speakers, programs and posters focus on this type of information.  The Whitman campus culture is community oriented and an ethic of care is deeply ingrained.  We do not hesitate to support each other or seek out assistance for others when needed.  We have also increased the training to the counseling center staff in terms of motivational interviewing and BASICS.   When deciding  to implement new AOD initiatives, we verify that these methods have been researched and proven effective.

Weaknesses:
While we do successfully focus on support and education, we could do a better job of tying our efforts into the Tier I effective strategies, to make sure we are maximizing our efforts.  We also need to do more work outside the counseling center with motivational interviewing and the change theory model, to make sure our intervention efforts across the campus are consistent in terms of message and delivery. At this time, we also lack any on-going student peer education or bystander intervention efforts specifically related to AOD issues.  

4. Procedure for distributing the annual AOD notification to students and employees.

The annual AOD notification is maintained on a Whitman College Web site that is available to students and employees at all times.  An e-mail is sent to current students and employees prior to February 1st that reminds students and employees of the notification's availability and the exact address (URL) of the Web site at which the report is posted (http://www.whitman.edu /annual_notification).

5. Copies of the policies distributed to students and employees.

STUDENTS
ALCOHOL:
Alcohol use continues to be an issue of concern on college campuses all across the country. Its abuse by Whitman students is strongly discouraged because such behavior is counterproductive to the goals and mission of the College. Whether or not students choose to drink alcoholic beverages is their personal decision; however, individuals are held personally accountable for their actions at all times. The primary objectives of the College’s policy and procedures on alcoholic beverages are (a) to promote responsible behavior and attitudes among all members of the College community, (b) to educate students concerning the use and effects of alcoholic beverages in order to promote responsible decision-making, and (c) to help individual students experiencing difficulties associated with the use of alcohol.

Regulations Concerning Alcohol

• There shall be no drinking of alcoholic beverages and no open containers of alcoholic beverages in public places on the College campus or public areas in campus buildings.
• Exceptions may be made on an event-by-event basis under the following conditions:
  • The use of alcoholic beverages will be in full compliance with the Washington State Law.
  • The event is sponsored by a college-affiliated organization or an organization that has reserved the facility according to college procedures.
  • A college faculty or staff member assumes responsibility for the event and agrees to be present for its duration.
  • The department, division, office, or administrator responsible for the facility being requested agrees to the terms of the use of alcoholic beverages and the facility.
• No ASWC fees or residence hall fees may be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
• Students and student groups must avoid the direct or indirect sale of alcoholic beverages.
• Students will be held directly responsible for the destruction of personal or public property, the violation of the safety or rights of other persons, or the violation of any other campus regulations, which may occur while they are under the influence of alcohol. Excessive consumption and/or purchasing large quantities of alcoholic beverages are considered a violation of the alcohol policy.
• All students should be familiar with the Washington State Law that governs the use and purchase of alcohol (see below). Further, students who are of legal age should pay careful attention to laws regarding the supplying of alcohol to those under the age of 21.

Washington State Law
Students should know that the Alcoholic Beverage Laws of the State of Washington and the City of Walla Walla specify the following:
It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of 21 years or permit any person under that age to consume liquor on his or her premises or on any premises under his or her control. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor except that given to them by their parents or guardian, used in connection with religious services, or administered by their physician or dentist for medicinal purposes. The supply of alcohol to, or the use of alcohol by, any person under the age of 21 years is a  gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment. A person under the age of 21 years acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for him or herself or someone else experiencing alcohol poisoning, shall not be charged or prosecuted if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.

DRUGS:
The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or other controlled substances is a violation of the law. The College has chosen to take a strong stand against the use of controlled substances because of the significant risks that students assume when deciding to use them. Many of these substances are physically or psychologically addicting; the composition of “street’’ drugs can never be determined by the user and is often dangerous; strictly enforced laws and policies can lead to serious consequences for even the experimenter or occasional user. For example, jail sentences may be imposed, fines may be levied, and one’s status with the College, as well as future employment opportunities, may be jeopardized. The negative personal consequences that can happen to a student far outweigh any brief exhilaration or escape. The College strongly believes that any use of controlled substances is antithetical to the growth and development of students and contrary to the mission of Whitman College.
The College recognizes that substance use and abuse can cause serious problems for students and will intervene when appropriate. Current information and personal assistance is available from the Health Center. Personal counseling and referral to community resources are available in the Counseling Center and the Health Center, 11 Merriam St., (509) 527-5281.

Regulations Concerning Drugs                                                       

It is a violation of college policy to use, possess, or distribute any illegal drug or controlled substance including marijuana. Any student choosing to violate this policy, or the laws of the State of Washington, should be prepared to accept the consequences of their decision. The College reserves the right to pursue legal and/or its own judicial action should students violate the law or this policy. Whitman College may apply disciplinary procedures to students who abuse drugs or substances that are not illegal but may cause harm. Some drugs and substances, although not illegal, may also cause harm and are dangerous to use. The College may apply disciplinary procedures to students who abuse these substances.

Marijuana, while legal in small amounts for those 21 and over in the State of Washington (in private spaces), will not be allowed, in any form, on campus.

