Alcohol & Other Drug Policy
St. Edward’s University

Introduction

Alcohol abuse is the primary national public health issue on college campuses across America.  In response, the university has taken several measures to provide resources to the campus community.  In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, we are providing information that would beneficial to students. 

Below there is the St. Edward’s University policy on alcohol and other drugs as well as Texas State Laws.  Moreover, you will find educational resources about alcohol and others drugs including risks related to prescription drug misuse, how to recognize a problem with alcohol, and how to avoid the hazards related to substance abuse.  There are also a variety of university services available to students to answer general questions about counseling and treatment options, online resources, and knowing what to do in the case of an emergency.  Lastly, you can find information about alcohol and other drug related sanctions for violations to the alcohol and other drug policy.

1. State & University Standards
   1. Alcohol: St. Edward's University encourages the responsible use of alcohol. Service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is to be complimentary to an event, and under no circumstances should an event have the consumption of alcohol as its primary focus. The following are the policies and procedures governing the use of alcohol at St. Edward's University. Both were formulated in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas restricting the possession and consumption of alcohol to persons who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older. The responsible and legal consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons twenty-one (21) years of age or older on the campus of St. Edward's University is restricted to the following areas and conditions:
      1. In the rooms of the five residence halls (Doyle, East, Teresa, Dujarie and Basil Moreau) and in the university apartments, provided that no under-age students are present
      2. In the private residence on campus, which is currently St. Joseph Hall
      3. In the Meadows Coffeehouse in the Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center
      4. At any special event for which the director of auxiliary services has issued an alcohol permit. A permit will not be issued for events (dances, entertainers, residence hall events) which have historically attracted significant numbers of traditional students under twenty-one (21) years of age. Kegs are not permitted.
      5. Food and non-alcoholic alternative beverages must be provided.
      6. Those serving alcohol need to be at least 21 years old.
   2. Illegal Drug: Possessing, distributing or selling illegal drugs as defined by state and federal laws is against University policy. Students who choose to violate the illegal drug policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. Sanctions may include removal from on-campus living and/or suspension or expulsion from the University. The following situations are violations of the illegal drug policy.
      1. Possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs,
      2. Possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, or
      3. Present when an illegal drug violation occurs.
   3. Texas State Law: Part of the University Alcohol Policy includes the alcoholic beverage laws. These laws are enforced by the University Police Department. The laws that are of greatest concern to the St. Edward's University community are:
      1. Driving while Intoxicated
      2. Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
      3. Possession of False Identification
      4. Consumption of Alcohol By a Minor
      5. Purchase of or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
      6. Driving Under Influence of Alcohol by a Minor
      7. Public Intoxication
      8. Possession of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
      9. Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
      10. Possession of Marijuana
      11. Delivery of Marijuana
2. Education – Alcohol & Illegal Drugs
   1. Alcohol & Health: In the US, approximately 5 to 10% of the population develops alcohol dependence, a brain disease that can lead to death. Although some drinkers are at greater risk for alcohol dependence than others such as those with a genetic predisposition, no one is exempt from the potential to develop an alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the University encourages all students to periodically seek a brief alcohol assessment using e-CHUG (www.stedwards.edu/counsel/e-CHUG.htm), which is a confidential internet resource. Students will be able to determine how alcohol may be impacting their life by distinguishing among alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and dependency.
      1. Safe Alcohol Use: When a person is using alcohol, he or she drinks in moderation, ensures that the focus of the evening is something other than the alcohol itself, and does not drink with the sole purpose of getting intoxicated. Moreover, a person who is using alcohol works to maintain a safe Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC < .06), and experiences no substance related harm.
      2. Alcohol Misuse: The consumption of alcohol in a manner that contributes to harm of the individual, others in their lives, or the wider community is considered alcohol misuse. However, a person may avoid many of the hazards associated with high-risk alcohol use.
