Alcohol and Other Drugs

MSUM Alcohol and Other Drugs
Student Policy

General Philosophy Statement:

Minnesota State University Moorhead recognizes that the misuse of alcohol and other drugs is a serious problem in our society and our community. This University seeks to create a campus environment which promotes healthy and responsible living that is conducive to the intellectual and personal development of students. The University is committed to establishing and enforcing clear campus policies regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Minnesota State University Moorhead complies with and supports the Minnesota State Colleges and University Board of Trustees policy governing alcohol and other drugs on campus, the Drug Free Schools and Community Act, the Drug Free Workplace Act, the Campus Security Act and Minnesota State law.


Definitions:

1. Recognized Student Organization - any student organization that has successfully completed the recognition process as outlined in the Student Organization Handbook and registers each academic year with the Office of Student Activities.

2. Travel Status - the time period from departure until return to campus by students who have obtained travel authorization through the appropriate university representative for a university sponsored student event.

3. University Sponsored Student Event - activities that include, but are not limited to; official meetings, practices, competitions or trips involving students (who represent divisions, departments or majors), recognized student organizations or intercollegiate athletic teams of the University.


Policy Sections:

1. The use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug is prohibited on the campus. The illegal or unauthorized use possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale of any controlled substance or drugs is prohibited on the campus. The possession or display of alcohol "trophies," or other form of empty alcohol containers, is not allowed on campus. An exception for instructional purposes in accordance with Board Policy 5.18 allows for the use of alcohol in laboratory and classroom instruction or experiments.

2. The use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug and the illegal or unauthorized use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of a controlled substance is prohibited by individual students, recognized student organizations and athletic teams when in travel status representing the University.

3. For purposes of the National/International Student Exchange, Study Abroad and Eurospring Programs, the unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug, and the illegal or unauthorized use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of a controlled substance will be determined by the law of the foreign state or country. Students are expected to comply with the laws of the foreign country. The standard applicable during travel status is to accommodate the educational aspect of exploring customs of culture of foreign countries.

4. The use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug and the illegal or unauthorized use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of a controlled substance by MSUM students is prohibited at all off-campus university sponsored student events.

5. As members of the University community, students who live or visit off-campus are expected to behave responsibly when off-campus. University community members violating civil or criminal law may be subject to University conduct procedures for the same conduct when the conduct occurs off campus but adversely affects the educational, research, or service functions of the University. Students should be aware that a student's unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of any alcoholic beverage, illegal drug and the illegal or unauthorized use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of a controlled substance cited by local law enforcement may be reported to the University. If reported, the University will take appropriate disciplinary action under this policy.

6. A Good Samaritan exception for violations of the alcohol/other drug policy will be recognized and honored. A student, who may be in violation of the alcohol/other drug policies, but comes to the aid of another student by seeking professional help, will not be cited for an alcohol/other drug university conduct violation. This exception will not be granted to those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate the University's Alcohol and Other Drug Policy.

7. The following advertising and promotional activities are prohibited
a. Using alcoholic beverages as awards or prizes in connection with university sponsored student events;

b. Alcohol promotional activities and advertising associated with university sponsored student events; (This includes, but is not limited to, such items as: cups, t-shirts, beverage can coolers, and any other items carrying alcohol/beer advertising);

c. Advertising of alcohol or illegal drugs appearing in university controlled or affiliated publications including university affiliated web sites over which it has editorial control.
The University does not regulate content or advertisements in autonomous student-edited publications, such as student newspapers, but encourages the editorship to not include advertising that promotes the high-risk use of alcohol such as happy hour drink specials, two for ones or other advertisements that encourage rapid and excessive consumption of alcohol.

 

Sanctions for individuals in violation of the policies on alcohol and other drugs:

Level One: Students will receive a discipline notification and will complete a screening tool and educational session facilitated by a licensed health professional or credentialed counselor. There will be a mandatory class fee of $75.00. The University reserves the right, based on the severity of the incident, to automatically refer a student to Level Two or Level Three.

Level Two: Students will receive a notice of disciplinary probation and will complete a minimum of 6 hours of coursework on the ramifications of Alcohol/Drug Abuse by a licensed health professional. Upon completion of the coursework, an exit interview will determine the need for further assessment and/or counseling for chemical dependency issues. The mandatory course fee is $150.00. The University reserves the right, based on the severity of the incident, to automatically refer a student to Level Three.

Level Three: A student with a severe violation or a third violation of the Alcohol and Drug Policy during his/her college career is subject to a minimum of one semester suspension from the university unless extraordinary circumstances exist. The University reserves the right to waive suspension in the event that the student agrees a referral to a licensed treatment facility for assessment and follows all recommendations. Any costs will be the responsibility of the student. Upon re-admission following a suspension, any further alcohol or drug violation may result in expulsion from the University. 

Students who fail to follow the policy procedures will be subject to a registration and grade hold and may face separation from the university. Parental notification, in accordance with the University's FERPA Policy § IV (A)(5), may occur.

Sanctions for organizations in violation of the policies on alcohol and other drugs:

Level One: For one year from the date on which the discipline is imposed, the organization will be prohibited from conducting social functions and solicitation and acceptance of new members, and university recognition will be on probation. The University reserves the right, based on the severity of the incident, to suspend or revoke university recognition of the organization.

