2016-2017 Biennial Review of
Norwich University’s Compliance with the
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989

Following is the biennial review of Norwich University’s compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 for the academic years 2016 and 2017.  The review is presented in three (3) sections.  

Section I addresses Norwich University’s compliance with regulations that require the university to distribute, on an annual basis, documentation to faculty, staff, and students that deal with the effects of drug and alcohol use, and the sanctions imposed on individuals for excessive and/or illegal use of these substances.  In addition, this section evaluates the enforcement of regulations pertaining to alcohol and drug use and provides recommendations for the future.

Section II assesses Norwich’s drug and alcohol education/prevention program's effectiveness.  

Section III contains recommendations for future consideration.

Section I: Information Distribution

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Norwich is required to distribute information pertaining to drug and alcohol use to faculty, staff, and students taking at least one class for academic credit (excepting classes being taken for continuing education credit).  This information is to contain the following:

1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Norwich University property or as part of any university activities.

2. A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.

4. A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs available to employees or to students.

5. A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State and Federal law), for violations of the standards of conduct. The statement will additionally include a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution.  A disciplinary sanction may include completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Employees

Human Resources has distributed a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Policy to each employee of the University.  Human Resources accomplished this distribution through physical and electronic distribution of the Policy on a Drug Free Workplace.

Human Resources refers employees of Norwich University who have had performance problems in the workplace to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  These performance problems may have carried with them a suspicion of substance use and/or abuse.  There were zero incidents of direct violation of the University’s drug and alcohol policies by Norwich employees for the academic years of 2016 and 2017.

Students

Regulations pertaining to student use of alcohol are stated in Chapter 3 of the Student Rules and Regulations. These regulations are also presented in the Athletics Policy and the Cadet Handbook.

STUDENT RULES AND REGULATIONS CHAPTER 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS

SECTION I — Alcohol Policy

Vermont State Law. The legal age of consumption is 21 years of age in the State of Vermont. It is therefore against the law to possess or consume alcohol, on or off campus, anywhere in Vermont, if under the age of 21. The State of Vermont prohibits those under 21 from misrepresenting their age for the purpose of procuring, possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages. The State of Vermont also prohibits a person of any age from selling, giving, or causing to be sold or given alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years old.

General. Norwich University requires that students conduct themselves in a lawful, responsible manner at all times whether on or off campus. We expect our students to obey all Federal and State Laws and behave in accordance with the law and Norwich University regulations that pertain to alcohol. A student who decides to consume alcohol assumes full responsibility and consequences from its use or abuse, and his or her subsequent actions, both on and off campus. The possession or furnishing of alcoholic beverages anywhere on Norwich University grounds is strictly prohibited, where consumption is strictly regulated. Restrictions include:

• Unlawful consumption (e.g., underage consumption, Driving Under the Influence-DUI); disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol; possession; furnishing alcohol to minors, on or off campus, is unlawful and therefore prohibited. Refusal to submit to sobriety testing is evidence of consumption.
• Misrepresentation of age or the actual or attempted use of false identification to obtain alcoholic beverages is considered evidence of a violation of the Honor Code and will be referred to the University Honor Committee.
• Operating a motor vehicle, on or off campus, while under the influence of alcohol is unlawful, and, therefore, clearly a violation of state laws and University policy.
• The presence of empty beverage containers (e.g., beer cans/bottles, wine bottles, flasks, or any container used to store or consume alcohol anywhere on campus (room, vehicle, etc.) is prima facie evidence of possession.
• Disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol anywhere on campus (regardless of age) is a violation of the Norwich University alcohol policy. No student will be intoxicated and endanger the safety of another person or property, or cause a disturbance.
• Exceptions. Upon approval of the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs (SVPSA), an approved licensed vendor (i.e., Sodexo) may provide alcohol for consumption at select campus events or locations (e.g., Wise Campus Center, Partridge Pub, Regimental Ball, NU “Late Nite” Party, Goal Post Party, etc.). In such cases, students must be of legal age to consume alcohol. Those who are of legal age are expected to drink responsibly
• Commemorative items bearing the Norwich University logo are permitted (e.g., wine glass, beer mug, etc.) provided these items are clean and free of alcohol or beverage residue.
• Possession of a poster or unauthorized trophy, or possessing or wearing an item of clothing that depicts or advertises alcoholic beverages is a violation of community standards and not a violation of the alcohol policy.

