Alcohol and Drug Studies

Policies

Academic Integrity Policy: The Department of Health Science values and supports an environment conducive to learning as well as academic integrity. Therefore, students are expected to comply with Minnesota State Mankato student responsibilities and policies for academic integrity. Academic integrity includes meeting ones responsibilities in an honest and forthright manner and avoiding acts of dishonesty, plagiarism, cheating, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct. An act of dishonesty, cheating, collusion, and/or any other form of academic misconduct will result in a 0 on the assessment and a full letter grade deduction from the final course grade (e.g., “A-” to “B-”). An act of plagiarism will result in a 0 on the assessment or assessments and the student will be required to meet with the chair of the Department of Health Science and receive remediation related to plagiarism. Two acts of dishonesty, cheating, collusion, and/or any other form of academic misconduct and/or an act of plagiarism after remediation will result in a final course grade of “F”. Evidence related to any act of academic misconduct will be submitted to the Chairperson of the Department of Health Science. Two acts of academic misconduct or a repeated act of plagiarism after remediation in any Health Science course or courses will result in discontinuance from, or eligibility to enroll in, the academic programs offered by the Department of Health Science. Additionally, evidence related to academic misconduct will be submitted, as appropriate, to the Office of Academic Affairs and and/or the College of Education. Please note: Policy reflects minimum departmental standards. Individual instructors may impose more severe sanctions for an act of academic dishonesty within their courses.

Alcohol and Drug Studies (BS) and Minor: Program Information. Students must earn a “C-” or better in all required general education, required, and elective courses in the Alcohol and Drug Studies major. Students must also maintain a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better in the major (required general education, required, and elective courses in a major). A G.P.A. of 2.5 in the major is required for graduation in Alcohol and Drug Studies. 

Admission Requirements:  

1. completion of a minimum of 32 credit hours, 
2. a minimum cumulative G.P.A. 2.5, 
3. a “C-” or better in HLTH 225: Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Studies 
4. Meeting with the Alcohol and Drug Studies Coordinator to complete the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program Permission Form and sign the Alcohol and Drug Studies Form of Understanding.
5. a “C-” or better in two of the following four required General Education courses:

• CMST 102: Public Speaking
• CMST 203: Intercultural Communication
• PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychological Science, and/or
• SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology

Internship Prerequisites: Prerequisites for the Alcohol and Drug Studies internship (HLTH 496: Internship: Alcohol and Drug Studies) include: 

• A “C-” or better in all Major Common Core courses
• A minimum G.P.A. of 2.5
• Deadlines for internship applications for both the Alcohol and Drug Studies majors: October 15 for Spring Semester, March 15 for Summer Semester, and May 15 for Fall Semester
• Successful completion of an internship interview with the Alcohol and Drug Studies Coordinator
• Successful completion of a Department of Human Services background check; and 
• Submission of the internship Site Approval Form signed by an official designee of the approved internship site

The Alcohol and Drug Studies Internship. The internship requires the completion of 880 clock hours at an approved internship site per the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy licensure requirements. 

Chemical Use Problems. Consistent with standards of practice in the field, students participating in the internship process must be free of chemical use problems for at least two years immediately preceding their internship. Examples of chemical use problems include, but are not limited to: 

• receiving treatment for chemical use within this time period
• chemical use that has a negative impact on the student’s academic performance;
• chemical use that affects the student’s professional credibility of treatment services with clients, referral sources, or other members of the community; and
• symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal during academic roles. 

Background Check. Students involved in any field experience need to undergo a criminal background check prior to registering for HLTH 497 Internship: Alcohol and Drug Studies. Students are responsible for the fees associated with the background check. This information is provided to health agencies and organizations for their determination of suitability for placement. The Department of Health Science coordinates the background check process. 

Licensure and Certification. The Alcohol and Drug Studies Major provides students with the academic coursework necessary to pursue a number of credentialing options. Students are responsible for verifying their eligibility for credentialing with their respective credentialing boards.