Southern Connecticut State University Biennial Review The Drug Free Schools and Campus Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug Free Schools Communities Act (DFSCA) require an institution such as Southern Connecticut State University to certify it has adopted and implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use or distribution of illicit drugs both by students and employees both on its premises and as a part of any of its activities. Southern Connecticut State University acknowledges its obligation to conduct a biennial review of compliance with the Drug Free Schools Act. The intention of this document is to summarize the university policies regarding the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and the activities and programs related to alcohol and drug prevention during fall 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 academic years. A copy of this review is kept in Drug and Alcohol Resource center and on the website. Compliance with Drug Free Schools and Communities Act As a requirement of these regulations, the University continues to disseminate and ensure receipt of the below policy/information to all students, staff, and faculty on an annual basis. The university remains in compliance by implementing programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use or distribution of illicit drugs by its students and employees. The University maintains written policies on alcohol and other drugs and has a method for distributing this policy to all students and employees. Questions concerning this policy and/or alcohol and other drug programs, interventions and policies may be directed to Sarah Keiser, M.S.LADC, Coordinator of Alcohol and Drug programs at keisers3@southernct.edu and 392-5087 The annual notification required by the Drug Free Schools and Community Act is sent out to all staff, faculty and students on an annual basis electronically by the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students and provides the following information: 1. Standards of Conduct that prohibit unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on its property. 2. A description of health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol. 3. A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law 4. A description of counseling and treatment programs within New Haven 5. A description of the disciplinary sanctions the institution will impose on students and employees. As an academic community, Southern Connecticut State University is committed to providing an environment in which learning and scholarship can flourish. The possession or use of illegal drugs, or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the University environment, as well as the individual potential of our students and staff. The University enforces state laws and related University policies, including those prohibiting the following activities on campus:
A. Providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 or possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21. B. Distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances. C. Possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs by students, regardless of age and of location (on-campus or offcampus), is prohibited by the Student Conduct Code. The University can, and will, impose disciplinary sanctions for violations. Students are also subject to city ordinances and state and federal laws. A separate policy addresses violations by University employees. The University strongly encourages students and staff members to voluntarily obtain assistance for dependency or abuse problem before such behavior results in an arrest and/or disciplinary referral which might result in their separation from the institution. The use of, or addiction to, alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances is not considered an excuse for violations of the Student Conduct Code or staff expectations, and will not be a mitigating factor in the application of appropriate disciplinary sanctions for such violations. Help is available both on campus and within the community for students and staff members who are dependent on, or who abuse the use of alcohol or other drugs. The Drug and Alcohol Resource Center, Counseling Services and The Lexington Group, an employee assistance program and other professional agencies will maintain the confidentiality of persons seeking help for personal dependency and will not report them to institutional or state authorities. Provides educational and awareness programming, information, and assistance. The Drug and Alcohol Resource Center provides alcohol and other drug prevention programs and support and services to the campus community. Enforcement It is the University s intent to provide a drug free, healthy, safe and secure academic environment. The University seeks to uphold the drug and alcohol-related policies and laws and will impose disciplinary sanctions against students and employees who violate policies and laws consistent with local, state and federal law. Enforcement of the University s alcohol and drug policies is facilitated by University Police, the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs and the Office of Judicial Affairs and the Office of Human Resources for staff employees. All individuals are expected to observe the alcohol beverage laws of the State of Connecticut. The university strictly prohibits the use, consumption, possession and distribution of alcohol by any student under the age of 21 within University housing facilities, on campus grounds or at University sponsored events. Students found consuming or in possession of alcohol by Residence Life staff and University Police will face disciplinary sanctions and a referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs Students who use of alcohol or drugs results in harm or the threat of harm to themselves or others, or to property, regardless of the location of the incident, may face disciplinary action by the University up to and including expulsion.
