Alcohol

Introduction:
This policy addresses not only the act of drinking but also the second-hand effects of alcohol. It is the hope of the University that if a student decides to use alcohol that they will do so responsibly, respecting themselves, their community, the law, and campus property.

Regulations On-Campus:
The possession, use or distribution of alcohol on all Winona State University property (including buildings, grounds and vehicles) is expressly prohibited in accordance with Minnesota State College and University guidelines (regardless of age). To consistently ensure compliance with these regulations, alcohol beverage containers (both empty and full) are not allowed on campus. Examples include, but are not limited to: cans, bottles, kegs, party balls, crates, cases and wine or liquor bottles.

Public intoxication is not acceptable as it frequently is coupled with community disruption and violation of other conduct expectations (refer to WSU Student Conduct Policy & Code of Conduct) such as (but not limited to): disorderly conduct (#15); physical, psychological abuse or harassment of any person (#5); theft and/or damage to University property (#6); conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person (#8).

Local, State & Federal Laws:
WSU may take disciplinary action against students for off-campus behavior, following the procedures of the code of conduct (per MnSCU Board of Trustees Policy 3.1 part 10).

• It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to possess or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage.
• It is illegal for any person to sell, barter, furnish, or give alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21.
• It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to enter a licensed premise for the purpose of purchasing or being served any alcoholic beverage.
• It is illegal for any person to misrepresent their age through false documents or to lend their identification to someone for the purpose of purchasing or using alcoholic beverages.
• It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to drive with any amount of alcohol in their system.

Sanctions:
For on-campus possession of alcohol; the alcohol will be disposed of by the individual in possession of the alcohol or by a staff member in the presence of the individual.

Note: All individuals present in a room that contains alcohol may be found in violation of the alcohol policy regardless of participation.

The student will receive written notice of the violation. They will meet with either the residence hall director (if the violation occurred in the residence hall) or meet with the University Conduct Officer. During this meeting the student will be provided a copy of this policy and sanctions imposed for violation of the alcohol policy. Sanctions imposed may be, but are not limited to: participation in Alcohol 101 (CD-Rom program and/or group session with the health educator); community service hours; discipline and/or housing probation; loss of housing contract and/or other privileges or services; suspension from the University or expulsion. Students wishing to appeal a disciplinary decision may do so by filing a request in writing with the VP for Student Affairs. To view the appeals processes please go to WSU Student Conduct Policy.

Other Drugs

WSU will not tolerate the use or sale of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia by students and their guests. The possession, use, distribution or sale of marijuana, hallucinogens, narcotics, un-prescribed amphetamines or barbiturates is prohibited. Any sale or sharing of prescription drugs is prohibited.

State and Federal Laws
The manufacture, possession, use, distribution or sale of cocaine (powered cocaine and crack), narcotics, hallucinogens, marijuana, and the various individual drugs in these categories are illegal by Minnesota and Federal Law based on the Controlled Substances Act. The varying degrees of drug crimes and their sentencing guidelines can be found in the pamphlet A Matter of Facts which is located in Health Services. In addition to prosecution of drug possession and sale crimes individuals can be charged with; a) failure to purchase drug tax stamps; b) money laundering; c) racketeering; d) forfeiture of real and personal property; e) denial of federal benefits.

Sanctions
Students who are found in violation of this policy will; a) have the drugs and/or paraphernalia confiscated by residence life staff or security; b) be referred to the housing director or the judicial conduct officer and may face immediate housing contract termination and eviction from the residence halls; c) face the possibility of legal action as local law enforcement may be notified; d) be required to meet with WSU’s Health Educator. In addition, students found guilty of illegal drug use may lose their federal financial aid.

Resources Available and Educational Initiatives

Assistance and information are available on campus at Health Service (Maxwell Hall) and/or the Counseling Center (Gildemeister Hall). Off campus resources include Winona Community Memorial Hospital, Hiawatha Mental Health Center, or First Call for Help – 1-800-362-8255.

Information about the health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs can be obtained at Health Service or through the Health Educator. In addition, WSU offers programs to students during New Student Orientation, in Residence Halls, and through classroom presentations.

Health Risks

Depressants – Alcohol is the most widely used depressant, but this category also includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and methaqualone. These drugs act as a central nervous system depressant and cause slowed reaction time, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and impaired decision making. These drugs are addictive and abuse may result in overdose with coma and death as possible consequences.

Stimulants – Cocaine, diet pills, amphetamines, and ecstacy. These drugs stimulate the central nervous system and cause excitation, increased pulse, respiration and blood pressure. Abuse can lead to malnutrition, extreme agitation, convulsions and possible death.

Marijuana – THC is the psychoactive chemical in this plant. It can cause increased heart and pulse rate, increased appetite, an altered sense of time, impaired memory and decreased concentration, reaction time and coordination.

Hallucinogens – This classification of psychoactive drugs include LSD, Psilocybin, peyote, PCP, and other amphetamine based derivatives. Use of these drugs can create visual hallucinations, altered perception of one’s own body, agitation, paranoia, and hyperactivity.

Narcotics – These drugs are primarily pain relievers such as codeine, morphine, darvon, heroin, demerol and percodan. Use of these drugs produce euphoria, drowsiness, slowed respiration, clammy skin, nausea, and possibly death.

Solvents/Inhalants – These are toxic chemicals that are found in common household and industrial products and can be abused through the use of inhaling the fumes. This activity brings about a feeling of lightheadedness, euphoria, loss of appetite, forgetfulness, headache, nausea, flushed, dizziness and possibly death by heart or respiratory failure.

Predatory/date rape/club drugs – Drugs used for this purpose are typically central nervous system depressants such as rohypnol, ketamine, and GHB. These drugs can cause muscle relaxation, loss of consciousness and blackouts.

Last Modified: Monday, June 25, 2007 16:28 by Rhone Richard