A presentation of the Office of the Dean of Students Alcohol on Campus: What Vanderbilt Parents Should Know

Office of Student Health & Wellness and Campus Partners The Staff: John W. Greene, MD, Associate Dean of Students, Health & Wellness Tina L. Smith, Ed. D., Assistant Dean of Students, Health & Wellness Kimberly K. Moulds, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, National College Health Improvement Project (NCHIP) Katherine S. Drotos, B.S., Program Coordinator, Office of Wellness Programs & Alcohol Education Campus Partners and Additional Resources: Academic Deans and Advisors Dean of the Commons and Faculty Heads of Houses Dean of Students Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Office of Housing and Residential Education Psychological and Counseling Center Student Health Center Vanderbilt Emergency Department and Medical Center Vanderbilt Police Department Vanderbilt Recovery Support

The Office of Student Health and Wellness Student Health and Wellness within the Office of Dean of Students Services include: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, and Coordination of Other Campus Health and Wellness Resources

Components of Alcohol Education & Abuse Prevention at Vanderbilt Clear Alcohol Policy and Consistent Enforcement Immunity Rule (Medical Amnesty) Core and Quality of Life Assessments/Surveys Host Responsibility Training AlcoholEdu for All In-coming Students and Parents Alcohol-Free Events and Programming Resident Advisor and VUCeptor Education &Training Residence Hall Floor and “True Life” Discussions Parent Education 2012 Initiatives – National College Health Improvement Project (NCHIP) Participation – Vanderbilt Recovery Support

AlcoholEdu Online alcohol education program, with emphasis on helping your student make safer and healthier decisions about alcohol Program consists of two parts – Part I opens mid-July and closes mid-August – Part II opens and closes late October Required that all freshmen and transfer students complete the program and pass with 80% before arrival on campus in August

Vanderbilt Student Beliefs (Based on CORE Alcohol & Drug Survey, 2012) Alcohol has the following effects: Breaks the ice82.9% Gives people something to do81.9% Enhances social activity79.9% Facilitates a connection with peers72.2% Allows people to have more fun68.2% Facilitates sexual opportunity67.9% Makes it easier to deal with stress44.1% – Academic (more difficult than expected), Social (isolation), Developmental (little or no past drinking experience)

Potential Negative Consequences of High Risk Drinking Accidents & Injury – Vanderbilt Emergency Department/ER Visits (HIPAA protected) – Encounters with Law Enforcement (VUPD and Metro Nashville) First-year Students accounted for >50% of the total during the fall semester Death – From excessive consumption and other high-risk behavior Unplanned sex and sexual assault Poor academic performance Regret and/or thoughts of self-harm Conduct violations complicate disclosures for: – Employment after graduation – Graduate/Professional School Applications Potential Criminal record

Campus Restrictions While on Probation Not allowed to participate in Greek Recruitment (Fraternity/Sorority) if on probation Cannot hold an Office/Leadership Position in a Student Organization, RA/VUCeptor Not allowed to participate in Study Abroad Programs Student Athletes may be restricted from play by coach

Tennessee State Law No person under 21 years of age can consume or purchase alcoholic beverages. It is unlawful to sell alcoholic beverages to any person under 21. It is unlawful to falsify a driver’s license (Fake ID) or other identification document in order to obtain any alcoholic beverages.

Tennessee State Law & Metro Nashville Police Department In addition to enforcement on campus, incidents occurring off-campus or outside the “Vandy Bubble” i.e., public intoxication and/or using a false ID, may result in action being taken by the Metro Nashville Police Department or other agencies: – Could result in criminal charges and record – Could result in students being taken to the Criminal Justice Center and Detained

The Drug Free Schools & Community Act Institutions of Higher Education that receive federal funding must have a program in place to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs, and alcohol by students and employees. Annual notification to students and employees:  Standards of conduct  Legal Sanctions  Health Risks  Drug and Alcohol Programs  Disciplinary Sanctions Biennial Review of AOD programs The University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and controlled substances by students, faculty, and staff, on its property, or as part of any University-sponsored activity. The prohibition extends to off-campus activities that are officially sponsored by Vanderbilt, its schools, departments, or organizations.