As members of the University community, students are also subject to city ordinances and to state and federal law. Arrest and prosecution for alleged violations of criminal law or city ordinances may result from the same incident for which the University imposes disciplinary sanctions. Disciplinary Sanctions For Violation of Alcohol and Other Drug policy on campus: Policy Violation State of Connecticut laws on Alcohol and Drugs ( University Sanction-First Offense Typical Sanctions 2nd Offense Possession of Alcohol by a minor University Police issue infraction $136.00 fine 30 Day suspension of license Referral to Office of Judicial Affairs Referral to DARC for completion of College Alc-web based course Required to complete 3 education programs Referred to Judicial Affairs Office Referral to DARC services for completion of BASICS program Consumption of Alcohol and medical transport to the hospital for Alcohol and other Drug intoxication University Police evaluate and order transport by ambulance to Yale New haven Hospital Student referred to Office of Judicial Affairs Referral to DARC for evaluation and BASICS program Referral to Judicial Affairs Referral for evaluation to DARC and possible referral for treatment services Incident of Possession of Marijuana For Personal Use University Police issue infraction under Ct State law $150.00 ticket Referral to Office of Judicial Affairs Referral to DARC for BASICS program Referral to Office of Judicial Affairs for further disciplinary sanctions Possession of More Than One Ounce of Marijuana Handled by University police Arrest under state law Referral to Office of Judicial Affairs Referrals to Office of Judicial Affairs/possible suspension or expulsion Possession of Any Amount of "Hard" Drugs (Cocaine, PCP, etc.) Handled by University police under Ct State law Referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs for Disciplinary Sanctions Judicial Affairs/possible suspension/expulsion
Judicial Referrals of Students for 2013-2014/2014-2015 Student Referrals to BASICS 2013-2014 58 2014-2015 98 Student Referrals to College Alc 2013-2014 32 2014-2015 52 In July of 2011, the State of Connecticut passed a law decriminalizing marijuana use under an ounce which would result in a $150.00 infraction issued by University Police. Southern Connecticut State University saw an increase of sanctions and judicial referrals to BASICS and College Alc for the 2014-2015 year. The increase in student referrals may be indicative of an increase in enforcement of the state of Connecticut laws regarding underage drinking and marijuana use and the university s alcohol and drug policies. Good Samaritan Medical Amnesty Statement In an effort to foster responsible student behavior and to respect the health and welfare of all members of the SCSU community, if an individual or organization reaches out to a campus official seeking medical attention for him/herself or for another, the student or organization requesting assistance and the student requiring assistance may not be subject to the typical disciplinary sanctions for a violation of campus alcohol and drug policies, as long as the individuals or organizations comply with all assessments and follow-up required by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. This Good Samaritan Medical Amnesty Statement applies only to cases where there is a legitimate concern for a person s wellbeing as a result of excessive alcohol or drug use. Additional infractions occurring simultaneous to the alcohol or drug use (i.e., acts of vandalism, physical assault, disorderly conduct) will be adjudicated separately. If the student is involved in any subsequent or repeat incidents involving misuse of alcohol and other drugs, the situation will be evaluated by the Dean of Students Office to determine if the Good Samaritan Medical Amnesty Statement applies. Further, this statement applies only to campus disciplinary procedures and does not apply to local, state, and federal processes. Education and Prevention Programs for Sanctions Students and all students: Sanctions for students referred by the Office of Judicial Affairs include a referral to the Drug and Alcohol Resource Center for an evaluation and completion of one of the following educational programs. College Alc is a prevention online educational course that provides students with information about the effects of Alcohol on the body, moderation, determining pattern of use and health risks associated with long term use. BASICS is a brief intervention three session assessment and education program and assists students in exploring alcohol and marijuana use and desire to change behavior. Alcohol-E-Check up to Go(E-CHUG)-a personalized brief screening tool to assess alcohol use. Marijuana-E-Check up to Go(E-TOKE)-a personalized brief screening tool to assess marijuana use.