Consequences

Students under the Legal Age. Possession or consumption of alcohol by students under the legal age is a violation of state law and this regulation. These actions will result in a University official’s reporting of violations to local law enforcement. In the instance that local law enforcement is not available or delayed in their response, University officials will proceed in enforcing the University alcohol policy. Any resulting law enforcement action will be a matter between the student and the police. Norwich University officials will obtain information regarding the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action as a violation of the University alcohol policy and/or other related policies. Refusal to consent to and/or comply with law enforcement officers or Norwich officials to take an alcohol breathalyzer test will be treated as prima facie evidence of alcohol consumption.

Students over the Legal Age. Possession or consumption of alcohol by students over the legal age will be adjudicated as an alcohol policy violation and not result in a report to law enforcement unless the situation produces threatening or disruptive behavior or a well-founded fear of danger to persons or property. In those situations, the decision to involve law enforcement authorities rests with the senior Norwich University professional staff member on the scene or in consultation with the Student Affairs Duty Officer.

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor. Students of any age who furnish alcohol to a minor will have their case referred to law enforcement for consideration as a violation of state law. Any resulting law enforcement action will be a matter between the student and the police. University officials will consider the action as a potential violation of the university’s alcohol policy and adjudicate the case regardless of the action taken by law enforcement.

Punishments for Alcohol Policy Violations. Students found guilty of violating the alcohol policy will be subject to disciplinary action as prescribed in Chapter 7 (for civilian residential and commuter students) or Chapter 9 (for cadets) of the Student Rules and Regulations. Monies collected as fines for violations of the alcohol policy will be used to provide alcohol awareness education on campus.

Alcohol Use Assessment

Referral. Student Affairs staff members who adjudicate violations of the alcohol policy may require students who are found guilty of an alcohol violation to participate in an alcohol education program administered by a licensed drug or alcohol abuse counselor. Under normal circumstances, students have 30 calendar days from the date of the referral in which to complete the program and provide written documentation of completion or are considered as refusing to comply with punishment. The cost of the alcohol education program will be borne by the student as a ‘fee for service’ contract with the licensed drug or alcohol abuse counselor. Norwich University will provide the names and contact information for local program providers who meet the licensing requirement, but will not negotiate with the provider on the student’s behalf.

Follow-on Treatment. Once a student has been referred to a licensed counselor and has completed an alcohol education program, the counselor will determine the appropriate level of follow-on education, counseling or treatment that is required for that student, if any. The cost of the alcohol education, counseling or treatment program will be borne by the student as a ‘fee for service’ contract with the licensed drug or alcohol abuse counselor, and the student is encouraged to provide written documentation upon completion of the follow-on treatment.

Designated Drivers. Norwich University supports the concept of designated drivers as a safe, responsible option for students. Sober designated drivers will not be sanctioned for providing assistance to any Norwich student. Upperclass cadets are prohibited from using first year cadets as designated drivers.

Safe Rides. Norwich will endeavor to provide a Safe Rides Program whereby any Norwich student within a twenty-minute driving radius of the University may request a ride back to campus on Friday and Saturday nights, during the published hours of operation. Note: This is a service provided free of charge to Norwich students by student volunteers, work-study and non-work study students, and University community volunteers. Norwich is not under any published or implied obligation to provide this service, which is designed to promote the safety of all students, provide for good decision making, and to aid in preventing a student from driving in an impaired state.

Duty to Aid the Endangered. A student who knows that another is exposed to grave physical harm shall give reasonable assistance to the endangered person unless that assistance or care is being provided by others. Reasonable assistance requires the student to acquire the aid of a trained first responder (e.g., call 911, Norwich Public Safety, Northfield ambulance, police). The student requesting assistance should only do so if it does not endanger him or herself and it does not interfere with important duties owed to others. A student who provides reasonable assistance in compliance with this section shall not be sanctioned by the University under the Student Rules and Regulations unless his or her acts constitute gross negligence.