Level Two: If a second violation occurs within three years, university recognition will be suspended for a period of not less than three years. The University reserves the right, based on the severity of the incident, to revoke university recognition of the organization.

In addition to the university's Student Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, departments and student organizations may have established rules that are more restrictive and indicate additional sanctions for violations. Sanctions may include action such as suspension from an activity, a team or organization.

 

Federal & State Legal Sanctions for Individuals in Violation of the Policies on Alcohol & Other Drugs

Federal and state sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances range from up to one year imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines for a first offense, to three years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines for repeat offenders. Additional penalties include forfeiture of personal property and the denial of federal student aid benefits. Under federal laws, trafficking in drugs such as heroin or cocaine may result in sanctions up to and including life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 gm or more. Fines for such an offense can reach $8 million. First offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 gm, may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $4 million. A first offense for trafficking in marijuana may result in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 for an offense involving less than 50 kg, and up to life imprisonment and fines up to $8 million for an offense involving 1,000 kg or more.  The State of Minnesota may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol-related violations. For example, driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content of .10 or more) may result in a $700 fine, 90 days in jail, and/or revocation of driver’s license for 30 days. Possession of alcohol under age 21 or use of false identification to purchase alcohol results in $100 fine. Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment.

 

Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drug Use and Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol and drug use is prohibited not simply because it is against the law, but because of the demonstrated health risks associated with use. While the following list is not exhaustive, it serves to demonstrate the range of potential hazards associated with illicit drug and alcohol use.

Information about the health risks of drug use and abuse can be accessed through the following web site: http://www.nida.nih.gov

  • ALCOHOL Loss of concentration and judgment, slowed reflexes; disorientation leading to higher risk of accidents and problem behavior; risk of liver and heart damage, malnutrition, cancer and other illnesses; can be highly addictive to some persons.
  • AMPHETAMINES Can cause rushed, careless behavior - pushing beyond your physical capacity, leading to exhaustion; tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; withdrawal can result in depression and suicide; continued high doses can cause heart problems, infections, malnutrition, and death.
  • CANNABIS Causes permanent damage to lungs, reproductive organs and brain function; slows reflexes; increases forgetfulness; alters judgment of space and distance.
  • COCAINE Causes damage to respiratory and immune systems; induces malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function. Some forms (such as "crack") are highly addictive.
  • HALLUCINOGENS (PCP, LSD, Ecstasy) Causes extreme distortions of what's seen and heard; induces sudden changes in behavior, loss of concentration and memory; increases risk of birth defects in user's children; overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma, and death. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.
  • NARCOTICS (Heroin, morphine, opium, codeine) Tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; overdose can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death; leads to malnutrition, infection and hepatitis; sharing needles is a leading cause of the spread of HIV and Hepatitis; highly addictive.
  • SEDATIVES Tolerance increases rapidly; produces physical and psychological dependence; causes reduced reaction time, and confusion; overdoses can cause coma, respiratory arrest, convulsions, and death; withdrawal can be dangerous; in combination with other controlled substances can quickly cause coma and death.

 

Where to get help.

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Where to get help at MSUM

Hendrix Health Center
Karen Lester, Interim Director
Jill LaVelle, Chemical Health Counselor
Located on 9th Avenue, next to Parking Lot C
(218) 477-2211
http://www.mnstate.edu/Hendrix

Counseling & Personal Growth Center
Cliff Schuette, Director
Located in Bridges Hall 260
(218) 477-2227
http://www.mnstate.edu/counsel

Campus Security
Michael Parks, Director
Located at 9th Avenue and 14th Street South
(218) 477-2449
http://www.mnstate.edu/security

 

Fargo-Moorhead Community Resources For Drug and Alcohol Abuse



Drake Counseling Services
1202 23rd St. S.
Fargo, ND
(701) 293-5429
(800) 293-1833
Outpatient Treatment for Adults and Adolescents, Evaluations


First Step Recovery
409 7th St. S.
Fargo, ND
(701) 293-3384
Adult and Adolescent Treatment Services,Evaluations


ShareHouse      
4227 9th Ave. S.      
Fargo, ND 58103      
(701) 282-6561
(877) 294-6561
Chemical Dependency Treatment Programs for Adults and Adolescents, DUI Seminars, Evaluations


MeritCare Chemical
Dependency Services
1720 University Dr. S.
Fargo, ND
(701) 461-5300


Prairie St. John’s
510 4th St. S.
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 476-7216
(877) 333-9565
Chemical Dependency Treatment for Adults and Adolescents Needs Assessment and Referral Center 24/7

Alcoholics Anoymous meetings in the Fargo-Moorhead Area: 

 

 

Acute Alcohol Poisoning

If someone under the influence of alcohol exhibits ONE or more of these behaviors…
Call 911!
  • Repeated vomiting;
  • Mental confusion or stupor;
  • Unconscious, "passed out" or semi-conscious and cannot be awakened;
  • Vomiting while "sleeping" or passed out; not waking up after vomiting;
  • Seizures;
  • Slow or irregular breathing;
  • Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin.
Do not leave the person alone.
A person who has passed out may die. Turn the person on her/his side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.