Drugs and Alcohol

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Introduction

Appalachian State University is committed to maintaining an environment that supports and encourages the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. All members of the academic community - students, faculty, administrators and staff, share in the responsibility of protecting and promoting that environment and all are expected to exemplify high standards of professional and personal conduct. The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs by members of the academic community adversely affects this educational environment. North Carolina and federal laws restrict or prohibit the use of alcohol and other drugs in various contexts. The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs is not compatible with personal health and welfare and the pursuit of academic excellence, and will not be tolerated by Appalachian State University on the campus or as part of any institutional activities.

The use and abuse of alcohol or other drugs can have serious negative consequences. High-risk choices can lead to significant academic, legal, financial, job performance and relationship problems, as well as problems with physical, mental and emotional health. A table of possible effects of such choices regarding controlled substances is set forth in ADM Appendix 6 , Controlled Substances - Uses and Effects. High-risk use of alcohol and other drugs is also a factor in injuries and deaths related to overdose, accidents and crimes.

As long as one person is involved in high-risk behavior, all are at risk because problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs affect not only the user, but friends, family, classmates, coworkers and the entire Appalachian community. The goal is a safe and healthy University environment.

Definitions

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Policy and Procedure Statements

Appalachian State University recognizes the following as undesirable: the abuse of alcohol, the use of illegal drugs, and the abuse of medically prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. The University will attempt to minimize incidents of such conduct through educational and counseling activities, as well as student and employee disciplinary action.

Education and Counseling

Appalachian State University shall make alcohol and drug abuse education and counseling services available to all members of the academic community. These services shall include:

• Educating the campus community about the health and safety hazards associated with alcohol and drug abuse and the incompatibility of alcohol and drug abuse with achievement of personal and educational goals.
• Encouraging members of the campus community to make use of available campus and community counseling, and medical and rehabilitation resources in dealing with drug abuse problems. Appalachian State University assures persons who voluntarily avail themselves of these services that applicable professional standards of confidentiality will be observed.
• Informing the campus community of the potential legal and educational consequences (including both criminal law and University discipline) of abuse or illegal use and/or distribution of alcohol and drugs.
• Distributing annually to all members of the University community copies of Appalachian State University's Drug Policy Statement that addresses penalties, prevention, counseling and rehabilitation. Copies of the statement will also be distributed to all new employees upon employment.

Conduct Prohibited by the University

Prohibited Conduct - As citizens, students and employees are responsible for knowing about and complying with provisions of applicable federal, state and foreign laws that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver or manufacture those drugs designated collectively as "controlled substances," as well as those laws that related to sale, possession and use of alcoholic beverages. Any member of the University community who violates pertinent state, federal or foreign laws or University policy regarding these subjects may be disciplined.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and related regulations (34 CFR 85.600 et seq .) require that any employee who is convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring within the University community must notify the appropriate supervisor or management person no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction. (Any employee who fails to provide notification shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.) Disciplinary action against any employee convicted of a drug offense within the University community must commence within 30 days after receipt of notice of the conviction. The University may, at any time initiate its own disciplinary proceedings against a student, faculty member, administrator or other employee when the alleged conduct (either on-campus or off-campus) is deemed to affect the interests of the University.

Penalties will be imposed for violation of the policies of Appalachian State University only in accordance with procedural safeguards applicable to disciplinary actions against students, faculty members, administrators and other employees, respectively. The penalties that may be imposed range from written warnings with probationary status to expulsion from enrollment and discharge from employment.

• Faculty members who violate the University's policy on the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with personnel policies outlined in the Appalachian State University Faculty Handbook .
• EPA administrative personnel who violate the University's policy on the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with personnel policies outlined in the Appalachian State University EPA Administrative Personnel Handbook .
• Staff employees who violate the University's policy on the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action described in ADM Appendix 4 on the basis of policy and procedure outlined in the Staff Employee Handbook and Appalachian State University Resource Manual .
• Students who violate the University's policy on the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the provisions stated in the Appalachian State University Code of Student Conduct .