Definitions. Definitions pertaining to the Alcohol Policy are located in the glossary (of the Student Rules and Regulations).
 
Students living on campus have access to the Rules and Regulations through our campus website’s policy library.

Athletes

All student athletes are given a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Policy as well as information on the dangers of consumption each year.  Following is the Athletic Department Drug Policy:

NORWICH UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS POLICY, PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING DRUG TESTING FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

Overview

The Department of Athletics of Norwich University expects the actions of its student-athletes, both on and off the playing field, to reflect the Guiding Values and traditions of excellence fostered by the University. You are expected to exemplify the standards of self-discipline, personal integrity, honor and social responsibility, the principles upon which the University was founded, which will bring honor to yourself, your team and your University.

The Department of Athletics at Norwich University is concerned with the health, safety, and welfare of our student-athletes who participate in our programs and represent the University in competitive athletics, as well as the integrity of our programs and competitions. Substance abuse is one of the most important issues facing athletics and society today. Substance use and abuse in sports can pose risks to the student-athlete’s health, negatively affect his or her academic and athletic performance, and also can compromise the integrity of athletic competition and the ideals of Norwich University. Therefore, the Department of Athletics condemns the use of illegal drugs, the misuse of legal drugs and dietary supplements, and the use of performance-enhancing substances.

Drug testing of student-athletes has been authorized in accordance with procedures and regulations promulgated by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (“Intercollegiate Athletics” or “Athletic Department”). Amendments to these procedures may be issued with or without notice, as the University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics deem appropriate. Nothing in these procedures shall be construed to create a contract between student-athletes and Norwich University. However, signed consent and notification forms shall be considered affirmation of the student-athlete’s agreement to the terms and conditions contained therein as well as in this policy, and shall be legal contractual obligations of the student-athletes.

Drug testing is appropriate to ensure the health, safety and welfare of student-athletes; to promote fair competition in intercollegiate athletics; to affirm compliance with applicable rules and regulations on drug use; to identify student-athletes who are improperly using drugs; to assist them before they harm themselves or others; and to protect the integrity of the University and its athletic program.

Procedures and Sanctions—Supplemental to Other Requirements

These procedures and sanctions are in addition to and supplemental to any and all policies, procedures, consent forms, rules, codes, requirements, and sanctions allowed and/or required by Norwich University, including the Norwich University Student Rules and Regulations, the NCAA, conferences, law, and any other legal authority or entity (collectively “requirements”). Student-athletes and other students continue to remain subject to other requirements.

The procedures and sanctions set forth herein address and apply only about this policy. Acts, conduct, violations, and/or failure to comply with other requirements subject the student-athlete to additional procedures and sanctions in accordance with those other requirements.

Consent and Release as Conditions of Participation

Participation in athletics at Norwich University is a privilege, not a right. As a condition of being permitted to participate in the University’s athletic programs, student-athletes must comply with this policy and all other applicable requirements and procedures, including complying with and consenting to the drug education and drug testing procedures, signing forms indicating their understanding and voluntary consent to these requirements, releasing of results and other information to those who have a specific need to know, and waiving liability as deemed appropriate by the University.

Failure to consent to and/or to comply with the requirements of this policy and its procedures shall result in ineligibility for or suspension from participation, or termination of eligibility to participate in athletics at Norwich University. Those student-athletes not providing such signed consent form by the end of their respective teams’ orientation meeting, at the beginning of each sports season, will be deemed to have exercised their option to not participate in an athletic program and thereby will become ineligible to participate in athletics. Student athletes, including walk-on athletes and mid-year transfers, will not be allowed to participate in athletics without first providing a signed drug testing consent form.

Each student-athlete annually will be given a copy of the institutional policy and will be required to participate in an informative session describing the drug testing procedures. Additionally, student-athletes will be given an opportunity to ask any questions regarding the information contained in the policy, the testing program, or other related issues prior to signing the consent form.