      3. Alcohol Abuse: Within a 12-month period, alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following circumstances including failure to fulfill major responsibilities, drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, or continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
      4. Alcohol Dependency: An individual becomes physically dependent on a substance he or she experiences cravings and a compulsion to use it. If he or she does not use the substance, he or she will experience withdrawal. People who are dependent on alcohol are pre-occupied with the use of the substance, and its use becomes a daily/weekly priority. Students who are alcohol dependent often schedule only late classes, lose the ability to predict how much they are going to drink in a given evening (lack of self-control), experience frequent blackouts, sneak drinks in order to hide how much they actually consume from close friends and family, drink before going out (pre-game), and develop/maintain a high tolerance. In addition, any efforts employed to cut down on drinking are unsuccessful. Although many dependent students feel as though his or her drinking problems will cease with graduation from college, such individuals are often sadly mistaken. Dependency is a serious medical problem that requires time, diligence, and support to overcome.
   2. Moderation vs. Heavy Drinking: Most students who choose to drink should do so in moderation because risks to the health and safety of self and others increase as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases. Additionally, heavy drinking causes multiple physical problems, especially in the brain and digestive system, because alcohol is toxic to the body. Both periodic and chronic heavy drinking is associated with academic, social, and health problems.
      1. Academic problems include class absenteeism, poor performance on major projects and exams as well as inattentiveness.
      2. Social problems include unhealthy relationships, sexual victimization, isolation, arguments, and fights.
      3. Health problems include accidental injury and the consequences of unprotected and other forms of high-risk sex behavior.
   3. Tolerance: Contrary to popular notions, tolerance actually impairs an individual’s ability to enjoy the positive, low dosage effects of alcohol.  Tolerance can be artificially manipulated by periodic or chronic drinking, which involves the consumption of increasing amounts of alcohol to receive the same effects.  With increased tolerance, the euphoria experienced is lowered and an individual will show fewer signs of intoxication.  Consequently, a person with high tolerance will be impaired without showing the typical signs of intoxication. Generally, if drinking stops, the person's body will revert to the tolerance level in existence when alcohol was consumed for the first time.
   4. Point of Diminishing Returns: Levels below the “point of diminishing return” reflect low dosages of alcohol (BAC < .06) that produce positive feelings through reduced inhibition, relaxation, slowed thinking, and a mild stimulating “buzz” or euphoria.  Alcohol is a depressant to the central nervous system, which causes the feeling of euphoria that most people expect from appropriate use.
   5. Beyond the Point of Diminishing Returns: The negative depressant effects of alcohol intensify as BAC rises above .06 producing fatigue, impairment of coordination, increase in reaction time, diminished sensory perception, impaired judgment while simultaneously erasing the positive, low-dosage effects. Intoxication is involved in a majority of violent student behaviors, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, and fights as well as a majority of vehicular accidents.
   6. Legally Intoxicated: In Texas and most other states, a BAC of .08 or above is considered legally intoxicated.
   7. Alcohol Blackout: If a student’s BAC rises above .15, he or she can pass out and/or experience a memory loss (blackout) the next day. While passed out, a drinker can die from choking on his or her vomit. Breathing will slow as the central nervous system becomes increasingly sedated. Another common experience is called “brownout,” which is a state when the person has consumed enough alcohol to past drunk and remembers everything. However, they are so intoxicated that they cannot control their behavior.
   8. Alcohol Poisoning: If BAC rises above .30, the drinker is at serious risk of alcohol poisoning from respiratory failure. An intoxicated person is also at risk for death if the following occurs:
      1. Cannot be awakened and/or passes out,
      2. Cold, clammy, bluish or unusually pale skin,
      3. Breathes slowly (less than 8 times per minute) or irregularly (more than 10 seconds between breaths), or
      4. Vomits while asleep/passed out and does not awaken.
   9. Illegal Drug Use: Marijuana, hashish, non-medical prescription, cocaine, hallucinogenic (i.e., ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms) and inhalant (i.e., aerosols, gasoline, paint) drugs, and heroine rank as the most popular illegal drugs in America.  Oftentimes, there are no warning labels or little consideration is given to the hazards of illegal drugs.  Nonetheless, illegal drug use is a major public health concern impacting quality of life, resulting in absenteeism, poor academic performance, and suspension.  A variety of symptoms include euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, visual hallucinations, illusions, drowsiness, respiratory depression, slow reaction time, impaired judgment, and death among several others. The university encourages all students to periodically seek a brief marijuana assessment using e-TOKE (www.stedwards.edu/counsel/e-TOKE.htm), which is a confidential internet resource.