Employee Sanctions The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance by employees on University premises, or while conducting University business off University premises, is absolutely prohibited. Violations of this prohibition by employees may result in the application of sanctions, including possible required participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment under applicable Board of Regents and State Universities regulations, University policies, statues, employment contracts, or collective bargaining agreements. Counseling and Treatment Short term counseling, assessments and intervention services are available on campus to students through the Drug and Alcohol Resource Center and Counseling Services. Students may be referred through the DARC and Counseling Services to other treatment programs off campus for more intensive treatment. Through the office of Human Resources, The Lexington Group, an Employee Assistance Program offers employees additional education and counseling, as well as appropriate referrals. Within the New Haven County, the following substance abuse counseling agencies exist. The Connections Inc. 203-786-5316 APT Foundation, Inc. 203 781 4600 Affiliates for Consultation 203 562-4235 North side Community Outpatient Services 203 503 3470 Crossroads Inc. 203 821-3040 South Central Rehabilitation Center 203 503-3300 These agencies provide a variety of services which may include inpatient and outpatient substance abuse counseling, detoxification, residential and intensive outpatient programs, methadone maintenance and long term care. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact each agency for additional information regarding specific services and costs. Prevention and Education The Drug and Alcohol Resource Center, Counseling Services and the Health and Wellness Center offer a variety of individual; group and community educational programs and interventions designed to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug use/abuse and are offered to the Southern community. For more information concerning current programs, interventions and policies, contact Sarah Keiser, M.S,LADC, Coordinator of Alcohol and Drug programs at keisers3@southernct.edu or call 203 392 5087
On Campus Offices and Contact Information: Drug and Alcohol Resource Center 203 392 5087 Counseling Services Englman Hall B219 203 392 5475 Office of Judicial Affairs 203 392 6188 University Police Department 203 392 5475 The Office of Residence Life 203 392 5870 Dean of Students/Assistant VP of Student Affairs 203 392 5550 EAP Lexington Group Health and Wellness Center 203 392 6300 Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Training The University provides both mandatory and optional training and educational opportunities for students, staff and faculty. Resident Advisors receive training on an annual basis once a year in the fall on alcohol and other drug education, how to identify signs of an alcohol or drug problem, alcohol poisoning and referring a student who is in need of support services. All freshmen are required to take a freshman year experience course and University staff are invited in to present on alcohol and other drug education and on campus resources and supports available to students. Presentations are done for the athletic staff and athletic teams at the start of the academic year and any athlete found in violation of the University s drug testing policy is referred and required to complete the BASICS program. Freshman Orientation The Alcohol and Other Drug policy and information about campus resources and services are given to parents and families during freshman orientation and parent orientation sessions in June. All freshman are required to attend a new Owls weekend the weekend before the start of the fall semester and attend a program on alcohol and other drugs that also informs students about the alcohol and drug policies and resources and support services on campus Drug and Alcohol Resource Center The center provides intervention and prevention programs and brief counseling and support services to students on campus. The center implements programs/events through out the fall and spring semesters which aim to educate students on topics related to the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol and Drug Prevention programs and events: Fall 2013- Spring 2015 Alcohol Panel on Underage Drinking A panel of speakers from law enforcement and university staff to talk about risks of underage drinking Afternoon of Awareness Addiction Education Fair Annual education fair with agencies and organizations from the New Haven community Provide information and resources on treatment and recovery programs Mock Crash/Drinking and Driving Prevention Program Collaboration with University Police and local police Great American Smoke-out Program Collaboration with Wellness Office/Health Services
