Substance Use Education

• NDSU Policy Manual: Section 155 Alcohol and Other Drugs: Unlawful and Unauthorized use by Students and Employees
• ND State Board of Higher Education Policy 918
• North Dakota Century Code: Title 5 Alcoholic Beverages; Chapter 5-01 General Provisions and Chapter 19-03.1 Uniform Controlled Substances Act

North Dakota State University complies with the Drug-Free School and Campuses Regulation that requires institutions of Higher Education to conduct a biennial review of their Alcohol and Other Drug programs and policies (EDGAR Part 86.100).

The 2024 Biennial Review is electronically available with a paper copy provided per request at Student Health Service.

• Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) - Structured two-session intervention for students who use alcohol or other drugs (or are referred) to review their use, get feedback, and plan for change.
• eCHECKUP TO GO - confidential screening for Alcohol, Cannabis, Nicotine, and other mental health topics.
• Alcoholscreening.org - Free, anonymous online screening tool for alcohol use and related behaviors.
• Vector Solutions (Alcohol & Drug Misuse Prevention Training) - An online training platform used by NDSU that delivers evidence-based courses such as alcohol education and other substance misuse prevention modules for students.
• NDSU Counseling Center - On-campus counseling center offering individual, group, and screening services (including for substance use concerns) for NDSU students.
• Student Health Service - Visit Student Health Service (Wallman Wellness Center 102) or log into the Student Health Portal for appointments, screenings, or referrals.

Absolutely. North Dakota State University seriously cares about you and your ability to succeed at college. Statistics show that students who drink in high-risk ways are more likely to experience harm or put others at risk. Besides that, for a large portion of NDSU's students who are underage, drinking and possession is illegal. For those 21 years and older, supplying or selling alcohol to minors is illegal. That's the law.

For that reason, the State Board of Higher Education and NDSU prohibit the possession, sale, dispensation or consumption of alcohol on board-owned property.

Recent evidence continues to show that alcohol misuse among college students is strongly associated with academic difficulties. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately one in four college students experience academic consequences from drinking such as: missing class, falling behind, performing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2024). Research using daily diary methods also found that students exhibit reduced academic effort the day after heavy drinking episodes (Neal et al., 2020). In addition, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that substance use, including alcohol, is negatively correlated with academic performance among university students (Sefat, Dastjerdi, & Nazari, 2025). Together, these findings reinforce that alcohol consumption is a significant factor influencing academic success.

According to the 2024 American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment (ACHA–NCHA III), alcohol misuse continues to be a factor associated with poor academic performance at NDSU.

For more information on this please see the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Fact Sheet

While movies and TV shows often make it seem like every college student drinks, the reality at NDSU tells a different story. Many students choose not to drink at all or drink responsibly.

Recent data from the Spring 2024 American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment III (ACHA–NCHA III) show that 25.6% of NDSU students abstain from alcohol entirely, and 22.5% have not used alcohol in the last 30 days. These numbers reflect a continuing trend of students choosing healthy, low-risk behaviors when it comes to alcohol use.

Not all students want to be involved in high-risk drinking, and many NDSU students don’t drink at all. So, if you choose not to drink, remember this: you’re not alone.

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion advises moderate drinking (no more than 1 standard drink per day for women and no more than 2 standard drinks per day for men) should you choose to consume. Excessive drinking can lead to short- and long-term health consequences. Excessive alcohol use includes binge drinking:
• For women, 4 or more drinks consumed on one occasion.
• For men, 5 or more drinks consumed on one occasion.

For more information about Alcohol Use and Your Health, visit the CDC - Alcohol and Public Health.

The dangers of Acute Alcohol Intoxication, more commonly known as Alcohol Poisoning or Alcohol Overdose, are real and can happen anywhere. Your awareness and knowledge about the signs and symptoms could mean life or death to a person you care about.

If you discover any of the below symptoms, call 9-1-1 or NDSU campus police at 231-8998. Only one of the symptoms is reason enough to call 9-1-1.
• Try to wake them up. Call their name, shake them, pinch them. If they do not respond - GET HELP!
• Check the person's skin. If his/her skin is pale or is cold or is clammy - GET HELP!
• Listen to their breathing. If it is irregular, or too slow/shallow (less than 8 breaths per minute or more than 10 seconds between breaths) - GET HELP!
• Stay with the person while waiting for help to arrive, don't ever just let them 'sleep it off'. If their breathing stops, perform CPR.
• Turn the person on his/her side to prevent choking.

Better SAFE than SORRY. When in doubt, call 9-1-1.

The state of North Dakota has information about this in their Century Code, it states:
"An individual under twenty-one years of age is immune from criminal prosecution under this section if that individual contacted law enforcement or emergency medical services and reported that another individual under twenty-one years of age was in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption, provided assistance to the individual in need of medical assistance until assistance arrived and remained on the scene, or was the individual in need of medical assistance and cooperated with medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on the scene. The maximum number of individuals that may be immune for any one occurrence is five individuals."

You can find more information here: ND legislative website.