      1. Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed.
      2. Drug abuse and dependence: Drug dependence is compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences which can be severe; drug abuse is simply excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes for which it was not medically intended. Physical dependence is not necessary to define addiction. Some substances can cause addiction but do cause dependence and some substances that cause addiction but not dependence.
   10. Prescription Drug Misuse: Although most use medicine as directed, so addiction rarely occurs among those who use medicine as prescribed.  However, abuse of and addiction to prescription drugs and pain medications are public health problems for many Americans.  The risk for addiction exists when drugs are used in ways other than as prescribed.
       1. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Medications: The current ADHD medications are Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and Strattera. Researchers have concluded that ADHD medications metabolize too slowly to be habit-forming.  In spite of this, non-medical use of ADHD medications as “gateway drugs” can turn into use of legal or street drugs. The small percentages of students who are likely to abuse or to sell prescribed stimulants also tend to have other substance use or conduct disorders. Moreover, research findings suggest an alarming level of non-medical use of ADHD medication has lead to life-threatening consequences such as heart attack or stroke.
       2. Opiate withdrawal: A class of drugs called opiates includes morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, and others. Withdrawal is caused by stopping or greatly reducing use of an opiate after heavy and prolonged use. When stopped, the body needs time to recover, and withdrawal symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur when use is discontinued.
       3. Opioid intoxication: Opium and its derivatives, which include morphine, oxycodone, and the synthetic opioid narcotics, can generate an abnormal mental state.  Intoxication is generally characterized by excessive sleepiness or unconsciousness depending on the degree of intoxication, which is usually associated with respiratory depression and small pupils.
   11. In Case of Emergency: As a member of the University community, anyone who recognizes that a student is in danger should call 911 to request assistance. If the call is placed from campus, students should call the University Police Department (x8444). Police officers can direct Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to the proper location as quickly as possible.
3. University Services
   1. Counseling & Consultation Center: Counseling staff offer a variety of services and resources to students that include the following:
      1. Anonymous, online alcohol use assessment and feedback through its web site (http://www.stedwards.edu/counsel/alcohol_education.htm) for those who desire a brief alcohol assessment or are concerned about their alcohol and other drug use;
      2. Confidential consultations with a counselor for those who desire an alcohol assessment or who are concerned about their own alcohol use or that of a friend or family member;
      3. Confidential counseling concerning alcohol use;
      4. Referrals to off-campus specialists, support groups, outpatient and inpatient services for the treatment of alcohol dependence;
      5. Educational materials and programs for educational campaigns, classes and student groups;
      6. As a resource to the campus community, the University Police Department has Certified Mental Health Officers who collaborate with Counseling Center staff to respond to mental health crises.
   2. Campus Ministry: Clergy and other ministerial staff provide pastoral care through an array of opportunities addressing alcohol and other drug problems and leading students to recovery support and healing.
   3. Residential Life: Staff members address residents’ concerns and make appropriate referrals related to the negative effects of alcohol use, including interpersonal conflicts, vandalism, and health concerns.
   4. Student Health Services: Professionals treat injuries and illnesses associated with alcohol use and refer students who may have problems related to alcohol use to the Counseling & Consultation Center or an off-campus specialist for assessment and treatment, if needed.
   5. AOD Task Force: The Director of Alcohol & Other Drug Education coordinates and collaborates with members of the Alcohol & Other Drug Task Force to periodically review University policies, sanctions, educational initiatives, and treatment efforts related to alcohol and other drugs.
