ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS

POLICY

Persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume alcohol under any circumstances on University premises or at any University event regardless of where the event takes place.

The University prohibits the illegal use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances or association with gatherings involving such use, possession, or distribution.

Members of the University community are expected to be aware of and obey federal, state, and municipal laws or ordinances regulating the use, possession, or sale of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or controlled substances. Those who are cited for violations of law or ordinances by state, federal, or municipal authorities also may face University conduct proceedings and may be required to pursue counseling and participate in an educational program or treatment.

The University reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any student for off-campus behavior that violates this policy.

UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF ALCOHOL

Alcoholic beverages are allowed at John Carroll University only as specifically outlined here: (Exceptions may be granted to some parts of this policy by the Dean of Students or designee.)

1. Resident students and their guests who are 21 or older may consume moderate amounts of alcohol in University residences in the privacy of their rooms and in a manner that recognizes the rights of others.  Resident students who are 21 or older may consume alcohol in the presence of an underage roommate as long as no other guests are present.  In all other situations, resident students or others under the age of 21 are not permitted to be in the presence of those who are legally consuming or possessing alcohol.  No drinking or carrying of open containers of alcohol is allowed in common areas such as hallways, lounges, stairwells, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.   Any student who is present at gatherings involving the illegal use of alcohol is in violation of this policy.
2. The sale or purchase of any alcoholic beverage in the residence halls is prohibited.
3. If recurring patterns of irresponsible behavior by an individual, section, floor or hall should occur, permission to consume alcohol in the residence hall may be revoked by the area coordinator pending further disciplinary action.
4. Displays or possession of empty alcohol containers are not allowed in rooms of students who are under the age of 21.
5. Funnels, bongs and other devices used for the rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
6. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at University-sponsored athletic events on and off campus.
7. Drivers or passengers in University vehicles and University-sponsored vehicles may not possess or consume alcohol.
8. “Grain” alcohol is prohibited on campus except for supervised laboratory use.
9. The presence of quarter or half-kegs of beer and containers of alcohol larger than one gallon on campus must be approved in writing by the appropriate vice president or a designee for a specific University event.
10. Intoxication or alcohol abuse is not a permissible excuse for unlawful behavior or misconduct. Intoxication is prohibited of all students and their guests. Public drunkenness (identified by slurred speech, erratic behavior, or difficulty with physical coordination), disorderly conduct, property destruction, violations of rights of a roommate, intimidation, or other infringements of the rights of others as a result of alcohol use are prohibited.
11. Possession or consumption of alcohol by students in academic buildings is prohibited. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the campus grounds.

(The appropriate vice president or dean may grant an exception to this policy. Campus Safety Services and the Dean of Students’ Office must be notified in advance.)

UNIVERSITY SOCIAL EVENTS WITH ALCOHOL

1. The Director of Student Activities or designee must approve events involving alcohol where students are present. Provisions for security must be coordinated with the Director of Student Activities.
2. All alcohol must be purchased, sold, and handled by JCU Dining Services for events held in areas where JCU Dining Services holds the contract rights.  Persons sponsoring activities with alcohol held in other areas of campus must obtain the appropriate permits. Alcoholic beverages are not to be sold at any event held in a University facility not covered by a state liquor license.
3. Students will be admitted to events only with a validated John Carroll University ID card AND current state identification.
4. At all events where alcohol is served, non-alcoholic beverages must be provided by the sponsor in adequate proportion to the alcoholic beverages on hand. The sponsor also must provide food.
5. No one should be coerced, even subtly, to drink or overindulge. A social event that encourages drunkenness as a theme, or the advertisement of such an event, is unacceptable and will not be permitted. Advertising or promoting alcohol as a primary attraction of an event and the marketing of alcohol by beverage manufacturers, distributors, clubs, or organizations are prohibited.
6. Alcohol cannot and will not be served to intoxicated persons.
7. For off-campus activities with alcohol, a third party vendor is required.

