NASPA Online Learning Community

Jason R. Kilmer, Ph.D., Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Adjunct Associate Professor, Psychology

University of Washington

The science on cannabis use continues to grow on an almost weekly basis, and opportunities for prevention on college campuses continue to emerge as well. In this keynote, we will consider actionable strategies in response to scientific findings related to reducing the harms associated with substance use. We will explore ways in which what is done about prevention connects to student wellbeing, and focus on the importance and value of prevention in the college setting.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe at least one way in which substance use connects to student well-being.
• List at least 2 risks/harms associated with cannabis use and actionable strategies in response to these.
• List at least 2 prevention strategies to address substance use in their community.

Jason R. Kilmer, Ph.D., Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Adjunct Associate Professor, Psychology

University of Washington

Jen Jacobsen, MA, MPH, Executive Director of Health & Wellness

Macalester College

The discrepancies between state and federal cannabis laws create a number of significant challenges. The presenters will address areas of confusion in identifying when and where federal laws take precedence over state laws and discuss challenges related to the lack of regulation of cannabis and THC products. Additionally, presenters will share how to develop communication strategies for key audiences (students, administrators, parents) both about policy and college student well-being.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify where federal laws take precedence over state laws.
• Discuss at least two concerns related to the impacts of legalization and student health and well-being.
• Plan relevant evidence-based communication strategies for key campus audiences.

Dylan Dunn, MS, Senior Director of SAFE Campuses

SAFE Project

Nicole Benigno, MSSW, Assistant Director of SAFE Campuses

SAFE Campuses

Victoria Menz, MSW CPSS, Assistant Director of SAFE Campuses

SAFE Project

With many campuses being willing to address opioid-related risks within their communities, even more campuses are wondering how to do this work well. Meanwhile, budgets continue to tighten and job responsibilities keep growing. In this session, presenters will outline the current opioid overdose crisis, introduce tools to guide campus prevention and intervention procedures, and expound a framework for strategic naloxone distribution.

Learning Outcomes

• Conceptualize opioid use and overdose trends, risk factors, and prevention efforts within the context of a college campus setting.
• Evaluate current campus approaches to overdose prevention and response using the Overdose Prevention & Response Checklist.
• Apply the Saturation Framework to strategically prioritize distribution, training, and communications.

Tom Fontana, LCMHC, LADC, Alcohol, Cannabis & Other Drugs Initiatives Manager

The University of Vermont

In the United States, there are now more people who use cannabis daily than alcohol (Caulkins, 2024).  But daily use leads to tolerance.  A Tolerance Break, or T-Break, is an intentional pause on use for a defined period of time that the community of cannabis users developed for themselves.  Research shows that structured T-Breaks work.  But if your goal is to stop- just so you can be more high later- then a break won't help with tolerance for long.  Yet there are many people who want lasting change in their relationship with cannabis.  Some want to stop, but more often, many people share that they would like to return to a time when cannabis was more fun.  Working with students to help them identify their goals can help with sustained change.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand current use patterns common with 18-25 year old cannabis use
• Review research on tolerance breaks, and examine updates to the T-Break Guide, Version 6
• Explore ways to elicit client goals for change, especially with cannabis

Megan McKnight, MSSW, Director of the Center for Wellbeing

University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Kat James, LMSW, Assistant Director for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention and Recovery

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and current approach for the opioid overdose prevention program at UT-Chattanooga. Presenters will share lessons learned as the university moved through various stages of the Strategic Prevention Framework to build diverse approaches, including the distribution and installation of naloxone, anti-stigma education, and hands-on intervention training, as well as recruiting and training peer educators. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and a realistic understanding of how “small wins” can accumulate into meaningful cultural and institutional change.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn strategies for building a comprehensive approach to preventing opioid overdose deaths on your campus
• Apply principles of the Strategic Prevention Framework in a real-world context
• Describe one approach to recruiting, training, and utilizing peer educators in expanding overdose prevention education
• Understand the importance of anti-stigma education in preparing your campus to implement overdose prevention strategies