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Saint Martin's alcohol and drug policy
Introduction:
The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Federal Drug-Free
Schools and Safe Communities Act Amendments of 1989, requires Institutes
of Higher Education (IHE) to promote the reduction of risk associated
with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use through adoption and
implementation of a policy and program. This policy and program is
designed to educate the IHE community about the dangers of AOD abuse and
to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and
illicit drugs by students and employees on University property or while
involved in University business or activities.
An individual under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs risks the safety and health of themselves and others, and AOD
abuse can adversely impact academic success, work performance, and
personal relationships.
Diverse opinion and freedom of choice are but two
hallmarks of higher education; however, these hallmarks carry
significant responsibility: Students and employees have an obligation to
make informed decisions regarding AOD use, and, must accept personal
responsibility for the consequences of their AOD use.
SMU POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS:
Saint Martin’s University is committed to a safe and secure environment
free of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) abuse and maintains this commitment
in support of academic success, work performance, well-being, and
quality of life for all members of its community. It is the conviction
of Saint Martin’s University that the education of the mind, body, and soul
are of the utmost importance. Alcohol and other drugs have been shown to
adversely affect this ideal. SMU is also committed to substance abuse
prevention, education, and assistance.
Unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of
alcohol or other drugs by students or employees on University-owned or
controlled property, or at any University activity, is prohibited.
Saint Martin’s University provides: Information about AOD
and the reduction of associated risks; appropriate intervention when AOD
use creates unwanted or unintended consequences; and, support for
reducing the risk of consequences associated with AOD abuse.
SMU upholds University policy and local, state, and
federal laws pertaining to AOD use. All persons on campus are required
to comply with these policies and laws. Violation of University policy or
local, state, or federal law concerning AOD that occurs in or on
University
owned or controlled property, involves University business or other
activities, and/or relates directly and materially to the fitness of
staff or faculty members in their professional capacities will result in
appropriate action (SEE “STANDARDS OF CONDUCT” BELOW).
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT:
In accordance with Saint Martin’s University Policy, provisions exist to
assist individuals experiencing difficulties with AOD abuse and to
ensure appropriate sanctions for violations of policy and/or law. The
University will handle each situation in a discreet and professional manner
that may include:
FOR SMU EMPLOYEES:
* Assistance via referral to the SMU Employee Assistance Program
(EAP), the SMU Counseling Center, or off-campus AOD programs, including
drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or other support services.
Section 4.5 (Drug/Substance Abuse) of the Saint Martin’s University
Employee Handbook, states: Saint Martin's University is committed to
providing a drug-free working environment in accordance with the Federal
Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.
* Disciplinary actions such as establishment of performance
standards or requirements as a condition of continuing employment or
enrollment, probation, mandatory leave, or termination of employment or
student status.
* Referral to the appropriate government agency for legal
prosecution.
FOR SMU STUDENTS:
(Student Handbook, Residence Life, AOD, p.56)
• First violation: Referral and completion of approved AOD
education program at student’s expense. Mandatory Residence Hall
probation. Failure to comply may result in a $75 fine and completion of
rescheduled program.
• Second violation: Referral and completion of approved substance
abuse assessment and evaluation (and follow-through) at student’s
expense. If student is under 21 years of age, the University will notify
parents of violation via mail. A student’s failure to comply with
provisions of a second violation will result in a referral to the
Student Conduct Committee for further disciplinary action.
• Third violation: Referral to the Student Conduct Committee for
review of student’s status as a student at Saint Martin’s University.
Determination of Policy violation and sanctions for
students and employees is established as follows:
Students: As outlined in the SMU Student Handbook, Saint Martin’s
University has a fundamental interest in the conduct of its students. It is
University policy, “…that assumes all students are responsible for their
own conduct…” The SMU Code of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
adopted July 1, 1992, and amended June 23, 1999, supersedes previous
codes and is applied without regard to gender, race, age, disability,
ethnic background or religious conviction.
Possession, consumption, possession by means of
consumption, and the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in or
around University-owned or controlled property. Exceptions for a specific
event may be made if:
• Approval (in writing) is obtained from the Dean of Students
• The event is not held in or near the Residence Halls
• Those consuming alcohol are 21 years of age or older
• An appropriate Washington State Liquor License is obtained and
displayed
• A Washington State Licensed bartender serves the alcohol.
(See POLICIES, Section 1, Alcohol and Other Drugs, in the Student
Handbook)
Possession, consumption, possession by means of
consumption, and the sale of illegal drugs or other controlled
substances is prohibited in or around University-owned or controlled
property. These substances may include, but are not limited to,
stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine, depressants such as
barbiturates or tranquilizers, cannabis such as marijuana or hashish,
hallucinogens such as LSD or Ecstasy, narcotics such as heroin or
morphine and various inhalants. The only exception to the policy is
controlled substances prescribed and used as directed by a physician.
(Policies, Section 3, Alcohol and Other Drugs, in the Student Handbook.)
The University may, at its discretion, require AOD
education training for any group, club, team or living arrangement as
necessary (Policies, Section 2, Student Handbook).
Employees: As a recipient of Federal funds,
Saint Martin’s University is required (under the Drug-Free Workplace Act)
to notify employees that as a condition of employment each employee is
required to:
Abide by the Federal and State laws regarding the
possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, sale, and use of
controlled substances while on University property or while involved in
University business or activities; and, notify Director of Human Resources
(if faculty or staff) or Student Employment Center (if a student, then
the SMU Office of Financial Aid) of any conviction for a violation of a
criminal statute which occurred on University property or while involved in
University business or activities within five (5) calendar days after such
conviction.
STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR
VIOLATIONS OF SMU STANDARDS OF CONDUCT:
* Possession, consumption, possession by means of consumption,
and sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in or around University-owned
or controlled property. Exceptions are made if the following conditions
are met for a specific event:
A.) Written approval is obtained from the
Director of Campus Life and the Dean of Student Services.
B.) The event is not held in or near the residence halls.
C.) Those consuming alcohol are 21 years of age or older.
D.) An appropriate liquor license is obtained from the
Washington State Liquor Control Board and publicly displayed at the
event.
E.) A bartender licensed by the State of Washington serves the
alcohol.
* The University may, at its discretion, require
alcohol and other drugs educational training for any group, club, team,
or living arrangement as necessary.
* Possession, consumption, possession by means of consumption,
and sale of illegal drugs or other controlled substances is prohibited
in or around University-owned or controlled property. These substances may
include, but are not limited to, stimulants such as amphetamines or
cocaine, depressants such as barbiturates or tranquilizers, cannabis
such as marijuana or hashish, hallucinogens such as LSD or ecstasy,
narcotics such as heroin or morphine, and various inhalants. The only
exception to this policy would include controlled substances prescribed
and used as directed by a physician.
* Disorderly, lewd, indecent and any other conduct, including
actions resulting from the misuse of alcohol or illegal drugs, which
interferes with:
A.) The academic program of the University
B.) Health and Safety members of the University community
C.) Security of University-owned or controlled property
D.) Conduct of non-classroom activities (lectures, concerts,
athletic events, social functions).
E.) Any other University activity or University sponsored activity or
event.
Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal
Trafficking and Possession of a Controlled Substance: It is against
the law to posses and traffic controlled substances, and first time
convictions can lead to up to one year in prison and/or a fine of at
least $1,000 but not more than $100,000. Additional penalties can
include forfeiture of property used to posses or facilitate possession
of a controlled substance, and denial of Federal benefits (including
student loans and grants). For a full list of applicable Federal AOD
laws, please contact either SMU Security, Old Main, Room 207 (x4555) or
the SMU Counseling Center, Old Main, Room 203 (x4513).
Summary of Washington State Substance Abuse Laws:
Washington law prohibits the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to
persons under 21 years of age. If convicted, punishment may result in a
fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail for up to
one year. A minor, convicted of purchasing alcohol illegally or
misrepresenting one’s age to illegally purchase alcohol, faces a minimum
fine of $250.00 and 25 hours of community service. Public consumption of
alcohol, also illegal, can carry a fine of up to $1,000.00 and up to 90
days in jail.
A first-time conviction for driving under the
influence of alcohol or drugs carries a fine of up to $5,000.00 and not
less than one day in jail, or a minimum of 15 days of electronic home
monitoring at the expense of the convicted person.
Criminal penalties in Washington State for the illegal
use of illicit and/or controlled substances ("drugs") vary with the type
of drug. In general, narcotics, addictive drugs, and drugs with a high
potential for abuse have heavier penalties. Possession of manufactured
drugs is illegal without a prescription or valid authorization. While
penalties for possession are generally not as great as for manufacture
and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may
be considered distribution.
Under both State and Federal laws, penalties for
possession, manufacture, and distribution are much greater for second
and subsequent convictions.
Persons convicted of drug possession under State or
Federal Law may be ineligible for federal student grants and loans for
up to one year after the first conviction and five years after the
second; the penalty for distributing drugs is loss of benefits for five
years after the first, ten years after the second, and permanently after
the third conviction.
For a full list of applicable State AOD laws, please
contact either SMU Security in Old Main, Room 207 (x4555) or the SMU
Counseling Center, Old Main Room 203 (x4513), or view state laws for
several alcohol- and drug-related issues at
http://slc.leg.wa.gov/default.htm.
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit
Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Deficits in reaction
time, motor coordination, and judgment can occur even with moderate
doses. At higher doses, blacking out (i.e., being awake but,
nevertheless, not being able to remember a part of the night before) and
passing out can occur. In time, and with very high doses, the depressant
effects of alcohol can cause respiratory depression and death. Alcohol
consumption can interfere with academic success, and can contribute to
interpersonal or social problems for the individual. Negative
consequences can include impaired sleep, weight gain, financial
problems, missed assignments, missed classes, low grades, sexual
assault, unplanned pregnancies, transmission of STD’s or HIV, and
alcohol-related accidents and death. If combined with other substances,
potentially deadly drug interactions can occur. While the list of
consequences of other drug use differs by substance, common consequences
of other drug use can be impaired motor coordination and judgment,
memory and mood problems, and a heightened risk for accidents and death.
A full list of short- and long-term effects of is available from the SMU
Counseling Center, Old Main, Room 203 (x4513).
AVAILABLE DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS AND REFERRAL
SOURCES (counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry)
available to employees or students include:
ON CAMPUS:
* SMU Counseling Center: 360-438-4513
* SMU Substance Abuse Prevention Program Coordinator, Jason Kilmer,
Ph.D. 360-438-4513 – available to students for evaluations,
consultations, and counseling; faculty or staff may contact Dr. Kilmer
for any questions or referrals
OFF CAMPUS:
* Providence St. Peter Chemical Dependency Center: 360-456-7575.
* BHR Recovery Services: 360-704-7170.
* Alternatives: 360- 357-7986.
* Safeplace: 360-754-6300
* The Crisis Clinic: 360-586-2800: Provides a 24-hour crisis line and
referrals to providers in the area.
* Alcohol/Drug Use 24-hour Help Line: 1-800-562-1240
* Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearing House: 1-800-662-9111
SUPPORT GROUPS:
* Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 360-352-7344.
* Alanon: 360-352-7745 (support for those affected by the alcohol use of
a friend or family member).
* Narcotics Anonymous (NA): 360-754-4433. (Top of page)
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