R EPORT OF THE A LCOHOL
AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE
(AODA) W ORKING G ROUP
University Wisconsin-Platteville
A Working Group consisting of representatives from University
Counseling Services, the University Police Department, the
Office of Student Housing, the S.A.F.E. Grant County Coalition
and the Office of Student Affairs reviewed the resources and
programming on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
campus addressing the use and abuse of alcohol and other
drugs among university students. Recommendations are made
to improve the effectiveness of current staffing, programming
and systems.
May, 2012
AODA Report
REPORT OF THE AODA WORKING GROUP
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The AODA Working Group, consisting of representatives from University Counseling
Services, the University Police Department, the Office of Student Housing, the S.A.F.E.
Grant County Coalition and the Office of Student Affairs, reviewed the resources and
programming on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus addressing the use and
abuse of alcohol and other drugs among university students. Programming and
resources on campus can be accurately described as limited, uncoordinated, and
disjointed.
Only one quarter-time professional
position has been dedicated to the issue,
and that position has seen an increase in
34% of UW-Platteville
responsibilities in its other roles on
students report having had
campus. Programming on campus
at least five drinks (which is
primarily includes presentations, notably
in the residence halls, by campus police
binge-drinking) in a 2-hour
officers, but also includes ad hoc
time at least twice within
programming through a student-led group
the last two weeks.
(GAMMA) for the Greek community and
through the Pioneer Involvement Center
(PIC). Multiple groups have attempted to coordinate programming and interventions
across campus, with limited success. The majority of alcohol and drug-related
disciplinary measures come from the Office of Student Housing through Residence
Directors. Finally, these efforts to impact student alcohol and other drug use have not
been formally assessed.
The Working Group recommends that the responsibility to administer a campus-wide
comprehensive alcohol and other drug use program be assigned to the now vacant
Assistant Dean of Students position. That program should include, among other things:
programming shown to be effective with college students in national and state-wide
research; a communication plan among stakeholders including student housing,
campus/city police departments; and community substance abuse prevention
coalitions/drug task forces; and an assessment plan based on data already being collected
by campus departments.
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AODA Report
REASON FOR THE AODA WORKING GROUP
National and State Statistics
There is no doubt that alcohol is an issue in our country. The United States Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 6 adults in the United States
(US) binge drink about 4 times a month. The CDC reports that drinking too much,
including binge drinking, causes 80,000 deaths a year in the US. In Wisconsin the CDC
estimates that 25.6% of the adult population binge drinks, which is the highest in the
US. Wisconsin also holds the highest average of number of drinks within a short period
time among binge drinkers at nine. In addition, a federal survey found that a quarter of
Wisconsin adults drove drunk in 2008, the highest rate in the nation. About 100 people a
day were convicted of drunk driving in Wisconsin in 2008.
These statistics point to the culture of alcohol consumption in which UW-Platteville
operates. UW-Platteville students, and faculty and staff, have an expectation that
drinking alcohol, and drinking to excess, is a given.
Prevalence of Alcohol and Other Drug Use on College Campuses
The nature of college campuses is such that experimentation, use, and abuse of alcohol,
as well as other drugs, will thrive. Traditional college students experience the freedom of
living on their own for the first time, as well as experience becoming of legal age to
purchase and consume alcohol.
National statistics support these
suppositions, and the results from
53% of UW-Platteville students
surveys on UW-Platteville’s campus
support them as well. In fact,
do not know if the campus
research on campus shows that the
provides programs to decrease
use, and abuse, of alcohol is more
alcohol abuse.
prevalent on UW-Platteville’s
campus than national statistics
would suggest. Of particular alarm
are the results from 2009 and 2011 that indicate a significant trend in the increased use
of marijuana. This increase manifested itself recently in the arrests of multiple UWPlatteville students for the manufacturing and distribution of marijuana.
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AODA Report
Recent Incidents
In the Fall 2011 semester several incidents on campus, within the Platteville community,
and within the University of Wisconsin System brought increased urgency to the need for
more effective alcohol-related programming. The Office of Student Housing reported
having to sanction 82 students (68 of whom were Freshmen) for alcohol consumption
within the residence halls. The University Police Department reported having handled
17 incidents of 1st Offense Underage drinking. The University of Wisconsin-Stout, in
response to the recent increased
severity of alcohol-related incidents
began requiring that all Freshmen
31% of UW-Platteville
complete an online alcohol-risk selfstudents report having
assessment (E-Chug.com). The
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse has
driven under the influence of
had to recover from the deaths of
alcohol.
students who, in alcohol-related
incidents, drowned in the Mississippi
River. In the winter of 2012 UWOshkosh also had to respond to the death of student who drowned in the Fox River
having fallen through the ice after drinking.
