Longitudinal Assessment of the Effectiveness of Environmental Management and EnforcementStrategies on College Student Substance Abuse Behaviors

Abstract

In 1998, the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA Reauthorization) was amended by the United States Congress, thereby encouraging the development of new strategies on college and university campuses for addressing alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse. The HEA Reauthorization also served as a catalyst for colleges and universities to develop new policies related to AOD,including parental notification policies. This 3-year, longitudinal case study assesses the effectiveness of the collaborative, multifaceted environmental management and enforcement plan that was implemented at Syracuse University, a private 4-year university. Through measurement of behavioral indicators this study shows the effectiveness of a comprehensive environmental management strategy in reducing the frequency and severity of AOD abuse in college environments. The effectiveness of this comprehensive environmental management approach is evident in the university's 29.2% decrease in alcohol violations and corresponding 24.6% decline in overall discipline cases. Moreover this research provides theory and practical application for student affairs practitioners in the judicial, counseling, education, administrative, and health services.