Alcohol / Drug Policies

Student Policy Statement

The University has established the following policy with regard to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) to ensure that it meets its obligation to students, employees, funding sources and the community. The goal of this policy is to balance our respect for students with the need to maintain a safe, productive and drug-free environment. The intent of this policy is to offer compassion and aid for students suffering from alcohol and other drug problems, to protect the University community and to send a clear message that students are expected to obey the law and take personal responsibility for their conduct.

Stritch is committed to maintaining campus-wide alcohol and other drug prevention and early intervention programs. The University expects its students, faculty and staff to share responsibility for campus-wide prevention and early intervention efforts through education, research and community outreach as well as AOD-free activities. Early intervention programs have been designed to assist with the early identification of AOD problems and to help in selecting appropriate solutions and/or referrals.

It is illegal to possess, use, sell, manufacture, trade, or distribute illicit drugs on University premises. Illicit drugs are all illegal drugs and prescription drugs not prescribed for the student. It is also illegal for students under 21 to possess or use alcohol. Alcohol is only permitted on campus for legal-age students at University sanctioned events where a permit has been obtained or in residence hall rooms of students of legal age, where no underage students are present. The University enforces a "no use" policy for students under 21 and encourages responsible use of alcohol for those of legal drinking age who choose to drink.

Academic University Sponsored Events 

1. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during the program/activity portion of any educational field trip or while in transit to/from the campus.
2. Security and/or law enforcement personnel will be contacted for students who exhibit disruptive/abusive behavior while on Stritch property, while at Stritch instructional sites or while attending any Stritch-sponsored activity.

Student Standards of Conduct Related to Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) 

1. No use, possession, sale, manufacture, trade or distribution of alcohol, drug paraphernalia or illicit drugs is permitted. The only exception is responsible use of alcohol for legal drinking-age individuals either:
   • at a University-sanctioned event where a permit has been obtained, or
   • in a legal-age student's residence hall room when no underage persons are present.
2. It is a violation of the policy for a student to report to the University classroom/clinical site/or controlled facilities with the presence of alcohol or illegal drugs in his/her body.
3. If a student is taking prescribed medication that will affect the student's ability to perform his/her work, the instructor should be notified. Prescription drugs are to be used only by the person for whom the prescription was written.
4. Students who drink on or off campus and exhibit irresponsible behavior (i.e. public disturbances, danger to self or others, destruction of property, alcohol-related sickness or inability to care for oneself) will be subject to sanctions.
5. The University staff and concerned persons reserve the right to call 911 in cases of suspected alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, or when an individual is unconscious, or is perceived to be a danger to self or others. Individuals receiving medical treatment will be responsible for the costs incurred.
6. Kegs, tappers, beer bongs, or drug paraphernalia are not permitted on University property.
7. No person shall provide assistance to a student under the age of 21 in obtaining access to alcohol. This includes, but is not limited to, purchasing or providing alcohol, transferring or storing alcohol, or providing with an ID card intended to deceive others.
8. No open containers are permitted in public areas (hallway, lounges, etc.) without a permit. For student sponsored events, special permission may be sought through the associate dean of students for consumption of alcoholic beverages by legal-age students at the site of the event.
9. Students of legal drinking age may drink only in a room of a legal-aged student. No person may drink or bring alcohol in to the room of an underage student.
10. No underage person can be present in a room where alcohol is being consumed even if the underage person is not drinking.
11. It is against state law and University policy to misrepresent one's age and/or falsify one's identification card. All altered or "fake" identification cards (driver's license, school ID card, etc.) will be confiscated by University representatives and/or be subject to police referral. Additionally, individuals who provide others with false identification are subject to disciplinary action by the University and/or referral to the police.
12. Residence hall and Coventry apartment students are responsible for their behavior and for that of their guests. Students may be sanctioned for their own inappropriate drinking and that of their guests. Residence hall and Coventry guests violating the policy who are Stritch students will also be sanctioned for their violations. Uncooperative guests may have their guest privileges revoked, and will be referred to security or the police if they refuse to leave peaceably.
13. Residence hall staff retain the right to inspect students' rooms and Coventry apartments and property if suspicion of illegal activity exists. Likewise, the dean of students reserves the right to inspect commuter lockers and other University property if suspicion of illegal activities exists. Suspicion may be generated by odor, loud noise, observable drugs, alcohol or drug paraphernalia and/or other evidence of drug usage and will result in confiscation of such materials. In the event of an alcohol incident, all empty containers in the student's room may be considered as evidence that usage has occurred. For further details regarding the process for room inspection, please see the Residence Hall Handbook or Coventry lease.

Alcohol Sanctions Students are expected to follow Wisconsin state laws and University policies relating to alcohol use. When students fail to meet this responsibility, serious consequences will result that may affect one's status as a student. Depending on the circumstances, the local police may be contacted. Parents will be contacted for second, third, and fourth offense alcohol violations and may be contacted in the case of first offense as well.

The following procedures are designed to handle cases of alleged misconduct in fairness to all concerned. After receiving a written invitation, the student will arrange a meeting with a hearing officer; either the associate dean of students, the director of Academic Counseling, or in the case of a residence hall student, the director of Residence Life. Students who have violated the alcohol policy will receive disciplinary action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, probation, community service, educational assignments and substance abuse screening. Specific sanctions will be based upon the nature of the incident, the impact of the incident on self and others, any prior violations of the Student Conduct Code, and the student's cooperation in resolving the situation.