Students Studying Abroad Generally Vanderbilt Student Policies Apply while Studying Abroad Water, however, may not be “safe” alternative for consumption in some countries The legal drinking age may differ in countries outside the US. – Examples of countries with lower drinking age: Australia/England/Ireland/UK - 18 Denmark/France/Germany/Italy/Spain – Canada – 19

Vanderbilt Alcohol Policy Vanderbilt is not a dry campus; however: No one under the age of 21 may possess or consume alcoholic beverages on campus at any time The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons is an alcohol-free residential area Open containers of alcohol are not permitted in public areas – streets, sidewalks, hallways, stairwells, residence hall lounges, balconies, and patios Kegs & other “common supply” sources of alcohol are prohibited Drinking games or activities that encourage excessive drinking are prohibited

Immunity Rule or Medical Amnesty at Vanderbilt University Alcohol Violation does not go on the student’s external record when immunity is granted. Student will receive an administrative referral for an Alcohol evaluation Does not preclude students from being responsible for other Code of Conduct violations e.g. sexual assault The University is committed to increasing the likelihood that students will call for medical assistance, if faced with an alcohol or drug related emergency. substances#emergencytreatment

Possible Sanctions for Policy Violations: on VU Campus Written reprimand (Parents not usually notified) Parental notification (for all listed below): – Written Reprimand Plus Enhancement Educational Modules, Reflection paper, or Uncompensated University work/service – Disciplinary probation – Suspension – Expulsion Administrative referral to Substance Abuse Counselor for all alcohol violations

Parental Notification FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) - Parents or guardians of students under the age of 21 found in violation of alcohol or drug policies as outlined in the student code of conduct may be notified. Medical Amnesty/Immunity – Parents are not routinely notified of amnesty Conduct Violations – Parents Notified of the 1 st violation when the sanction is Reprimand Plus, Probation, Suspension or Expulsion

Screening & Intervention Brief Assessment, Screening, and Intervention Brief Intervention Assessment by an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Counseling and Follow-up as needed

Brief Intervention Goals Reduce Alcohol use to lower levels Reduce Alcohol- related harm to self and others Encourage Abstinence in those who have alcohol dependence or indicators that they should not drink These must be consistent with the student’s readiness to change.

What can parents do? Have a conversation with your student

Questions to Discuss with Your Student Before Arriving on Campus How will you decide whether or not to drink? What will you do if you find yourself at a party where there is only alcohol to drink? What will you do if your roommate drinks and/or if your room becomes a center for this type of behavior? What will you do if you find a student passed out in the bath room? How would you handle caring for someone who is very drunk/intoxicated?

Academic & Behavioral Expectations Drinking and driving Family beliefs and values about drinking Financial responsibility Class attendance/academics Staying in touch Parents are important sources of guidance and support

Conversational Questions How are things going with your roommate? How do you and your roommate settle disagreements? Would you know to call an EMS if your roommate drank too much and blacked out? How do you like each of your classes/professors? What’s it like living in your residence hall? Tell me about the friends you have made. How are you spending your free time? Are you feeling overwhelmed/stressed?

Risk Reduction Low-Risk Drinking Eat a meal/food before drinking Know what and how much you are drinking – pace yourself! Make arrangements to get home safely before you start drinking – designated driver/person Setting a limit to the # of drinks per night Alternating alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages (water) At a party – sip a cup or glass of a non-alcoholic beverage High-Risk Drinking Drinking games (shots) Drinking too much too fast to avoid a rapid rise in BAC Leaving your cup or glass unattended Not knowing what you are drinking – ask! Pre-gaming/partying – before events e.g. football games Mixing alcohol and other drugs

Warning Signs While not an exhaustive list, some things to look for… Missing or skipping classes A significant decrease in academic performance Frequent requests for money to cover vague “expenses” Unusual Moodiness or defensiveness Switching friends frequently

Campus Resources Dean of Students Dean of the Commons and Faculty Heads of Houses Office of Wellness Programs & Alcohol Education Office of Housing and Residential Education Psychological and Counseling Center Student Health Center Office of Religious Life The Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity

Additional Campus Resources Academic Deans and Advisors Student Recreation Center Women’s Center Office of LGBTQI Vanderbilt Medical Center Vanderbilt Emergency Department/Room Vanderbilt Recovery Support Vanderbilt Police Department