The Network Standards
Issues are recommended guidelines for institutional membership in The Network. The Standards are organized within five areas:

• Policy
• Education & Student Assistance
• Enforcement
• Assessment
• Campus Community Collaboration

The Network has been in existence since 1987. Originally formed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, The Network has grown to involve approximately 1,500 institutions of higher education. One of the first initiatives of The Network was the establishment of a set of standards for member institutions.

The Standards serve as very durable guidelines for institutions of higher education addressing alcohol and other drug issues on their campuses and in surrounding communities. Over the last 10 years, the Standards have provided a framework for institutional activities and task force initiatives, models for federal and state legislation, and a focal point for action on reducing alcohol, other drug, and related violence (AODV) problems among students. These standards reflect current research on effective prevention approaches that include individual, educational, and environmental strategies.

Policy:

• Annually promulgate policy, consistent with applicable federal, state and
local laws, using such means as the student and faculty handbooks, orientation programs, letters to students and parents, residence hall meetings, and faculty and staff meetings.
• Develop policy that addresses both individual behavior and group
activities.
• Define the jurisdiction of the policy carefully to guarantee the inclusion of all campus property. Define campus-based standards to off-campus events involving students.
• Stipulate guidelines on marketing and hosting off-campus sponsored events involving students, faculty, staff, and alumni at which alcoholic beverages are served.
• State institutional commitment to the education and development of students, faculty, and staff regarding AODV issues.

Education and Student Assistance:

• Provide a system of accurate, current information exchange on the adverse consequences related to alcohol abuse and other drug use for students, faculty, and staff.
• Promote and support alcohol-free programming options.
• Provide, with peer involvement, a system of assessment, intervention, education, treatment, and/or referral services for students, faculty and staff utilizing collaborative relationships among and between community groups, agencies, and the institution.
• Provide training programs for students, faculty, and staff to enable them to detect problems related to alcohol and other drug use, including prescription and over-the-counter substances. Referral of persons with such problems must be made for appropriate assistance.
• Include alcohol and other drug information for students and their family members in student orientation programs.
• Support and encourage faculty in incorporating alcohol and other drug education into the curriculum, where appropriate.
• Develop a coordinated effort across campus to offer a student assistance program encompassing alcohol, other drug, and related violence education, assessment, treatment and referral.

Enforcment:

• Publicize all alcohol and other drug policies.
• Consistently enforce alcohol and other drug-related policies.
• Exercise appropriate sanctions for violent acts such as harassment; verbal, physical, and sexual abuse as well as other disruptive and destructive behavior.
• Exercise appropriate sanctions for the illegal sale or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Assessment:

• Assess the institutional environment as it contributes to or mitigates against alcohol and other drug problems and related violence.
• Assess campus awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding alcohol and other drug use and apply results to program development.
• Collect and use related AODV information from police or security reports to guide program development.
• Collect summary data regarding alcohol- and other drug-related disciplinary actions, including violent and other disruptive behavior and use it to guide program development.

Community Collaboration:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies, groups, and individuals whose operations are relevant to our mission and goals.
• Consider the inclusion of the following agencies and groups: law enforcement, judicial system, state liquor control license agency, hospitality industry (including retailers), local government, neighborhood associations, faith community, family/parents, school systems, area health care and treatment providers, and others as appropriate.
• Address campus/community issues of alcohol and other drug access, availability, and enforcement at local, regional and state levels.
• Facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of a strategic plan that addresses underage AODV issues in the community and state.