University of New Haven
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven
CT
06516
1-800 DIAL-UNH or 1-800-342-5864
SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY
STATEMENT
Philosophy:
The University of New Haven strives to provide an environment in which students can grow intellectually and socially. The university endeavors to create a living and learning environment that supports healthy choices and lifestyles. The university supports individuals in making informed, responsible decisions in accordance with state law and campus policy.
The university encourages individuals to:
The university assists students in:
issues on campus.
Policy:
University policies and procedures provide both a guideline and a system of accountability to aid in establishing and maintaining personal and community standards. In compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, the University of New Haven prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, distribution, and unlawful use/abuse of any and all controlled substances and drugs. The university also abides by and enforces Connecticut state laws regarding alcohol which state that only persons 21 years of age or older may buy, deliver, consume, possess, or transport alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol Guidelines & Regulations:
1. Use or possession of alcoholic beverages and their sale, delivery, or service to individuals under the age of 21 is prohibited by the university and Connecticut state law.
2. Any public or private use of alcohol by students that leads to intoxication and intrusive, destructive, or violent behavior is unacceptable to the university community and will be treated as a disciplinary matter. Intoxication is defined as the point where the quantity of alcohol a person consumes exceeds the individual's tolerance for alcohol and impairs behavioral or physical abilities.
3. All students are responsible for discouraging alcohol-related behavior that is abusive to themselves or to others. Any effort to induce or force a student to drink against his/her expressed desire is prohibited. Students will be held accountable for their behavior at all times, to include:
4. Students and their guests who are 21 years of age or older may use alcohol in the privacy of their rooms provided that:
Failure to enforce the above guidelines makes the host liable under the law, not only for serving alcohol illegally but also for actions which the individual under the influence might take after leaving a room/apartment.
5. The consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container (i.e., bottles, cans, cups, squeeze and opaque bottles, etc.) is not permitted on university grounds and in public areas such as hallways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, parking lots, common areas, etc.
6. The presence, possession, or use of common source containers of alcoholic beverages (including but not
limited to kegs, beer balls, other bulk containers requiring a tapping device or spigot, punch bowls, trash cans, or other containers used as punch bowls) by individuals or groups is prohibited. This includes common source containers at tailgate events on campus.
7. Contests (drinking games) involving the consumption of alcohol and possession of any paraphernalia related to such contests are prohibited.
8. "Progressive" parties such as "round the world" events are prohibited in all university facilities.
9. The use or possession of funnels to consume alcohol is prohibited.
10. The use or possession of grain alcohol is prohibited.
11. Alcohol is prohibited on any athletic field and at all athletic events.
12. Receptions held in academic buildings are the responsibility of the academic departments sponsoring the event and must be in compliance with all state laws and university regulations.
13. Operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited and subject to university and civil action.
14. Violations of the Substance Abuse Policy posted on the Internet (Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, Email, Instant Messenger, etc.) may be subject to disciplinary action.
15. Violations of the Substance Abuse Policy will be referred to the University Conduct System.
16. Questions that involve employees' use or abuse of alcohol should be directed to the Human Resources Office.
Guidelines for Events Involving Alcohol on Campus
1. While alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted at student events, special requests from student groups, clubs,
and organizations for alcohol service (beer and wine only) at a campus event must be made in writing to the Dean of Students at least three (3) weeks in advance of the event. There will be no exceptions to the three (3) weeks in advance requirement.
2. A Facilities Use Request and Event Registration Form must be completed and the group's faculty or administrative advisor must be present during the entire event to ensure that the sponsoring group adheres to state and federal law and university regulations.
3. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on campus except in the case of approved special events where the sale and service of alcohol are being conducted by the University Dining Services in accordance with state law and university policy.
4. Alcoholic beverages may not be furnished, purveyed, dispensed, sold, delivered, and/or offered on campus where admission is charged, donations accepted, or money exchanged for an activity under the sponsorship of any organization, group, or individual affiliated with the university, unless a permit is obtained by University Dining Services from the State Liquor Commission at least three (3) weeks in advance of the event. The sale of alcohol is defined as occurring: a. when there is a charge by the glass, bottle, can, or pitcher; b. when there is either an admission charge or a charge for entertainment and the alcohol is free; c. when donations are requested; d. when money is collected in advance for the purchase of alcohol to be given away. All alcohol which requires a permit shall be dispensed by the University Dining Services. 5. Event planners must make provisions to check identification and to prevent interaction between those using alcohol legally and underage persons by having a separate serving/consuming area. The serving and subsequent consumption of alcohol at registered events must be limited to a single defined area. Alcoholic beverages cannot be taken from the defined area. Sufficient space shall be designated for the service area to avoid congestion and related disruption.
6. Positive proof of age (a valid stateissued photo ID) is required at any event at which alcohol is served and/or consumed.
7. The university requires that non-alcoholic beverages and food be served at all events where alcohol is present and encourages entertainment where appropriate.
8. There must be established time limits for the serving of alcohol at any event. Alcohol service/sale must end one (1) hour prior to the end of the event.
9. The Dean of Students and University Police may place limitations on the amount of alcohol permitted at any event. Any violation of limitations or restrictions on the amount of alcohol permitted at any event will be treated as a disciplinary matter in accordance with university judicial procedures.
10. Alcoholic beverages may not be offered as a prize, award, gift certificate, or incentive by an individual, group, club, or organization.