This spring the number of alcohol-related incidents has continued, with particular
attention being drawn to the Greek community having such a large number of chapters
on probation due to alcohol-related incidents.
These numbers and incidents make it apparent that alcohol-related incidents, and
therefore the need for preventative programming and effective incident responses, have
increased. Additionally, UW-Platteville has grown in size and scope and expects to
continue to do so in the future. National data also indicates that the mental health
needs of college students have increased, and are expected to increase in terms of both
number and severity. These trends all point to the increased need for more effective,
efficient, and thus coordinated, alcohol and other drug-related programming and services
on campus.
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AODA Report
REVIEW OF CURRENT AODA PROGRAMMING/PERSONNEL
Review Process
The first task of the AODA Working
Group was to review current programming
51% of UW-Platteville
on campus. It became apparent early in
students report that they
this review that several different efforts
were taking place on and off campus to
have had memory loss under
prevent the use and abuse of alcohol and
the influence of alcohol.
other drugs. It also became apparent that
there were different groups on campus
attempting to coordinate and improve this
programming. Additionally, it was observed that in responding to incidents, there was
little systematic communication between the Office of Student Housing (Housing), the
University Police Department, and the Platteville Police Department.
Resources and Programming Dedicated to AODA Programming
University Positions dedicated to AODA Intervention/Programming/Assessment:
AODA Coordinator (1/4 time professional position)
AODA Graduate Assistant (20 hours/week graduate student)
Groups Attempting to Coordinate and Oversee AODA-related Programming:
AODA Coalition
SAFE Grant County Coalition
Faculty AODA Advisory Committee
AODA Programming Provided by:
University Counseling Services
University Police Department
Office of Student Housing
Pioneer Involvement Center
GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol)
SAFE Grant County Coalition
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AODA Report
AODA Programming Being Offered
University Counseling Services
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The University Counseling Services (UCS) provides the following specific offerings:
Counselors provide students individual counseling with a substance abuse focus.
UCS offers an educational AODA class that meets requirements for “second
sanction” through Housing and some court-ordered requirements based on underage tickets or probation/parole infractions. There is a charge for this class.
Counselors provide referrals for students requiring more intensive AODA
treatment.
Counselors provide written resources for students specific to AODA/substance
abuse treatment including local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
UCS will house system-wide AODA grant money.
The Graduate Assistant (GA) aids the coordinator in developing education programming
for the students, such as alcohol awareness week and spring break festivities. The GA
also works with other departments such as Student Health Services and student groups
such as GAMMA in aiding with projects with which they may need help. In the past, the
GA has done town hall meetings to see how the residence hall students feel about
substance abuse on campus. The GA also works on coordinating and administering the
bi-annual UW System AODA survey. When the survey is complete the GA analyzes the
data to find significant points of interest that may aid the administration in decisions
that need to be made pertaining to substance abuse on campus.
University Police Department
The University Police Department (UPD) provides programming and
presentations to all student organizations, Residence Hall Students, faculty, and the
public in general. Topics include, but are not limited to, alcohol awareness (binge
drinking, underage drinking), drug use & abuse, sexual assault, crime prevention,
internet crimes, and harassment.
Every officer in the department will, at some point, have an opportunity to present the
above topics. The UPD presents or participates in programming approximately ten to
fifteen times a semester. A majority of these are related to alcohol and drug awareness.
Whether it is a PowerPoint presentation or a mock party arrest, information regarding
alcohol/ drugs and their dangers is discussed. The UPD also utilizes two pairs of “drunk
goggles” that simulate the experience of a person at a .08 Blood Alcohol Content. With
these goggles, we simulate a drunk-driving arrest and also have participants play handeye coordination games.
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AODA Report
Office of Student Housing
The Office of Student Housing (Housing), provides AODA educational
programming and response in the following ways:
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Resident Assistant-team programming including real-life scenarios of parties
being "busted" by campus police and follow-up information regarding tickets/ fines
and safety issues.
