Minnesota State University Moorhead Student Judicial Services

MSUM Student Alcohol & Other Drug 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.

AOD Procedures for Compliance

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

Level One Alcohol: 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 One Marijuana: Students will receive a discipline notification and will complete e-TOKE (The electronic THC Online Knowledge Experience) is a marijuana-specific brief assessment and feedback tool designed to reduce marijuana use among college students. The assessment takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and is self-guided. The mandatory course fee is $75.00. The University reserves the right, based on severity of the incident; 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 or 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 & 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.

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Last Update Date: 07/18/06