July 28, 2009

NDSU releases long-term, comprehensive alcohol and drug prevention plan

SHARE

On Wednesday, NDSU unveiled its comprehensive, long-term plan to reduce alcohol and other drug abuse by students. The Strategic Plan to Address High Risk Alcohol and Other Drug Use takes an environmental management approach to prevention by addressing the problem from many angles. NDSU is a dry campus and has long had prevention strategies in place. The goal of the new plan is to enhance existing policies in order to create an environment for intellectual and personal development by promoting safety and welfare for all members of the university community.

The plan comes after two years of work by the President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, which includes a mix of faculty, staff and students. President Joseph A. Chapman charged the council with creating a strategic plan that included accountability at all levels, was far reaching in its scope, included measurable outcomes and reflected the core values of the university. The plan’s aim is not to eliminate the use of alcohol, but rather to reduce the high-risk use that leads to problems for individuals and the community. The actions outlined in the plan are based on proven prevention strategies.

“Reducing alcohol and other drug misuse is everyone's responsibility; we can all contribute to changing the university culture,” Chapman said. “This long-term, comprehensive plan will guide us as we continue to address the issue with campus and community partners. Its objectives are reasonable and attainable.”

A few of the actions outlined in the plan include piloting online personalized alcohol education for all incoming first-year students, providing consistent late-night weekend events for students on campus and implementing a nationally recognized counseling program for students at high risk for alcohol related problems.

The plan also addresses athletics. In addition to already existing programs, two new programs will be implemented. MyPlaybook is an internet-based substance-abuse prevention program specifically for student athletes. BASICS is a pilot program for students at high-risk for alcohol related problems. Gene Taylor, director of NDSU athletics, chairs the President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

 

Submit Your News Story
Help us report what’s happening around campus, or your student news.
SUBMIT