All institutions of higher education are required by federal law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.
The 2014 Biennial Review Committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students met from June-August 2014 to conduct the federally required biennial review. One subcommittee also met in July to discuss the Consistency of Enforcement guidelines.
The committee determined that the University of Michigan is in compliance with federal requirements for the University of Michigan Alcohol and Other Drug Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff. The policy document is distributed electronically to every student, faculty and staff member and is also included in the Annual Security Report & Annual Fire Safety Report. It is also linked in the mandatory online course required for all incoming first year and undergraduate transfer students, and is referenced in parent and student orientation materials.
The committee identified that most of the 2012 recommendations have been implemented successfully while others require more attention and are in progress. This primarily reflects the need to integrate alcohol and other drug resources, communication, and data for faculty/staff on campus into the Biennial Review process.
The committee reviewed accomplishments as well as the Alcohol and Other Drug Typology Matrix for program effectiveness. This allowed for committee members to identify strengths and weaknesses in program components. The major strength identified is that Wolverine Wellness, University Health Service coordinates a comprehensive program that includes evidenced- based strategies that address individual, group, institution and community level issues. The major weaknesses identified include the challenges of working in a decentralized environment and the continuing challenges of working towards a culture change with at risk populations (Greeks, first year students, fan behavior, etc.).
Recommendations for continued improvement include:
- Integrate alcohol and other drug resources for faculty/staff on campus, including policy, programs and data through existing communication tools.
- Develop a community impact experience for Greek Life students to meet with Greek Life staff to establish restorative measures, similar to the practice followed by Housing.
- Promote dissemination of policy through engaging platforms such as videos, interactive activities, etc.
- Initiate discussion regarding potential policy implications for student group bus trips
- Set a meeting to review AOD policy and enforcement with professional school leaders (i.e. Law, Medical, Business schools) and provide outreach for graduate and professional students.
- Coordinate campus-community law enforcement/policy collaborative.
For a complete report or more information, please contact Wolverine Wellness at [email protected] or 734-763-1320.
See a list of all report summaries at Biennial Review for Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act.