4. Statement of Sanctions
   1. Alcohol Sanctions: A student who engages in misconduct is subject to one or more of the following sanctions:
      1. Verbal or written reprimand outlining behavior and associated concern.
      2. Restitution, which may take the form of monetary compensation or of appropriate community service to repair or otherwise compensate for damage.
      3. Disciplinary probation. A specified period of time and review of behavior, including terms appropriate to the violation, during which the student must demonstrate compliance with the University regulations and the terms of the probationary period.
      4. Suspension from the university. During the period of suspension, the student is prohibited from entering the university campus or facilities under control or jurisdiction of the university without prior written approval from the dean of students or his/her designee.
      5. Expulsion from the university. Student cannot earn or accumulate St. Edward's credit. If the suspension or expulsion occurs during the semester, no credit will be awarded to that semester and incomplete grades will not be allowed.
      6. Educational sanctions- examples include but are not limited to: attending an educational program or class, creating an educational poster, writing a reflective essay, or hosting a residence hall program
      7. Community service
      8. Loss of Privileges:
         1. Prohibited for a specified amount of time from attending certain university functions or activities.
         2. Restricted from entering certain university buildings and using university facilities.
         3. Ineligible to hold an elected position on campus.
         4. Prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on campus. (must be approved by Chief of Police)
         5. Loss of on-campus employment.
         6. Residential transfer- Reassigning a student from one residence hall to a different residence hall or apartment
         7. Loss of housing eligibility for a specific amount of time.
         8. Loss of housing eligibility.
         9. No contact agreement –limiting contact between student and another student, faculty or staff member. At the request of a student, and after investigation by the Dean of Students, or his/her designee, a no contact agreement may be enforced between the above parties. These agreements are for a designated period of time. No contact means that while the accused and/or the complaint are on University property, or at any activity or event associated with the University, the accused may not attempt to communicate with the complainant. Communication includes talking with, attempting to talk with, touching, staring at, writing to, attempting telephone or electronic contact (e.g. email, fax, and pager), and/or any other form of contact of any kind.
   2. Texas State Law Summary of Penalties (Penalties shown above are based on language contained in applicable Texas statutes and are subject to change at any time by the Legislature and the Governor.)
      1. Alcohol
         1. Underage: It is illegal for someone under the age of 21 to possess, purchase, and attempt to purchase, or consume alcohol.
            1. First offense: Alcohol awareness course, community service, a 30-day suspension of driver's license, and up to a $500 fine.
            2. Repeat offenses: Automatic suspension of driver's license, up to a $2,000 fine, and 180 days in jail. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of the judge.
            3. Parental Involvement: A parent must appear in court for any alcohol charges filed against a minor under 21 years of age.
         2. Driving while intoxicated (DWI): If under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
            1. A first offense results in up to a $500 fine, 40 community service hours, alcohol awareness course, and 60d-day suspension of driver's license.
            2. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of the judge.
         3. False identification: Similar to a DWI, a student can receive up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, community service hours, and one year suspension of driver's license.
         4. Providing alcohol to a minor: $4,000 fine and/or one year in jail.
         5. Legal intoxication & Driving: A BAC of .08 is the legal limit; however, students may be cited for impaired driving due to alcohol regardless of BAC.
            1. Refusal to take a blood or breath test to measure BAC can result in a 180-day driver's license suspension.
            2. A first offense results in up to a $2,000 fine, 180 days in jail and driver's license suspension up to one year.
            3. Repeat offenses may result in up to a $10,000 fine, 10 years in penitentiary and 2 years driver's license suspension.
      2. Illegal Drugs
         1. Possession of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
            1. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $10,000 and confinement in jail for a term of not more than two years or less than 180 days
            2. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $250,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than fifteen years
         2. Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
            1. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $10,000 and confinement in jail for a term of not more than two years or less than 180 days
            2. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $250,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than fifteen years
         3. Possession of Marijuana
            1. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days
            2. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $250,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than five years
         4. Delivery of Marijuana
            1. Minimum: A fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days
            2. Maximum: A fine not to exceed $100,000 and imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 nor less than ten years