High Expectations



What is High Expectations?

At James Madison University, the University Health Center’s Substance Abuse Prevention coordinates High Expectations. This evidence-based program is an early intervention strategy specifically designed for traditional college age students.

High Expectations helps students evaluate their risk and marijuana or other drug expectancies; it is not an abstinence based or treatment program.

Who is it for?

It is aimed at students who use marijuana and have experienced or are at risk for experiencing marijuana-related negative consequences.

High Expectations is a service available to JMU students who want to consider changing or reducing their substance use. This may include students who:

  • self-refer
  • are referred by administrators, faculty/staff, coaches, or friends
  • are mandated by Judicial Affairs for a JMU drug policy violation
  • are court-mandated to complete substance abuse prevention hours

Approach

High Expectations is comprised of two 50-minute interviews.

The first meeting gathers information from the student about his/her substance use, using a self assessment instrument.

The second meeting is a feedback session designed to help the student assess his/her own behavior and potential risks, identify potential changes, and help reduce future problems related to substance abuse.

The program’s style is empathetic, non-confrontational, and non-judgmental, making it engaging to most college students.

Confidentiality

Without the student’s consent, everything the student says in the meetings is confidential, unless the facilitator is required, by law, to break confidentiality to protect that student or somebody else from harm.

If you have questions about confidentiality or its limits, the facilitator will be able to answer these questions at the first meeting.

Scheduling High Expectations

To discuss the appropriateness and scheduling of High Expectations for an individual student, please contact Tia Mann (BASICS Prevention Specialist) at manntl@jmu.edu or 540-568-3317.