11. No social event shall include any form of "drinking contest" in its activities or promotion.
12. Undergraduate Student Activity Fees may not be used for the purchase of alcohol.
13. UNH students will be held responsible for the behavior of their guests at all university events.
Regulations Regarding Alcohol/Party Promotional Materials and Advertisements
1. Posters, flyers, promotional materials, and other forms of public announcement from private individuals or student
organizations advertising private parties shall not be permitted on campus or in any campus publication.
2. Posters, flyers, advertisements, announcements, and any other materials containing references or logos promoting the sale or consumption of alcohol are prohibited on campus and in any campus publication.
Residence Halls
1. Alcohol is not permitted in freshman residence halls or in rooms, suites, or apartments in which all residents are underage students.
2. Students 21 years of age or older may use alcohol in the privacy of their rooms provided that:
3. The consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container, including cups, opaque and squeeze bottles, is not permitted in public areas such as hallways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, or common areas.
4. All visitors to the residence halls are responsible for compliance with these policies.
5. Gatherings in the residence halls involving the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with the Residential Life Alcohol and Party policies as described in the Residential Life section of this handbook and with Connecticut state law.
Minimum Sanctions for Violations of the Alcohol Policy
Level I Offense: Underage individual in the presence of alcohol, empty alcohol containers in an area where students are not of legal age. Minimum sanction of a letter of reprimand.
Level II Offense: Underage possession or consumption, open containers, first violation involving a large and/or disruptive gathering, and second level I offense. Minimum sanction of referral to the Alcohol and Drug Education Class and a $100.00 fine. If the student fails to attend the class, the fine will double, and further disciplinary action will be taken, to include parental notification.
Level III Offense: Intoxication, supplying or serving minors, second level II offense, and/or second violation involving a large and/or disruptive gathering. Minimum sanction of referral to the Substance Abuse Group, parental notification, and a $200.00 fine.
Level IV Offense: Possession of kegs, grain alcohol, or common source containers; use of funnels; participation in and/or presence at contests involving the consumption of alcohol and possession of any paraphernalia related to such contests. Minimum sanction of 1 year disciplinary probation, parental notification, and $300.00 fine (minimum fine of $300 for the hosts and/or residents of the room/apartment where a contest involving the consumption of alcohol is taking place, minimum fine of $200 for individuals present at or participating in contests involving the consumption of alcohol). If a first Level IV offense, mandatory referral to the Substance Abuse Group; if a second Level IV offense, mandatory referral to a one-on-one counseling session, and/or other appropriate actions as determined by the hearing body.
Level V Offense: Fourth level II offense, third level III offense, any additional offense after a level IV offense, and/or any physical assault developing from intoxication. Minimum sanction of suspension or removal from the residence halls and parental notification. Additional sanctions may include university suspension or expulsion. If the individual(s) involved in the violation cannot be identified, the sanction will be applied to all residents of a room/suite/ apartment or to all members of a club/ organization.
Illegal or Controlled Substances
The manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, or use of any illegal or controlled substance is a violation of university regulations. Students who are suspected to have violated these regulations will be subject to university disciplinary action. If found responsible, students will face, but are not limited to, the following sanctions:
Minimum Sanctions for Violations of the Illegal or Controlled Substances Policy
Level I Offense: Smell of marijuana smoke in a room/apartment or location on campus, possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia. Minimum sanction of referral to an Alcohol and Drug Education Class and a $100.00 fine. If the student fails to attend the class, the fine is doubled, and further disciplinary action will be taken, to include parental notification.
Level II Offense: Possession and/or use of unauthorized drugs, second level I offense. Minimum sanction of a 1 year disciplinary probation, referral to the Substance Abuse Group, parental notification, $300 fine. Additional sanctions may include removal from the residence halls and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.
Level III Offense: Sale, manufacture, and/or distribution of drugs; second level II offense. Minimum sanction of removal from the residence halls and parental notification. Additional sanctions may include suspension and/or expulsion from the university. In addition, the student may be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution in these matters according to federal, state, and/or local criminal codes that pertain to illegal or controlled substances. The university reserves the right to inspect student rooms and property if reasonable suspicion of illegal activity exists. Reasonable suspicion may be generated by, but is not limited to, observable substances or drug paraphernalia and/or the evidence of substance usage including the odor of marijuana. To preserve the academic integrity and mission of the University of New Haven, university personnel will vigorously pursue investigations and enforcement of these policies. The university has developed this policy in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. The university distributes a drug and alcohol policy statement to all members of the UNH community on a yearly basis. Copies are available from the Office of the Dean of Students, Human Resources, in course registration books, and in this handbook.
Substance Education Programs
Alcohol and Drug Education Class
(ADEC)
The Alcohol and Drug Education Class is intended to provide students with accurate information and skills regarding the safe use of alcohol and the consequences associated with alcohol and other drug use. Substance Abuse Group (SAG) The Substance Abuse Group is a two-session intervention intended to help those students who have reported incidences of heavy drinking and/or drug use. The focus of the group is to help students reduce alcohol consumption and problems that are caused and exacerbated by alcohol use. Drug abuse will also be assessed and appropriately addressed.
Individual Substance Abuse Assessment
Students will be assigned to meet individually with a psychologist at the UNH Counseling Center. Referrals are intended for those students who have had repeated substance abuse violations and/or for students who are at great risk for future problems.