In late December, Elizabethtown College students were informed of the addition of a new sanction to the student handbook.
E-Chug, or the Electronic Check-up To Go for Marijuana program, also known as E-Toke, is a 15-minute, online program that allows students to learn more about how their use of marijuana compares to a broader population of college students. E-Chug is completely confidential and allows students to become aware of their usage and how it may affect their college life.
Dean of Students Marianne Calenda is well informed about the benefits that the E-Chug program could have on the students and why it was important to adjust and change the handbook. Calenda said, “This program will provide students with individualized information about marijuana use. It is a personalized program, so students enter confidential information about their own history and use and receive information that is not generalized, but responsive to their individual situation. This type of information can be very helpful in allowing students to understand and reflect on their own choices regarding marijuana.”
The amendment was approved by Katharina Matic, director of student rights and responsibilities, and Kristin Sagun, director of student wellness. It was decided that the program would be a useful addition to the handbook’s educational opportunities and would help struggling students become more aware of their harmful substance abuse. First-year Angela Meyers said, “It is very important for those who use marijuana or who have thought about using marijuana to educate themselves about the side effects and the long term problems that can come from substance abuse. This website (E-Chug) is very informative and students should take advantage of it.”
It is important for students to realize their problems so that they can avoid violating Etown’s rules on substance abuse and learn to make better decisions in their future.
“The outcome for a first violation of possession and/or use of either natural or synthetic marijuana may include, but is not limited to, disciplinary probation, parent notification, coach notification, and academic advisor notification. However, it is important to remember that every situation is different, and outcomes may vary according to each situation,” Calenda said.
Etown has been using E-Chug for Alcohol as an educational sanction for several years. Calenda said, “In the fall, the College experienced an increase in student conduct code violations involving marijuana. This increase led to the adoption of E-Toke, for the purpose of providing students involved in those cases with an educational opportunity comparable to that provided for alcohol-related incidents. One of our goals is to provide students with the information that will assist them in making positive future decisions.”