Policy 4000 — Substance Use and Harm Reduction Policy

2. RESPONSIBILITY

The Vice-President, Student Affairs shall be responsible for the ongoing development and execution of a student-focused harm reduction strategy which will be guided by the Substance Use and Harm Reduction Committee.  

For management of alcohol on campus and in The Pond, Mount Allison’s campus pub, the University is in compliance with and follows the NB Liquor Control Act and through the Act, has created the Mount Allison Liquor Control Policy — Policy 7602. More information about The Pond and its services can be found on the Mount Allison website.

3. SCOPE 

This policy applies to Mount Allison students. Everyone at Mount Allison has a responsibility to uphold a safe and supportive campus community regarding alcohol and substance use.

This policy is inclusive of all Mount Allison property and any events that are hosted, sponsored, controlled or associated with the University. This includes, but not limited to, travel related to sports teams, study, teaching, and research, both on and off campus.

This policy also extends to private events off campus where the University may have an interest. While Mount Allison cannot monitor the off-campus environment, organizations, teams, clubs or representative individuals will be held responsible for their actions off campus. 

4. POLICY  

4.1. THE SUBSTANCE USE AND HARM REDUCTION COMMITTEE

The Substance Use and Harm Reduction Committee [the Committee] is responsible for review and recommendations for revision of this policy. The Committee advises and makes recommendations on matters related to the sale or provision of alcohol on campus, and the education and awareness of substance use harm reduction. 

The committee will work with students, staff and faculty and clients of the University to help facilitate safe and successful alcohol events on and off campus.

Committee representation includes membership of students, staff, and faculty. Current membership information can be found on the Mount Allison website.

This committee meets at least twice each fall term and twice each winter term.

4.2. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

4.2.1. Education

Education and outreach initiatives will be offered to members of the University community. These may include workshops, seminars, online courses, as well as peer-led discussions that cover topics such as the effects of alcohol and drugs, responsible consumption (following Canada's low-risk drinking guidelines), prevention strategies, and resources/services. The goal is to equip Mount Allison community members with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive campus environment.  

Some student leaders, as a part of their leadership role, may be required to complete training.

4.2.2. Messaging

Educational messaging regarding alcohol, substances use, and harm reduction is provided for the Mount Allison community through a variety of mediums such as campus newspaper, digital signage, posters, resources (e.g. pamphlets), and social media platforms.

4.2.3. Planning 

An annual harm reduction plan will be developed by the Substance Use and Harm Reduction Committee to be approved by the Vice-President, Student Affairs. This plan will have shared responsibilities for the Substance Use and Harm Reduction Committee members as well as relevant Student Affairs staff and students. It may include information on high risk/consumption events, strategies for reducing risk, educational campaigns and programming, and resources. The report is available on the Mount Allison website.

4.3. RESPONSE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Mount Allison prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of students and takes a harm-reduction approach with substance use. The University aims to address negative behaviour related to the use of alcohol and other substances through restorative approaches.

All members of the Mount Allison community are subject to local, provincial, and federal laws regardless of University involvement or action.

Students are subject to several codes and policies regarding appropriate behaviour while at Mount Allison. When addressing behaviour, the appropriate codes or policies may be applied, such as:

• Student Code of Community Standards and Accountability
• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Policy (Policy 1006)
• Residence Life Code of Conduct 
• Anti-Racism Education and Response Policy (Policy 1010)
• No-Smoking Policy (Policy 2100)
• Liquor Control Policy (Policy 7602)

4.3.1. Urgent and Emergency Situations

Emergency services are to be alerted during any alcohol or substance use emergency. This includes notifying 911 and Mount Allison Security (506-364-2228).

4.3.2. Safety-First Priority

Mount Allison University prioritizes individual and community health and safety above all else. Students are strongly encouraged to alert staff or emergency services in all situations where anybody requires health or safety support. The University works with students using harm reduction and restorative accountability approaches, and students who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not face University disciplinary action for seeking help.

4.4. SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

4.4.1. Support and Treatment

Mount Allison has a dedicated webpage for student supports for alcohol and substance use. Students may also connect with the Wellness Centre for support or connection to appropriate resources.

Students identified as at significant risk (but non-emergent) may be referred to the Student of Concern Case Team (SOCCT).

4.4.2. Substance-Free Events and Alternatives

Mount Allison fully supports students who choose not to consume alcohol or other substances, whether for health, religious, personal, and/or other reasons.

Orientation events will be substance-free.

In line with the NB Liquor Control Act, events during the academic year where alcohol is served on campus may be wet/dry. At such events, non-alcoholic drink choices are made available. During events or when significant alcohol and/or substance use is expected, the University will work to provide dry alternatives to those who are not permitted or choose not to consume.

4.5. COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION

The University builds connections with local organizations and services, such as local health care practitioners, local hospitals, health services, law enforcement and businesses.

To achieve this objective, the Substance Use and Harm Reduction Committee regularly invites community members for consultation and collaboration focused on open communication, sharing of information regarding current trends and challenges, resource sharing, and joint efforts in supporting responsible alcohol and/or substance use of students.  

5.  ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW

5.1. Surveys

The University regularly conducts assessments of alcohol and substance use on campus. This may include surveys such as the Canadian Post-Secondary Alcohol and Drug Survey (CPADS), the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), and others.

Results of these and other assessments may be used by the Substance Use Harm Reduction Committee to better understand alcohol and substance use among the Mount Allison student body and in implementing strategies to support students.  

5.2. Review

This policy shall be reviewed after one year and every 3 years thereafter.