GUIDELINES FOR THE PROMOTION OF EVENTS WHERE ALCOHOL WILL BE SERVED

1. All marketing and publicity used on-campus must never encourage violating any University policy.
2. Marketing and publicity materials must neither encourage any form of alcohol abuse nor make reference to the amount of alcoholic beverages.
3. Alcoholic beverages must not be provided as awards to individual students or campus organizations.
4. No uncontrolled sampling as part of campus marketing programs shall be permitted and no sampling or other promotional activities shall include “drinking contests.” 
5. Where controlled sampling is allowed by law and University policy, it must be limited as to time and quantity. The consumption of alcohol must not be the sole purpose of any promotional activity.
6. Promotional activities must not be associated with otherwise existing campus events or programs without the prior knowledge and consent of the Director of Student Activities.
7. Display or availability of promotional materials must follow the posting policy developed by the Director of Student Activities.
8. The Director of Student Activities must approve advertising or marketing for an event that has alcohol available.

UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS REGARDING ILLEGAL DRUG USE

The University prohibits the illegal use, possession or distribution of any illegal drug or controlled substance or being present at gatherings involving such use, possession, or distribution. Illegal drugs or controlled substances will be considered in one’s possession if on one’s person, in one’s room, in one’s car, or in any bag or other item used to carry the drug, etc.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

1. Students found responsible through the John Carroll University Student Conduct System of violating the policy on alcohol and illegal drugs face penalties that include fines, probation, termination of housing contract, limitations on activities or access, required counseling or advising, performance of campus or community service work or, required residence in University approved housing as a condition of continued enrollment, suspension, or expulsion. In conjunction with other penalties, students may be required to participate in an alcohol and other drugs education course or chemical abuse evaluation.
2. Students involved in the illegal use or possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance will be referred to the Dean of Students or designee. They will face serious disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion unless there are significant extenuating circumstances.
3. Students involved in any way in the distribution or sale of any amount of illegal drugs or controlled substances will be suspended or expelled.
4. The University reserves the right to place a student on interim suspension from their residence hall for illegal use or possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance at any time during the academic year.

These regulations are in addition to, not substitutes for, criminal sanctions provided for in municipal, state, and federal statutes. When required by law, violations of those statutes will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

NON-STUDENTS

Non-students with no University affiliation may be referred to civil or criminal authorities.

EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS

Research indicates that the abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs by college students pose a serious threat to the educational environment, which includes not only the campus but the immediate neighborhood and surrounding community as well. The educational efforts of the University, therefore, are directed primarily toward educating students about the effects of using alcohol and other drugs as well as helping them to learn to make wise choices.

Free and confidential alcohol and other drug self assessments and counseling are available from the University Counseling Center for students who feel their lives are being affected by their own or another’s use of alcohol or other drugs. The University Counseling Center provides the same service to those whose illegal or problematic use of alcohol and other drugs results in a referral from the John Carroll University Student Conduct System.

Referrals to a residential rehabilitation program or an intensive outpatient program are made if behavioral history, objective testing, and individual and family interviews indicate that a student needs more help than the University Counseling Center can provide. Counseling is available to students who have successfully completed a rehabilitation program and wish to return.

HEALTH ISSUES

Prolonged use of alcohol or episodic use of alcohol in heavy quantities can result in serious health problems and even death. Similarly, illegal drugs can cause injury or death even with first-time use. The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol tend to result in a forfeiture of one’s own powers for control of one’s life, leaving normal functioning and academic success seriously eroded or even abandoned.

• Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows the activity of the brain and spinal cord. Used in low or moderate amounts (2-3 drinks), alcohol generally results in people being more relaxed, talkative, and social. There is also some loss of judgment and efficiency even in moderate levels of use.  Beyond moderate use (more than 2-3 drinks) alcohol becomes a toxin to the body and brain, damaging organs and impairing the ability to think and behave rationally. High doses can result in confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness, or even death from respiratory paralysis. Frequent, excessive use of alcohol can result in dependence and addiction.
  