In-hall programming consisting of viewing movies on alcohol and drug use/abuse
and discussions.
In-hall programming in a trivia/bingo format regarding information/data on AODA
topics.
Passive programming: bulletin boards, fliers, handouts, etc.
Mandatory wing meetings during New Student Welcome Back Weekend educating
students on Housing/Campus/State policies and laws regarding underage
consumption, possession, and distribution.
An Alcohol Responsibility course for those students found in violation of the
alcohol policy. The student first has an educational meeting with the Resident
Director who assesses the situation from a Resident Assistant’s Incident Report. A
$50 fee is assessed to cover administrative costs.
A “Marijuana 101” course for those students found in violation of the marijuana
policy. The student first has an educational meeting with the Resident Director
who assesses the situation from the Resident Assistant’s Incident Report. A $50
fee is assessed to cover administrative costs.
The second-level sanction for either alcohol or marijuana is a course with
Counseling Services. This includes a mandatory meeting with a counselor in the
Counseling Services area. A $100 fee is assessed to cover administrative costs.
Pioneer Involvement Center (PIC)
The Pioneer Involvement Center (PIC) provides and coordinates planning for
numerous programs each year, in addition to advising Greek chapters and other student
organizations. Occasionally that programming is directed towards alcohol use and
abuse, though not in any consistent manner. They also advise the Greek organization
Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol.
GAMMA
Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol (GAMMA) consists of dedicated
Greek student leaders interested in promoting the mature management of alcohol use,
through speakers, GAMMA Palooza, GAMMA Carnival and other events. They also
sponsor events on other health and safety issues.
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AODA Report
SAFE Grant County Coalition
The S.A.F.E. (Safe Actions for Everyone) Grant County Coalition serves all of Grant
County and is supported primarily through competitive federal grants (including a Drug
Free Community grant) and the innumerous volunteer hours of its many
members/partners. Its mission is to “promote responsible behaviors to
reduce/prevent substance abuse and other risky activities among youth/adults in
Grant County.” Some of its initiatives to implement its mission include:
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Using research-based environmental strategies to keep youth from accessing
alcohol and tobacco products, such as coordinated alcohol and tobacco
compliance checks to reduce the sales of these latter products to minors.
Creating a countywide Underage Drinking Task Force that helps curb
underage drinking and related concerns. For example, many neighborhoods
throughout the county are reporting a decrease in problematic house parties as a
result of the Task Force.
Providing an evidence-based program called Fresh Start to reduce future
underage drinking violations. The fees from this program support scholarships for
organizations to further reduce underage drinking, such as post prom events and
other alternative drug free
events.
Holding an annual Youth
Leadership Conference,
Almost 25% of Wisconsin adults
grades 7-12, to create student
drove drunk in 2008, the highest
leaders who can influence and
educate peers about healthy
percentage in the nation.
and safe alternative activities
to alcohol, tobacco, and other
drugs. (Have trained 589
student leaders since 2002,
who often go on to be leaders in college.)
Providing anti-drug education through Town Hall Meetings, legislative
breakfasts/meetings, numerous classroom presentations (elementary through
college graduate programs), and informative displays at numerous public events
regarding substance abuse.
Utilizing/promoting research-based drug prevention curricula to help
families and youth, such as Strengthening Families and All-Stars.
Holding annual Prescription (Rx) Drug Round ups/Take Back Initiatives to
collect expired/unwanted drugs from medicine cabinets to keep them away from
youth and protect our environment (Have collected 1,026 pounds of drugs since
2007). Recently, the coalition was pleased to help with the procurement of a
permanent prescription medicine drop-off box with the Platteville Police
Department.
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AODA Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
Professional Position to Plan, Coordinate and Implement AODA
Programming
The current needs of the student
71% of UW-Platteville
population are greater than a quartertime position, plus a Graduate Assistant
students report that they
(GA), can meet. Additionally, the other
drink alcohol. 59% report
responsibilities of the quarter-time
that they used Marijuana
position, the Director of the University
Counseling Services, have grown to the
within the last 30 days.
point that AODA programming has not
received its due attention. While the GA
position certainly helps, it is a position in which students are rotating in and out as they
enter graduate school and subsequently graduate. Because of this there are the usual
issues of training a new GA, developing relationships with campus and community
stakeholders in such a short time, and developing expertise in the field.