EMPLOYEES

ALCOHOL:
There shall be no drinking of alcoholic beverages and no open containers in public places on the College campus, except at College sponsored events. A College sponsored event is one that uses College funds and/or that is on College property. College houses rented by faculty and staff are exempt. Alcoholic beverages may be served on an event by event basis under the following conditions:

• A college faculty or staff member assumes responsibility for the event and agrees to be present for its duration.
• The faculty or staff member responsible for the event obtains the appropriate liquor permits:
  • Special Occasion License - required for any event where alcohol is to be sold except as noted below. Bon Appetit must be used to serve the alcohol. Appropriate foods must be served by Bon Appetit. Allow 30 days for the application process. Application is made at a State Liquor Store.
  • Banquet Permits - required for events with 50 or more people and where alcohol is served but not sold. Tickets may be used to limit the number of drinks served each individual. Application is made at a State Liquor Store. Employees coordinating the function should complete the application as a representative of Whitman College. Food must be served.
  • Private Functions - no permits are required at private functions, which are individually hosted College social events of less than 50 guests. Food must be served. No one under the age of 21 may be served alcohol.

• Faculty and staff may host private functions at their homes to which students are invited. The College strongly encourages such events to be alcohol free. If alcohol is served, it is recommended that it be done so on a BYOB basis. No one under 21 should be served. Faculty and staff present should be role models for responsible drinking.
• Functions which are held at restaurants or other business establishments licensed to serve alcohol do not require special permits.
• The use of alcoholic beverages will be in full compliance with the Washington State Law.

Washington State Law
It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of 21 years or permit any person under that age to consume liquor on his or her premises or on any premises under his or her control. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor except that given to them by their parents or guardian, used in connection with religious services, or administered by their physician or dentist for medicinal purposes. The supply of alcohol to or the use of alcohol by any person under the age of 21 years is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment. A person under the age of 21 years acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for him or herself or someone else experiencing alcohol poisoning, shall not be charged or prosecuted if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.

Drug-Free Workplace

POLICY
This Drug Free Workplace Policy is intended to meet, at a minimum, the requirements of all applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as amended, and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, as amended.  It is the College’s overarching goal, however, to work effectively with individuals to resolve substance abuse issues in a positive and constructive manner.

Drug Free Workplace
It is the policy of Whitman College that the workplace is to be free from the unlawful use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol and other controlled substances.  Moreover, faculty and staff are discouraged from working while under the influence of alcohol, as it may lead to behavior evidencing irresponsible consumption (obvious intoxication, impaired judgment, verbal harassment, etc.).  Working while under the influence of any controlled substance not medically authorized is strictly prohibited.  

The College is committed to promoting the highest possible standards of health and welfare among its students, faculty and staff. This policy will enable each faculty and staff member to perform his or her work in a safe, conscientious and effective manner that does not adversely affect the College community and the working/learning environment.  As required by law, each individual employed by the College is hereby notified that, as a condition of his or her employment, he or she must abide by these drug-free workplace requirements.
A faculty or staff member will be required to report his/her criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace to his/her immediate supervisor within five (5) days after such conviction.  The supervisor must immediately notify the college officer responsible for the particular work area, who will in turn notify the Director of Human Resources.

Consequences
The College’s response to violations of this policy may include assessment and treatment options and/or a range of penalties from admonition to dismissal from the College, depending on the severity of the violation.  Other sanctions may also include, but are not limited to, formal reprimand, restrictions on participation in campus activities, transfer, demotion, forfeiture of promotion or salary increase, suspension or mandatory leave of absence, and mandatory participation in an approved counseling or rehabilitative treatment program as a condition of continued employment.  The College will investigate and review the circumstances of each individual case and take appropriate action, determined separately on the merits of each case. 

Disciplinary sanctions will be determined by the respective Budget Officer, in consultation with the Director of Human Resources.  The affected staff member or faculty member may appeal the decision to a panel of the Employee Relations Committee (ERC), which shall make a final recommendation to the Chair of the Faculty, who will then make the final decision.  Note that the dismissal of a faculty member must occur in accordance with the terms and process outlined in the Faculty Code (Chapter 1, Article III, Sections 4&5).

Treatment Options
Whitman College takes its commitment to provide a drug-free working environment seriously.  Any faculty or staff member who suspects he/she might have a drug (or substance) abuse problem is encouraged to seek assistance through his/her own efforts before the problem affects his/her employment status with the College.  To comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the College’s Human Resources Office maintains a list of agencies which provide rehabilitative and counseling services related to substance abuse.  Any contact will be held in strictest confidence.

6. Recommendations for revising AOD programs.

In the future, we would like to expand out AOD programs by adding several new features.  This includes:

• Hiring an AOD counselor whose job function would include campus outreach and education as well as one-on-one counseling with students.
• Create a list of high-risk AOD behaviors that will result in a student being required to participate in BASICS assessment and two meetings with a counselor.
• Create a list of unsafe AOD behaviors that will result in a student being required to participate in an educational conversation and/or program.
• Explore the idea of creating an off-campus housing option for juniors and seniors who are in AOD recovery.
• Implement eCHECKUP and design effective ways of using it. For example, several of the Whitman sororities have access to GreekLife.Edu and do require all of their new members to complete this online program prior to initiation. For the sororities and fraternities that do not have access to this program, we can offer them access to eCHECKUP. We could also offer it to residence life sections, varsity and club sports, student clubs, etc. as an educational program.
• We have seen an increase in the number of students who admit to using marijuana in our Social Trends survey (administered every 3 years). In order to educate and raise awareness, we would also like to consider adopting eTOKE, which could be used in similar ways to eCHECKUP, with a variety of student groups.
• Adapt the Alcohol Skills Training Program to be a peer-led skills development program focused on teaching students to drink in a safer, less-risky manner.
• Incorporate alcohol expectancies into the social norms posters.