Dietary Supplements

Norwich University Department of Athletics personnel will not distribute or encourage the use of any dietary supplements or ergogenic aids. A dietary supplement is a product, intended to supplement the diet, which contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or other botanicals, and metabolites. Many dietary supplements or ergogenic aids contain banned substances. Often the labeling of dietary supplements is not accurate and is misleading. Terms such as “healthy” or “all natural” do not mean dietary supplements do not contain a banned substance or are safe to take. Using dietary supplements may cause positive drug tests. Student-athletes who are currently taking dietary supplements or intend to take any dietary supplements are required to review the product with the Head Athletic Trainer. Positive testing of any prohibited/banned substances subject student-athletes to the sanctions set forth in this policy.

Prohibited Drugs/Substances

The drug screening process may include analysis of, but is not limited to, the NCAA list of banned-drug classes (See Attached List of NCAA Banned Drug Classes). This banned drug list also is included in the student-athlete handbook. For an ongoing updated listing of the banned-drug list view the NCAA’s web site at www.ncaa.org.

Prohibited substances that may be screened for includes but is not limited to (in any sport), marijuana, PCP, opiates, MDMA (Ecstasy), amphetamines, cocaine, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and anabolic steroids. Norwich University requires that all student-athletes keep the athletic training staff and/or team/university physician aware of any prescribed drugs and dietary supplements that he or she may be taking.

Possible Methods of Selection for Drug Testing

Random Testing

Student-athletes may be selected for random testing throughout the academic year or until the conclusion of post-season competition, whichever is later. Student-athletes on the institutional team squad list will be eligible for testing using a random number system. A student-athlete may be randomly selected for testing as a member of a team (e.g., one of 10 football athletes selected) or as a Norwich University student-athlete (e.g., one of 10 student-athletes selected). Student-athletes listed on the squad list who have exhausted their eligibility or who have had a career ending injury will not be selected for random testing under this policy. Short notice or no notice may be given for a random drug test.

Reasonable Suspicion Screening

A student-athlete may be subject to testing at any time when the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and/or Commandant determines there is individualized reasonable suspicion to believe the participant is using or has used a prohibited drug. Such reasonable suspicion shall be based on objective information as determined by the Director of Athletics or by an Associate/Assistant Director of Athletics, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Head Athletic Trainer or Assistant Athletic Trainer, or Team Physician, and deemed reliable by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. The Director of Athletics presents reasonable suspicion analysis to the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs for approval. Upon certification by the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs that reasonable suspicion exists the Director of Athletics will order reasonable suspicion screening.

Reasonable suspicion may be found, but not limited to 1) observed possession or use of substances appearing to be prohibited drugs, 2) arrest or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession or transfer of prohibited drugs or substances, or 3) observed abnormal appearance, conduct or behavior reasonably interpretable as being caused by the use of prohibited drugs or substances. Among the indicators which may be used in evaluating a student-athlete’s abnormal appearance, conduct or performance are: decrease in class attendance, significant GPA changes, decrease in athletic practice attendance, increased injury rate or illness, physical appearance changes, academic/athletic motivational level, emotional condition, mood changes, and legal involvement.

The Director of Athletics will make a recommendation to the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs within 48 hours of receiving the objective information from the individual(s) mentioned above. The Senior Vice President of Student Affairs will render a decision within 48 hours certifying or decertifying the reasonable suspicion. If certified, then the Director of Athletics or Head Coach will notify the student-athlete and the student-athlete must stay with a member of their coaching staff, the athletics administration staff, or the sports medicine staff, until an adequate specimen is produced. Note: The possession and/or use of illegal substances may be determined by means other than urinalysis. When an individual is found to be in possession and/or using such substances, he/she will be subject to the same procedures that would be followed in the case of a positive drug test result.