• Hallucinogens disrupt the brain chemicals that enable us to make sense out of our environment. Most of those used by college students are manufactured chemical compounds. The most common compound is LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). It and other hallucinogens are potent and extremely unpredictable drugs that produce fast-acting and unexpected effects. The most common acute reactions are panic revolving around severe anxiety and intense fear of losing control and psychotic reactions involving severe breaks with reality and persistent hallucinations and delusions. Psychotic reactions have been known to last weeks or months and often require hospitalization. The long-term or chronic effects of LSD use are not known at this time, but many ex-users report experiencing “flashbacks” even several years after a “bad trip.”
  
• Marijuana is an illegal drug with high potential for abuse. Because it affects the way a person thinks, learns, and acts, its use is especially harmful, even dangerous, in many situations. Marijuana interferes with speech, memory, and learning and makes tasks that require a clear mind difficult, meaningless, or unsafe. It also slows reactions and interferes with coordination. Marijuana’s dangers increase in combination with alcohol. Marijuana smoking also poses a serious threat to the user’s lungs and heart and to the immune and reproductive systems.
  
• Inhalants include easy-to-obtain products such as cleaning fluids, solvents, aerosols and airplane glue. They act on the central nervous system much like such volatile anesthetics as ether and chloroform and they produce bizarre perceptual and hallucinatory actions. Short-term physical effects include sneezing, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. Psychological effects include euphoria, exhilaration, confusion, disorientation, loss of inhibitions, and impulsive behavior that may lead to injuries and accidents Long-term health risks include nosebleeds, loss of consciousness, hepatitis, liver failure, kidney failure, respiratory depression, blood abnormalities, irregular heartbeat, and possible suffocation.
  
• Steroids which resemble the male sex hormone testosterone are taken orally or by injection. Short-term physical effects include depression, hallucinations, paranoia, severe mood swings and aggressive behavior. There are incidents of violent outbursts referred to as “roid rages.” Long-term health risks include liver and kidney damage, heart and blood vessel damage caused by lowering levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), stroke, and jaundice along with breast enlargement, atrophy of the testicles, and impotence in men, and beard growth in women
  
• Depressants include barbiturates, sedatives, and anti-anxiety drugs. They are usually taken orally. They depress not only the activity of the brain, causing an effect on the heart and respiration, but also muscle tissues. Short-term physical effects include drowsiness, slurred speech, irritability, stupor, and impaired judgment, memory, and attention. Long-term effects include disrupted sleep, psychosis, respiratory depression, and coma, and neuropsychological and structural brain damage. Withdrawal can produce extreme anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, and death. 
  
• Narcotics include opium, morphine, heroin, codeine and synthetic substances that can be taken orally, snorted, smoked, or injected into the skin or a vein. They relax the central nervous system and appear to be able to reduce anxiety levels, promote drowsiness, and allow sleep in spite of severe pain. Short-term physical effects include pinpoint pupils, lethargy, skin abscesses, chronic constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression. Psychological effects include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, depression, drug seeking, and antisocial behavior.
  
• Cocaine is a white crystalline powder, often diluted with other ingredients. Crack cocaine is a light brown or beige pellet or crystalline rock that resembles coagulated soap. Cocaine is inhaled through the nasal passages or injected; crack is smoked. Cocaine speeds up physical and mental processes, creates a sense of heightened energy and confidence and alters the pleasure centers in the brain. Physical short-term effects include headache, exhaustion, shaking, dilated pupils, blurred vision, nausea, loss of appetite, palpitations, and arrhythmias. Psychological effects include impaired judgment, hyperactivity, suspicion, acute anxiety, paranoid ideation, and violence. Repeated use or use of high dosages causes long-term effects. The effect on the central nervous system suppresses the desire for food, sex, and sleep. The cardiovascular system is affected resulting in high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, damage to heart tissue, constriction of blood vessels, and stroke. Cocaine also causes neurological and respiratory damage; there is danger of respiratory arrest. It damages the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and causes sinusitis and a loss of sense of smell. The male reproductive system is also negatively affected. In women there are implications for the fetus in the event of pregnancy.