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week Program in residence halls/speakers from 12 step recovery groups National Alcohol Screening Day Alcohol Awareness Month Dope Day (Dangers of Pot Exposed) Risks associated with Marijuana Abuse 8 th Annual Alcohol Awareness Carnival-educational fair on alcohol Smack The Real Truth about Heroin Monday, February 23, 2015 6:30-8pm & Monday, March 2 nd 6-7:30pm A presentation on the risks associated with use of Heroin and Prescription Drugs Free T-shirts and information on support services and resources both on and off campus National Problem Gambling Awareness Month National Problem Gambling Awareness Week/March 2-6 th This year the DARC in collaboration with the CT Council on Problem Gambling will be hosting several programs during the week of March 2-6 th. Liz McCall from the Ct Council on Problem Gambling will speak on March 4 th at 11:30am in ASC, room 301 about the current legislation in CT around gambling, trends in Fantasy Sports leagues and how to keep gambling a risk free activity. She will further discuss what problem gambling means and what are some concerns for the college population March 4th-7pm Chase Hall Join us for Jeopardy game on Problem gambling Learn about gambling addiction, fantasy sports and college students March 4 th, 8pm Jeopardy game on Problem Gambling March 11 th 11-2pm ASC plaza level No Before You Go! Spring break fair on tips on how to be safe and healthy on spring break! Free food, games and information. Anonymous People Film and Documentary/speaker panel The Anonymous People, produced by filmmaker Greg Williams, is a feature documentary film about the more than 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. National Alcohol Screening Day-a free screening for students to assess alcohol use and receive information on treatment and support services both on and off campus Southern Vibes Carnival-an educational fair with activities to educate students on alcohol and other drugs
Evaluation of policies and program strengths: The institution provides clear and comprehensive guidelines for students and employees regarding its alcohol and drug policies and continues to maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace. The University has initiated a plan for the distribution of the policy to assure that both employees and students receive the notification of the policy on an annual basis. The University employs staff with appropriate training and licensure to address issues of alcohol and other drug use/abuse by students and staff in addition to contracting with third party vendors to provide employees with treatment services. The University staff continues to be a member of the Healthy Campus Statewide Initiative which supports campus level alcohol and other drug prevention efforts through trainings and workshops and grant funding opportunities. The University provides funding and resources for the Drug and Alcohol Resource Center to sustain services that provide educational programming, brief intervention services and training to students, staff and faculty. The University has approved and implemented a Good Samaritan Medical Amnesty Statement that encourages students to seek medical attention in the case of an alcohol or drug overdose. The University provides services and activities on campus to promote safety and to educate students on risk factors associated with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The Drug and Alcohol Resource center works in coordination with the Office of Judicial affairs to track the number of alcohol and drug violations/dean referrals each semester on campus. University Police track the number of alcohol and drug related offenses on a monthly basis and work in coordination with DARC and Judicial Affairs to ensure the safety of our students and staff/faculty. All maintenance employees are required to take a drug test at the time of hire as required of the university policy. The University provides students with a safe RIDES program through the Metro Taxi card and access to cab services for both residential and commuter students to decrease the risk of students driving under the influence. The Drug and Alcohol Resource Center provides education and training to resident life staff, athletic staff and student athletes and services to those students in violation of the institution s drug testing policy. The Drug and Alcohol Resource Center continues to build and strengthen relationships with community agencies and organizations offering treatment and support services to students within the community. The University has 12 step meetings on campus to support students in recovery.
The University conducts the Alcohol and Drug Core Survey every two years. The University has a Behavioral Intervention team that s meets weekly to identify at risk students needing services and access to resources. Evaluation of polices and program weaknesses Review further options for finding a method of distribution that ensures that all graduate students and undergraduate students who enroll after the fall semester and new faculty receive the policies on an annual basis. Increase awareness among employees and all staff about the availability of EAP services and off campus treatment services. Ensure that all students receive the Drug-free policy on an annual basis by electronic mail in addition to the student handbook. Assess the need and funding for an online alcohol education course like Alcohol EDU mandated for all incoming freshman and integrated into freshman year experience course. Recommendations 1. Establish a presidential-appointed Biennial review committee to include faculty and staff and students to assess policies and alcohol and drug prevention programs 2. Faculty-Senate appoints a faculty member to serve on the biennial review committee. 3. Implement Alcohol EDU or a similar web based alcohol education program for all incoming freshman students at the start of the fall semester or during student orientation. 4. Continued review of the Alcohol and Drug Policies for both students and employees. 5. To identify a more secure method of distribution that can ensure all students, faculty and staff receive the university s policy on alcohol and other drug misuse and abuse, in accordance with the Federal Drug Free Schools Act and the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act.