Team Testing

Entire teams may be selected for random testing throughout the academic year. Student-athletes on the institutional team squad list will be eligible for team testing. Teams will be selected for testing using a random number system. A team may be randomly selected for testing if it is classified as a varsity or club sport at Norwich University. Student-athletes listed on the institutional team squad list that have exhausted their eligibility or who have had a career ending injury will not be selected for random testing under this policy. All other student-athletes are subject to testing. A student-athlete may be given short notice or no notice for a random drug test.

Pre-season Screening

All student-athletes are subject to pre-season drug testing and may be notified of such by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee at any time prior to their first competition.

Postseason/Championship Screening

Any student-athlete or team likely to advance to post-season championship competition may be subject to additional testing. Testing may be required of all team members or individual student-athletes at any time within thirty (30) days prior to the post-season competition.

Re-entry Testing

A student-athlete who has had his or her eligibility to participate in athletics suspended as a result of a drug violation, may be required to undergo re-entry drug testing prior to regaining eligibility. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee shall arrange for re-entry testing at the student-athletes expense.

Follow-up Testing

A student-athlete who has earned the privilege to return to participation in athletics following a positive drug test under this policy may be subject to follow-up testing. Testing will be unannounced and will be required at a frequency determined by the Athletic Director or his/her designee. Follow up testing that results in a positive test, will be paid for by the student-athlete. A negative test result will be paid for by the University.

Notification and Reporting for Collections

The Director of Athletics or the Head Coach will notify the student-athlete of the date and time to report to the collection station and will have the student-athlete read and sign the Student-Athlete Notification Form.

The Director of Athletics or the Head Coach will be in the collection station to certify the identity of the student-athletes selected. Student-athletes shall provide picture identification (Norwich University photo ID) when entering the drug-testing station. The Director of Athletics or Head Coach must remain in the collection station until all student-athletes complete the collection process.

Collection of Sample

Urine samples will be collected using all required laboratory directed procedures. (See Drug Testing Collection Procedures attached.) Chain of custody sample holding and shipping procedures will be scrupulously followed.

Reporting Results

Urine samples will be collected and sent to an independent, SAMHSA approved laboratory for analysis. Each sample will be tested to determine if banned substances are present. A test result confirmed as positive by the laboratory does not automatically identify the student-athlete as having engaged in prohibited drug use. Results will be made available to the Director of Athletics. The Director of Athletics will consult the Head Athletic Trainer, the Team/University Physician, and the Commandant or Dean of Students. All four will review the results. If there is a positive drug test, the Director of Athletics will set up a meeting with the student-athlete. The student-athlete may present evidence of any mitigating circumstances that he/she feels may be important to the outcome of the drug test. The Director of Athletics, the Head Athletic Trainer, the Team/University Physician, and the Commandant or Dean of Students will then make the determination of the outcome of the drug test.

If the laboratory reports a specimen as substituted, manipulated, or adulterated, the student-athlete will be deemed to have refused to submit to testing and treated as if the test were positive for a banned substance.

SANCTIONS

Any student-athlete who tests positive for a banned substance or who refuses to submit a urine sample or fails to take a required drug test as described in this policy shall be subject to the following sanctions:

The Director of Athletics will schedule a confidential meeting with the student-athlete, the Head Trainer or his or her designee, the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), the Head Coach and the Team/University Physician and the Commandant or Dean of Students to review the positive drug test results. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will notify the student-athlete’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) by telephone and in writing of the positive drug test result. The student-athlete will be immediately suspended from competition in any intercollegiate or club sports at Norwich University. Students will be cautioned that they are subject to Vermont state laws pertaining to possession, sale and consumption of controlled substances and related paraphernalia. Violators of this policy are subject to suspension or dismissal from the University. The Commandant or Dean of Students will then initiate the appropriate disciplinary process as defined by the Norwich University Rules and Regulations.

