Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Education
Idaho State University Substance Abuse Policy
(from the Idaho State University Student Handbook, pp. 29 - 31)
Goals
Rules and Regulations
Violations
Enforcement
Sanctions
Intervention
Evaluation and Treatment
Programs for Education and Prevention
SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY
The purpose of this policy, and the programs listed, is to work toward the prevention of substance abuse in the
University community.
- present factual and accurate information regarding the dangers and hazards of drug and alcohol use, misuse and abuse;
- offer recommendations for alternative behaviors; and
- provide leadership in the dissemination of information.
Through efforts in this area, the University wishes to encourage the creation of an educational environment for its students conducive to making conscientious and healthy decisions when they are faced with the difficult choices associated with the use of legal and illegal drugs and alcohol and to provide a better working environment for the faculty and staff. Education efforts will be directed to all members of the University community: students, faculty and staff. It is the intention of the University to make drug and alcohol awareness and education an important part of the social and academic aspects of campus life.
In addition to the academic development of students, the University recognizes the importance of the health and safety of its students. To further enhance and improve opportunities for students in these areas, the University has developed the following policy and programs specifically related to substance abuse.
The University regards students as adults and as such expects them to take responsibility for their own actions. Many students are in an awkward position in that, for the most part, they are legally adults and have all of the rights and responsibilities thereof, except pertaining to the use of alcohol. The University is obligated to comply with State and Federal laws and to enforce rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education.
This policy is implemented for the purposes of enforcement and monitoring of the State Board of Education alcohol rule. The University cannot be responsible for the personal lives and decisions of students; however, if the use or abuse of alcohol threatens to cause disorder or danger to the members of the University community, others, or campus property, appropriate action will be taken. Enforcement and discipline shall be consistent and due process appropriate for the offense shall be applied in accordance with established University policies and procedures.
A. Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations regarding drugs and alcohol are enumerated in the Student Code of Conduct; the section pertaining to drugs and alcohol is as follows:
- Consumption and possession of alcohol is prohibited in general use areas and is permitted only in the living quarters of persons of legal age, e.g., individual residence hall rooms, student apartments, and other areas designated by the President with the approval of the State Board of Education. General use areas shall include all University owned, leased or
operated facilities, and on-campus grounds. - Distribution of alcohol to a minor is prohibited.
- Possession of alcohol by a minor is prohibited.
- Possession or consumption of alcohol in areas that are designated as "alcohol free" is prohibited.
- If a student violates the Student Code of Conduct while under the influence of alcohol, this policy will also apply.
- Sale of alcohol, unless authorized by the State Board of Education and with the appropriate licenses and permits, is prohibited.
- All incidents of alcohol violations shall be reported to the Public Safety Office.
- All reports of incidents involving alcohol will be forwarded to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
- The Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee will be responsible for the following:
- Determining if an incident reported constitutes a violation of the University alcohol policy.
- Recording and tracking all students involved with alcohol violations.
- Notification of the criminal justice system, when warranted, of the behavior of an individual involved in an incident.
- Enforcing sanctions described.
- Minimum sanctions - The sanctions described are minimum sanctions and do not limit the disciplinary power of the University in any matter involving Code of Conduct violations.
- Infractions and Mandatory Sanctions
- First infraction of the Academic Year. Student must attend an alcohol education class and will be placed on University conduct probation.
- Second infraction in the Academic Year without injury or conduct likely to lead to injury. Student is placed on disciplinary probation and, at the student's expense, must submit to a substance abuse evaluation administered by a qualified authority. The student will provide the evaluation results or authorize the release of the evaluation results to the Student Affairs Office.
- Second infraction in the Academic Year with injury or conduct likely to lead to injury. Student is placed on disciplinary probation, and, at the student's expense, must submit to a substance abuse
evaluation performed by a recognized authority. The student will provide the evaluation results or authorize the release of the evaluation results to the Student Affairs Office. The Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee may share all records of the incident with the Pocatello Police Department or other appropriate law enforcement agencies as deemed necessary. - Third infraction in the Academic Year without injury or conduct likely to lead to injury. Student is suspended from the University for one academic semester.
- Third infraction in the Academic Year with injury or conduct likely to lead to injury. Student is suspended from the University for at least one academic year and all records involving the incident may be shared with the Pocatello Police Department or other appropriate law enforcement agencies as deemed necessary by the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee.
- Recording Cycle for Violations is One Academic Year. The academic year begins the first day the residence halls open for the fall semester and will continue through the day prior to the residence halls opening for the next academic year.
- Right of Appeal. The student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs or to the University Judicial Board. The procedure described in the Student Handbook will apply. On-campus residents who live in residence halls and who violate the alcohol policy in on-campus housing will be governed by the policy and appeals process described in the Standards of Residence.
Students who violate the Student Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action through the Residence Hall and/or the University Judicial system. Students may also be subject to arrest and prosecution in cases where state laws have been violated. Sanctions up to and including expulsion may be imposed for drug or alcohol violations. A conviction for violation of state or federal drug laws may
jeopardize federal financial aid.
The University will attempt to help students who have a problem and wish to receive assistance in dealing with that problem. The University will not, however, condone illegal activity; continued violation of drug or alcohol policies may result in expulsion.
The University Counseling and Testing Services shall serve as the department for referral for treatment of substance abuse problems. Upon referral or voluntary contact, the Center will evaluate each situation and either provide counseling and treatment or refer students to other appropriate agencies.
B. Intervention
Students with substance abuse problems usually come to the attention of the University through exhibiting behavior that is not socially acceptable. These people may be referred to the Counseling Center or be dealt with through the judicial process. Public Safety officers and Student Affairs staff people are trained to identify behavior which is likely to be associated with drug use or abuse. If drugs or alcohol are involved, evaluation and treatment may be required in addition to other appropriate disciplinary action. If evaluation indicates a drug or alcohol problem, treatment may be required for the individual to remain in University residence or continue in attendance at the University.
C. Evaluation and Treatment
The University is here to provide educational service and to this end shall make all reasonable efforts to assist students who seek help. Confidentiality is assured to anyone who requests help and no disciplinary action will be taken as a result of a student's request for help. Referrals to the University Counseling and Testing Services may be made in any of the following three ways:
- Self Referrals - This is the preferred method. Students may call and make an appointment to meet with a counselor.
- Voluntary Referrals - This type of referral involves a person identifying a problem in another person and assisting that individual in making an appointment with a counselor or referral agency.
- Mandatory Referrals - In cases where individuals have demonstrated continued inappropriate behavior due to drugs or alcohol, mandatory evaluation and treatment may be required as a condition of continuing to live in a residence hall or remaining enrolled in the University.
D. Programs for Education and Prevention
The University has established a committee on substance abuse that coordinates campus wide efforts to provide educational programs and services to assist students in solving drug and alcohol related problems. In addition, various groups and living units provide educational programs to students with the goal of presenting factual and accurate information regarding drug and alcohol use, misuse, and abuse. Recommended guidelines regarding responsible alcohol consumption at off-campus locations will be provided to campus organizations. Events that have alcohol consumption as a primary focus shall not be advertised on campus.
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