NDSU Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Programs have released the results of the 2014 Faculty and Staff Alcohol and Other Drug Survey.
The study found that 96 percent of faculty and staff are open to referring students for help with alcohol or other drug misuse. It showed 55 percent of those surveyed would like to learn more about how to help a student who may have a problem with alcohol, and 47 percent want to learn more about how to help students make low-risk decisions about alcohol and other drugs.
“We know our faculty and staff support our prevention efforts on campus, and we appreciate their willingness to assist students who are misusing alcohol or other drugs,” said Kent Sandstrom, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and a member of the President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. “We want to help faculty and staff recognize some of the simple ways they can influence the views students have about alcohol and other drug use and share the resources available to support those who are struggling.”
The study was initiated to gain insight into perceptions and communication regarding alcohol use and related negative effects among students at the university. The survey attempted to get an idea of faculty and staff member awareness of alcohol policy, policy enforcement, support for programs, efforts to prevent alcohol problems, and perceived ability to identify students who are experiencing an alcohol-related problem and refer them to assistance.
Other key findings:
· 38.5 percent of faculty and staff indicated they wish to be, or already are, involved in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Programs prevention efforts at NDSU.
· 73.5 percent believe educational programs and materials are provided for staff and faculty to identify individuals who have alcohol and other drug-related problems.
· 97.5 percent believe NDSU is concerned about the prevention of alcohol and other drug misuse.
· Awareness of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Programs prevention efforts is high among faculty, staff and administrators.
“The Live Real Mentor program is one of the important tools available to faculty and staff to learn more about how to recognize substance abuse concerns, how to refer students for assistance, and how to support AOD prevention efforts,” Sandstrom said.
For more information about the program and upcoming educational sessions, visit www.ndsu.edu/alcoholinfo/students/live_real_mentor_program/
The full survey and results can be found at www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/alcoholinfo/2014_NDSU_Fac_Staff_Survey_Summary.pdf.