Any student who fails to take the required drug test (does not report to the testing site at the assigned date and time) will be immediately suspended from participation in any intercollegiate or club sport at Norwich University and be required to take a rescheduled drug test within 24 hours of the original test, at the individual’s expense. If the rescheduled drug test is negative, the student athlete’s eligibility will be restored for the next sports season (not the current sports season). If the rescheduled drug test is positive, the suspension will continue and the University’s discipline procedures will be followed. It the student athlete refuses to submit to the drug test or fails to take the rescheduled drug test (does not report), this action will represent a positive drug test. The student athlete’s suspension will continue and the University’s discipline procedures will be followed. If a student athlete who failed to report for his or her first drug test can provide any supporting evidence, to the Director of Athletics, that prevented him or her from reporting for this drug test, the Director of Athletics can waive the testing fee and suspension until the results of the rescheduled drug test are available.

Appeal Process

Student-athletes who test positive for a banned substance may, within 48 hours following receipt of notice of the laboratory finding, contest the finding of the positive results in writing to the Director of Athletics. Upon the student-athlete’s request for further testing of the sample, the Director of Athletics will formally request the laboratory retained by the University to perform testing on specimen B. Specimen B findings will be final, subject to the results of any appeal. If specimen B results are negative, the drug test will be considered negative and will be at the expense of the University. A positive test result of specimen B will be at the expense of the student-athlete.

Student-athletes who test positive, or who dispute that they have refused or failed to take a required test, under the terms of the Norwich University Athletics Drug Testing Policy and who receive a sanction of suspension or dismissal via the University Rules and Regulations, can appeal the sanction to the Commandant, Dean of Students and Senior Vice President of Student Affairs of Norwich University. The Senior Vice President has the authority to delegate the appeal process to the President of Norwich University. The Senior Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean of Students, and the Commandant have the authority to uphold, rescind or amend any decision to include increasing or decreasing a punishment. A student may not appeal a sanction more than once.

The student-athlete may have an advocate or other representative present if the student so desires. However, the student-athlete must present his or her own case. The meeting should take place no more than forty-eight (48) hours after the written request is received. Either the student-athlete or the other parties involved may request an extension of time to the Commandant, Dean of Students, and Senior Vice President of Student Affairs or his/her designee, who will consider whether to grant the extension upon a showing of good cause. These proceedings shall include an opportunity for the student-athlete to present evidence, as well as to review the results of the drug test. The proceedings shall be open to only those persons deemed necessary by the Commandant and Senior Vice President of Student Affairs or his/her designee.

Decisions regarding suspension and dismissal, like all other actions taken at the University, are administrative rather than judicial in nature. As the Commandant, Dean of Students and Senior Vice President of Student Affairs make these decisions on behalf of the President and the Board of Trustees, his/her decisions are considered final.

Public Safety Report

Students have access to the Norwich University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for the previous year. This report outlines the previous year’s infractions as well as lists how to report crimes, and contains the University’s statement of alcohol and drug policies, VT State Law, Consequences, and Resources.

New Civilian First Year and Transfer Students

The University provides alcohol education through psychoeducational skits during new student orientation as well as informational sessions at orientation on rules and regulations for drugs and alcohol. All new incoming students receive information regarding how to access counseling services and health services.  

New Corps First Year Students (Rooks)

In the Corps of Cadets Handbook the following standards are listed:

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
• Alcohol dependence does not meet the standard.
• Drug dependence does not meet the standard.
• Non-dependent use of drugs characterized by the following does not meet the standard :
• The evidence of use of any controlled hallucinogenic or other intoxicating substance at time of examination, when the use cannot be accounted for as the result of a prescription of a physician.
• Documented misuse or abuse of any controlled substance (including cannabinoids or anabolic steroids) requiring professional care.
• The repeated self-procurement and self-administration of any drug or chemical substance, including cannabinoids or anabolic steroids, with such frequency that it appears that the applicant has accepted the use of or reliance on these substances as part of his or her pattern of behavior.
• The use of LSD within a two-year period of the examination.
• Alcohol abuse, use of alcoholic beverages that leads to misconduct, unacceptable social behavior, poor work or academic performance, impaired physical or mental health, lack of financial responsibility, or a disrupted personal relationship.
• Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages while on duty.
• Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol.
• Possession, transportation, or consumption of alcohol on University property, unless associated with an event sanctioned by the University.
• Allowing any individual under the state drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages.
• Consuming alcohol with, or providing alcohol to, a subject of a recruiting effort.
• Smoking and Tobacco Products.
• Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products including chew, dip, snuff, and electronic cigarettes or other inhaled nicotine devices are prohibited during the first year.
• Prospective rooks who use tobacco products should contact their health care provider for a tobacco dependence treatment plan prior to rook arrival day.

