Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Tobacco

I. Overview

Mountain State University is responsible for maintaining high standards in the classroom and in activities outside the classroom. All University rules, regulations, and guidelines must comply with the Higher Education Act, the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, Drug Free Schools Act of 1989, and federal, state, county and local laws. The policies and procedures regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco apply to all members of the University community and their guests. The primary responsibility for knowing and abiding by the policy rests with each individual. In addition, student athletes are subject to NAIA eligibility requirements, policies, testing, and sanctions.

II. Alcoholic Beverages

The legal age in West Virginia for purchasing alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer is 21. University employees and students shall obey the law and be responsible for their own conduct. For activities approved by the University, groups may make a written request to the executive vice president or director of student services for permission to serve alcoholic beverages, approval of which must be maintained in writing by the group during the activity. The University prohibits:

1. possession, use, or purchase of liquor, wine, or beer by persons under 21 years of age;
2. consumption of alcoholic beverages in unlicensed public places;
3. sale or advertisement of sale of alcoholic beverages without a license;
4. public drunkenness and excessive drinking;
5. providing liquor, wine or beer to an underage person;
6. possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers in public, which includes all areas of campus unless expressly designated otherwise by MSU posting; and
7. unauthorized parties.

III. Illegal Drugs

Mountain State University prohibits the use, consumption, sale, purchase, transfer, and/or possession of all illegal narcotics and/or controlled substances by any student and/or employee while on University property or while in attendance at any University-sponsored activity. In addition, students and employees are strictly prohibited from being under the influence of any controlled substance while attending MSU-sponsored training sessions or meetings. Legally prescribed medications are excluded from this prohibition, and permitted only to the extent that the use of such medications does not adversely affect the student's safety or the safety of others.

IV. Tobacco

According to the United States Surgeon General, cigarette smoking causes more than 350,000 preventable deaths each year. Research indicates and emphasizes the extreme danger of secondary smoke to nonsmokers. In recognizing its responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for the University community, Mountain State University shall maintain a smoke-free environment, thereby preventing smoking and/or the use of any tobacco product by any person, including visitors, while inside the buildings and facilities of the University.

V. Health Risks

Mountain State University recognizes the health risks associated with the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, and some prescribed drugs. Some of these health risks include lung cancer, low birthweight babies, spontaneous abortions, psychological and physical addictions, brain and liver damage, paranoia and psychosis, seizures, electrolyte imbalance, mood disorders, and death. In addition, drugs and alcohol can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception, and can contribute to distorted experiences; loss of self-control; and inability to receive, sort, and synthesize information to the brain.

VI. Assistance Programs

1. The Community Resource Manual
   Mountain State University is concerned about the welfare of its employees and students and strives to create a healthy environment, one in which the high-risk use of alcohol and drugs does not interfere with learning, performance, or development. Abuse disrupts this environment and the well-being of the University's community as well as the potential of students for contribution to society. It is important for all members of the University community to take responsibility in preventing use and abuse. The Community Resource Manual, which lists local and regional assistance programs, is available to individuals with abuse problems and other personal issues in Registration and in the Personnel Office.
   
2. Education
   The University strives to educate its students and employees on issues surrounding substance use and abuse. The Student Services Office provides an awareness program that disseminates educational/development information and planned programs. The residence life staff receives in-service training as well for programming purposes in the residence hall. Employees and/or students needing assistance may contact a representative in one of these offices. All information regarding requests for assistance under this paragraph shall be kept confidential.
   

VII. Reporting and Sanctions

1. Faculty Violations
   Any employee who suspects or observes a violation of this chapter by any other University employee shall immediately notify the director of personnel. Employees who have violated the rules under this chapter shall be subject to corrective action as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual, which may include, without limitation, suspension and/or dismissal.
   
2. Student Violations
   Any employee who suspects or observes a violation of this policy by any student of Mountain State University shall immediately notify the director of student services. Students who violate the rules under this chapter shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Responsibilities and Appeals Procedures.