The case can be clearly made for a new position in a number of ways, one of which is
economically. While this working group did not have access to the numbers, it was the
consensus of the group that it would be less expensive in the long run to have someone
identified and working on AODA issues than to continue the current structure. Other
University of Wisconsin System campuses also have full-time professional staff dedicated
to this issue. One glaring case for a new position is that most of those campuses that do
have a dedicated position to this issue only did so after a significant student issue. As
was said in a meeting, “We’re either going to do it before someone dies, or after”.
It is clear in the minds of the working group that continuing to do the same thing that
has been done with regard to this issue will only continue to be ineffective, and
increasingly so as our student population grows and the severity of incidents increase. It
should also again be noted the very strong trend of an increase in marijuana use among
students. The Richland-Iowa-Grant County Drug Task Force has also recently indicated
a renewed concern about heroin, cocaine, “meth”, and prescription drug use as well.
A particular concern in developing this new position was whether the position would
have any standing amongst students, faculty and the community. For this reason the
working group considered and later agreed that, rather than creating a new position, the
responsibilities for AODA coordination, proactive programming and response should be
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AODA Report
assigned to the Assistant Dean of Students. This position, currently vacant, previously
had responsibility for coordinating and implementing diversity initiatives across student
affairs and campus. With the development and hiring of a chief diversity officer who will
be taking on those responsibilities, the Assistant Dean of Students no longer has those
responsibilities. It was agreed that this solution would best set the stage for a new, more
effective, and successful approach, as well as facilitate direct communication with
stakeholders. It would also communicate to the campus and surrounding community
that it takes these issues seriously.
Comprehensive AODA Prevention and Response Program
The AODA Working group recommends that the new position complete a thorough
assessment of the needs of the campus and develop a comprehensive AODA program
based on those needs. Any new comprehensive program should include a policy review,
social norms marketing, educational programs, student/peer educators (counseling,
education classes, and cessation classes), community partnerships, and faculty/staff
involvement. The new position would then be responsible for administering that
program. Any new program should take note to:
1) Use current and past assessments to create a program that uniquely addresses
the needs and issues at UW-Platteville.
2) Use current research in the field of college campus/student AODA
programming.
3) Use personnel, groups and systems that already exist on the UW-Platteville
campus.
a. Address the redundancy and efficacy of having a separate Faculty AODA
Advisory Committee.
4) Coordinate consistent AODA policies across different administrative units
including, but not limited to, Athletics, Housing, and the Greek Community.
5) Address the need to change the culture on UW-Platteville’s campus.
6) Include a plan for the measurement of objectives.
7) Have target timelines for outcomes.
8) Define responsibilities across the campus.
9) Address individual students, the student body as a whole, and the greater
campus community (“the 3-in-1 approach”).
10) Collaborate between the university and the surrounding community, as the
campus is a part of the greater community within which it resides.
11) Address parental involvement at new student orientation each year.
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AODA Report
Assessment of Effectiveness of Efforts
The AODA Working Group recommends that this new position and the comprehensive
prevention and response program be evaluated based on the results of systematic
assessments. While any AODA program, and position, should consider new, possibly
more useful measures, the AODA Working Group finds that some of these measures are
already in place and recommends the following be use:
# Underage Drinking Incidents (UPD)
# Welfare Check – Intoxicated Person (UPD)
# “Alcohol” Incidents (Housing; Maxient)
# “Drugs” Incidents (Housing; Maxient)
*Source:
UPD: University Police Department
Hous: Office of Student Housing
Additionally, the AODA Working Group recommends that the AODA program position
develop a dashboard of key performance indicators to quickly and easily communicate
with campus stakeholders the efficacy of AODA programming.
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AODA Report
WORKING GROUP MEMBERS
Working Group Members
Dominic Barraclough, Chair
Assistant to the Interim Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs
Robin Gore,
Interim Assistant Director, Office of Student Housing
Deirdre Dalsing,
Director, University Counseling Services
Tom Feryance,
Graduate Assistant, University Counseling Services
Kathy Marty,
Projects Director, S.A.F.E. Grant County Coalition
Jason Williams,
Sergeant, University Police Department
Working Group Meetings
December 12, 2011
January 18, 2012
February 14, 2012
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