Total Number of Infractions Across Student Populations

• Alcohol violations for Academic Year 2016/2017 : 103
• Alcohol violations for Academic Year 2017/2018 : 139
• Drug violations for Academic Year 2016/2017 : 8
• Drug violations for Academic Year 2017/2018 : 13

Section II: Assessment of Drug/Alcohol Use Education and Prevention Programs

This section is divided into two sub-sections.  The first addresses ongoing programs, for both 2016 and 2017, which dealt with education/prevention of alcohol and/or drug use.  The second sub-section addresses semester specific events or programs that took place on Norwich University’s campus dealing with drug/alcohol use prevention and/or education.

Ongoing Programs

Students are referred to the Counseling and Psychological Services, and the renamed Counseling and Wellness Center to receive counseling to address alcohol or drug related issues.  These referrals come from many sources including, but not limited to, the Judicial Office, Health Services, Athletic Department, and the Office of the Dean of Students through Resident Assistants and Residence Hall Directors, Commandant’s staff, and other concerned students.

The Resident Assistants and Residence Hall Directors received information about alcohol and drug use during their training periods.  The University places great value on the knowledge and skills of its Residence Hall Staff in the area of alcohol and drug use. 

As new students, both First Year Students and Transfers attend an orientation session in advance of the start of the academic year.  As part of the orientation, students are given information pertaining to drugs and alcohol, and the risks associated with these substances are discussed. Students also participate in interactive presentations designed to educate them about alcohol and drugs.  

For those students participating in intercollegiate athletics, Norwich provides an overview of NCAA and Norwich rules on alcohol and drug use/abuse issues.  In addition, each athletic team receives an overview of the drug regulations of the NCAA, and each athlete signs a drug testing consent form, giving the NCAA the right to test the athlete for drug use.

The Counseling and Wellness Center is an on-campus resource for students that was available throughout 2016 and 2017.  During these years, over 600 students were served through personal counseling, individual programming, and campus events at the Center.  Some students were also referred to outside community agencies through the Center.  In addition, the staff placed pamphlets pertaining to alcohol and other drugs in key campus locations for student awareness and access.

As part of the Norwich University Safe Ride program, Green Cab VT provides safe rides back to campus for all students with Norwich University ID. More information regarding this program may be found at the following link: http://www.norwich.edu/public-safety

Programs Fall 2016, Spring 2017, and Fall 2017

Resident Assistants/Community Advocates are required to provide students with programs that are educationally, culturally, and/or socially focused.

Section III: Recommendations

In the biennial review of Norwich University's compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 for 2016-2017, the following recommendations were made by Norwich leadership in reference to the College's distribution of information and enforcement of policy:  

• It would be prudent to annually give all Norwich employees and students written information on state law, health risks, and treatment options for substance use to be in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

The following recommendations concerning Norwich University education/prevention programs were also given:

• CDC Fact Sheets on the effects of alcohol and other substances will be readily available to students, faculty, and staff at Norwich University.

As an outcome of these internal recommendations, resources and education about alcohol and drug prevention will continue to be supported and distributed to employees by Norwich University’s Human Resources department and to students via Student Affairs. Information of how to access treatment for substance abuse dependence and addiction is readily available via Human Resources (EAP) and Student Affairs via the Counseling and Wellness Center.

In conclusion, Norwich University has made significant progress with compliance relating to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 during the years 2016-2017. Prevention and educational programs will continue to be supported as educational activities are scheduled on a frequent and ongoing basis. In 2018, Norwich was one of six Vermont schools to receive funding from The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit organization that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults through JED Campus. This is a nationwide initiative designed to help colleges and universities assess and enhance their policies, programs and systems to help support the emotional well-being of their students and look for ways to reduce suicide and serious substance abuse.