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 violation 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:

1. Written approval is obtained from the director of campus life and the dean of student services.
   
2. The event is not held in or near the residence halls.
   
3. Those consuming alcohol are 21 years of age or older.
   
4. An appropriate liquor license is obtained from the Washington State Liquor Control Board and publicly displayed at the event.
   
5. 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:

1. The academic program of the University
   
2. Health and Safety members of the University community
   
3. Security of University-owned or controlled property
   
4. Conduct of non-classroom activities (lectures, concerts, athletic events, social functions).
   
5. 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.