At NDSU we have the Good Samaritan Responsibilities. As stated in the NDSU Rights and Responsibilities of Community: A Code of Student Behavior,
"All students are expected to protect the well-being of fellow students and others wherever events occur. If a person needs emergency medical attention, particularly resulting from the use of alcohol or other drugs, students are expected to call an ambulance or other appropriate emergency response personnel (ambulance, police, fire, etc.) to gain that assistance."

Students who seek medical help for themselves or others will not face conduct sanctions for alcohol or drug use, but may be required to complete an educational follow-up meeting.

NDSU policy and ND law work together in making sure nothing gets in the way of seeking medical attention when it is needed and to point out that there should be no reason not to call 9-1-1.

Students and student groups who violate university policy on alcohol or other drugs either on or off campus are subject to penalties, depending on the severity of the violation and previous history of drug and alcohol use. Sanctions, determined on a case-by-case basis, may include:
• Alcohol education class
• Written reflection
• Restitution
• Restricted access to university facilities
• Loss of privileges
• Probation
• Suspension and/or expulsion from the university

If you are under 21 and found responsible for an alcohol- or drug-related violation at NDSU, your parents or guardians may be notified by a university official in accordance with NDSU’s Parental Notification Policy for example, when a student’s safety is at risk, when a conduct sanction of probation or higher is assigned, or when substance use results in hospitalization or emergency intervention (North Dakota State University, n.d.).

Under North Dakota law (N.D.C.C. § 5-01-08), possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 remains prohibited. However, following legislative changes in House Bill 1223, a first-time violation may be treated as an infraction, carrying a potential fine of up to $1,000 and educational or diversion requirements rather than jail time (Rosenquist Law Office, 2021; Sandin, 2021). Repeat or aggravated offenses, or cases involving property damage or sales to minors, may still result in misdemeanor charges.

While University conduct sanctions are separate from criminal penalties, both NDSU policy and state law are designed to promote safety, accountability, and student well-being.

Federal or state drug convictions can affect eligibility for financial aid until a rehabilitation program is completed. Employees found in violation of Policy 155 may face disciplinary action up to termination.

Policy 155 - Alcohol and Other Drugs - Unlawful and Unauthorized Use by Students and Employees

Marijuana (cannabis), including recreational and medicinal use, remains illegal under federal law and is prohibited on NDSU property or at any university-sponsored events. NDSU follows federal guidelines for a drug-free campus as required by the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (EDGAR Part 86).

There are a variety of resources available regarding substance use. Below is a list of websites that provide credible, up-to-date information about substance use education, prevention, treatment and recovery.

• Parents LEAD
• College Drinking - Changing the Culture
• Partnership to End Addiction
• Get Smart About Drugs: a DEA Resource for Parents, Educators & Caregivers
• NDSU Extension - References and Resources for Addressing Youth Issues

At NDSU we encourage you to talk with your students about decisions they will make regarding alcohol and other drugs. In fact, research suggests that parents, mothers in particular, who had proactive communications with their college age teens about alcohol use had proactive effects on their student’s drinking and drinking related consequences.

Here are some tips about how to talk with your student:

1. Listen. It is important to talk with your student, not at them, about substance use. Listening might be the easiest way to start this often-difficult conversation. Ask them about their concerns and what they think college life will be like.
   
2. Set and make your expectations clear. Make your expectations known about substance use, and this is also a great time to talk about your academic expectations. If your student knows that you expect sound academic work, they will be more apt to study verses drinking in their free time.
   
3. Give them the critical information. Every year thousands of college students across the country die of alcohol poisoning. Give your student the information they need – make it clear that alcohol can be deadly. Talk to them about dangerous drinking patterns such as drinking games and contests.
   
4. Empower your student. Talk to your student about how to stand up for their rights, empower them to take a stand when someone is pressuring them to make high risk choices. Discuss what they would do if such a situation presented itself and where to go for help. Let them know that their Residence Assistants and Hall Directors all live within in their residence hall and are a great support system.
   
5. Clear up the myths. Students almost always overestimate the amount and frequency of how much their peers are using alcohol and other drugs. A survey conducted in Spring 2024 indicated that 25.6% of NDSU students abstain from drinking and 22.5% have not used alcohol in the last 30 days. Students, especially first year students, are influenced by peers and tend to drink up to what they perceive to be the norm. Clearing up those misperceptions regarding their peers’ usage is vital.
   
6. Be the example. Sharing stories about your own drinking can normalize what is not the norm. Avoid sending mixed messages to your student. Evaluate your own use of alcohol, tobacco and prescription medications and consider how your attitudes, actions and stories are shaping your student’s choices. If your behavior isn’t congruent with your message – your student is going to notice.
   
7. Encourage involvement. Students who volunteer and get involved in their community are less likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs. Many different opportunities exist both at NDSU and in the Fargo-Moorhead community.
   
8. Know the Law. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume or possess alcohol. Help your student understand that the decisions they make now regarding alcohol and drugs will stay with them for a while. The decision they make may also hinder their ability to obtain the career they are working so hard towards.
   
9. Know NDSU policy. NDSU is a dry campus and the policy is enforced. Should your student violate that, or any other policy, they will be held accountable according to the process outlined in the Rights and Responsibilities of Community: A Code of Student Conduct. Parents may or may not be notified about the situation. The parental notification policy provides more detailed information.