Western's Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) program offers support, information, and resources for students and employees who have questions or concerns about their own alcohol or drug use, a friend's substance use, or the effects of substance use within their family.
If you're a student looking for support, we encourage you to reach out to our Counseling and Case Management Department or explore the resources below. Whether you're seeking information, support, or someone to talk to, help is available. Western staff are encouraged to reach out to Western’s Human Resources Department for support.
The resources below are just some of the ways Western is committed to promoting healthy choices, preventing substance misuse, and supporting student well-being.
- College Efforts
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP)
- Alcohol and Drug Policy
- Student Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy
- Tobacco Free Policy
- Tobacco & Smoke-Free Campus Information
- Western’s Residence Hall upholds a strict policy of maintaining a substance-free community, aligning with Western Technical Colleges commitment to be a substance-free institution.
- VECTOR Training
- SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) assessment in Counseling and Case Management Department
- AODA Screeners, Education, and Prevention Resources
- E-Check Up
- Alcohol Screening – Receive personalized results based on your answers
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – national helpline and resource page
- College Drinking – An educational resource for research-based information on issues related to alcohol abuse and binge drinking among college students
- Good Samaritan Practice
The Good Samaritan Practice is designed to prevent dangerously intoxicated students from having medical care withheld for fear of formal conduct action. All members of the College community are encouraged to seek immediate medical or security assistance for students whose health and well-being may be at risk due to over consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. Under the Good Samaritan Practice, neither the individual calling nor the student in need of assistance will be subject to formal conduct action related to the alcohol and drug policy. The individuals involved may be asked to meet with a member of the Student Services staff, but no formal conduct action will be taken against the individuals unless the individuals involved demonstrate a repeated lack of care concerning their well-being and the well-being of the College community. If other infractions of College policy occur, such as but not limited to, property damage or assault, the Good Samaritan Practice does not apply.
- Student Drug/Alcohol Parental Notification Policy
The Vice President of Student Service and Engagement, the Associate Director of Student Life, and/or designee has the authority and reserves the right to notify parents or guardians when students have committed serious or repeated violations of college policies, local and/or state laws related to the drug and alcohol codes of conduct.
- Operation River Watch
This is a tri-campus student initiative partnering with the La Crosse police to patrol the Mississippi River in downtown La Crosse on Thursday-Saturday evenings during the academic year. Student volunteers from all three campuses provide extra sets of eyes to support safety along the river front. Volunteer shifts can be found on UGetConnected. Questions can be directed to Western’s Student President.
- Safe Ride
The Safe Ride bus offers a safe travel option between downtown and the three college campuses Thursday through Saturday nights. Students ride free with their Student ID. For more information, check out MTU’s Safe Ride Program.
- New Student Orientation
A Western representative provides an awareness presentation on the “alcohol culture” within La Crosse and Wisconsin with an overview of Western’s policies related to AODA violations on campus.
- AODA Compliance Workgroup
The Western AODA Compliance Workgroup is made up of students, staff, and administrators who are working to increase student goal attainment by creating a culture that supports and encourages healthy lifestyle choices related to alcohol and other drugs through policy change, implementation of effective programs, and promotion of personal responsibility.
- Pre-Oktoberfest Program
- Alcohol Awareness Week
- Holiday Sampler
- Spring Break Safety and Awareness Program
- Alcohol Awareness Month Program
- Tobacco Free Work Group
The work group’s objective is to educate staff, students, and visitors about Tobacco-Free policy. Promote cessation resources to those who want to quit and address concerns about second-hand smoke in high traffic areas. Check out the various resources at Western’s Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus website.
- Peer Wellness Coaching
Focused around the 8 dimensions of wellness (Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Social, Environmental, and Spiritual), Peer Wellness Coaching gives students the opportunity to reflect and have supportive discussions about their wellbeing with their Peer Wellness Coach. Every student faces challenges in college. This program is centered around each student being knowledgeable about their own wellbeing, and with a little support/resources, students can then decide what is best for them. Contact Western’s RecWell Coordinator at 608-785-9443 for more information.
- Student Wellness
Western provides services that promote healthy lifestyles and support the well-being of our students. We create educational opportunities and activities that empower students to live a healthy life, and we strive to make Western the healthiest District in the Western Technical College System. Student Wellness Guide (PDF)
