The development of a comprehensive assessment model designed to evaluate the responses of institutions of higher education to college student alcohol and other drug use

This study reports findings from the implementation of the Comprehensive Assessment Model for Determining Existing Need (CAMDEN) developed for use by administrators in higher education to examine their current needs and responses to student alcohol and other drug use on campus. Findings from the implementation of the CAMDEN at a medium-size university located in the Midwest are reported. The CAMDEN includes a set of core content domains with corresponding indicators of need. Staffs' experiences and perceptions related to student alcohol/drug use were measured using primary data collection tools developed as part of the model. Students' self-reported drinking and other substance use was assessed though the long-form of the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey. Stakeholders participating in the study were students residing on campus, academic deans, and staff from the departments of residence life, student services, and student affairs. Students' levels of drinking and other drug use generally were consistent with national data on college student drinking and other substance use; however, designer drug use (e.g., ecstasy) was elevated compared with national data. Secondary effects of students' drinking/drug use were observed and reported by staff as well as students. Although some prevention and education programs were available on campus, staff indicated a desire for enhanced prevention and education efforts for students and suggested ideas for additional staff training. Alcohol and other drug policies on campus were reviewed and revisions suggested. Although the current study reported results from the use of the CAMDEN on a particular campus, the model was designed to be broad in scope and therefore useful to many college and university administrators.