Students who have violated the alcohol policy are required to meet with the director of Counseling Services for an initial assessment, according to the timetable established by the hearing officer. Depending on the results of the initial assessment, interventions may include a substance abuse screening inventory, alcohol abuse prevention/education sessions, and/or other counseling interventions that are determined to be appropriate for each individual situation. Costs for the initial assessment, and any outside referrals, are the responsibility of the student.

Repeated violations, or a single violation that causes significant disruption of the community, can result in suspension or expulsion from the residence hall and/or the University. Students who do not complete the assigned sanctions within the designated time period may also be suspended or expelled from the residence hall and/or University.

Alcohol sanctions remain on a student's disciplinary record. The accumulation of four alcohol violations will result in a suspension or expulsion from University housing and/or the University.

1. Confiscation and disposal of all alcoholic beverages in student’s possession by a University staff member who will then document the incident and notify the Associate Dean of Students and the Director of Residence Life of the policy violation. Depending on the circumstances, the University may contact local police.
2. After receiving notification of a policy violation the Associate Dean of Students or Director of Residence Life will contact, in writing, those involved in the situation. Students will be instructed to arrange a meeting with the appropriate University official in a timely manner as specified by the written notification.
3. Arrange for an assessment with Counseling Services within three days of meeting with a University official. When meeting with the appropriate University official to discuss the incident, students will sign an Authorization for Release of Information form in order for the University to verify completion of these sessions with Counseling Services.  A meeting with Counseling Services may also include an additional referral to a licensed AODA community agency for further assessment and/or rehabilitation. Students will also be responsible for the cost of assessment as well as the completion of any assignments or recommendations as determined by Counseling Services.
4. Possible notification of parent or guardian.

1. Confiscation and disposal of all alcoholic beverages in student’s possession by a University staff member who will then document the incident and notify the Associate Dean of Students and the Director of Residence Life of the policy violation. Depending on the circumstances, the University may contact local police.
2. After receiving notification of a policy violation the Associate Dean of Students or Director of Residence Life will contact, in writing, those involved in the situation.  Students will be instructed to arrange a meeting with the appropriate University official in a timely manner as specified by the written notification.
3. Arrange for an appointment with Counseling Services within three days of meeting with a University official.  When meeting with the appropriate University official to discuss the incident, students will sign an Authorization for Release of Information form in order for the University to verify completion of these sessions with Counseling Services.  A meeting with Counseling Services may include an additional assessments and referrals.  Students will be responsible for the cost of any assessment as well as the completion of any assignments or recommendations as determined by Counseling Services. 
4. Fine of $25 to be used for residence hall improvements.
5. A minimum of 3 hours community sanction time as determined by the Director of Residence Life and/or Associate Dean of Students.
6. Automatic notification of parent or guardian.

1. Confiscation and disposal of all alcoholic beverages in student’s possession by a University staff member who will then document the incident and notify the Associate Dean of Students and the Director of Residence Life of the policy violation.  Depending on the circumstances, the University may contact local police.
2. After receiving notification of a policy violation the Associate Dean of Students or Director of Residence Life will contact, in writing, those involved in the situation. Students will be instructed to arrange a meeting with the appropriate University official in a timely manner as specified by the written notification.
3. Arrange for an appointment with Counseling Services within three days of meeting with a University official.  When meeting with the appropriate University official to discuss the incident, students will sign an Authorization for Release of Information form in order for the University to verify completion of these sessions with Counseling Services.  A meeting with Counseling Services may include an additional assessments and referrals.  Students will be responsible for the cost of any assessment as well as the completion of any assignments or recommendations as determined by Counseling Services. 
4. Fine of $50 to be used for residence hall improvements.
5. A minimum of 6 hours community sanction time as determined by the Director of Residence Life and/or Associate Dean of Students.
6. Automatic notification of parent or guardian.
7. University disciplinary probation status.

1. Automatic suspension or expulsion from Clare Hall if a resident student.
2. Additional disciplinary action as determined by the Associate Dean of Students in the case of non-resident students.
3. Automatic notification of parent or guardian.

Drug Policies

Misconduct: Use, possession, sale, manufacture, trade or distribution of drug paraphernalia or illicit drugs. Illicit drugs are all illegal drugs and prescription drugs not prescribed for the student.

Students who are responsible for a drug violation will face the following penalties. Additional sanctions will be levied depending on accompanying behavior. These penalties are cumulative for the student's academic career at the University. Under most circumstances, the University will contact local police. All drugs and/or drug paraphernalia will be confiscated by the police.

Students who do not follow through with assigned sanctions may be suspended or expelled from the residence hall and/or University.

A. Drug Paraphernalia

First Offense
For possession of drug paraphernalia:

1. Notification of University security and possible referral to local Police.
2. A minimum penalty of probation in the residence hall and/or University.
3. Within one business day of the incident arrange a meeting with the associate dean of students, the director of Academic Counseling, or, in the event of a residence hall violation, the director of Residence Life.
4. Arrange for an appointment, within one business day from the aforementioned meeting, with University Counseling Services. Prior to the appointment, students will sign a release-of-information form with the hearing officer to verify that they followed through on the appointment and the subsequent recommendations. This may also include an additional referral to a licensed AODA community agency for further assessment at the student's expense. Students are expected to follow through with any recommendations.
5. The student will also be required to participate in an alcohol and drug educational skill-building program. The format will be decided by Counseling Services.
6. $25 for course/assessment materials.
7. Participation in a random drug screening program at the student's expense.

Second Offense 

1. Referral to local police.
2. Within one business day of the incident, the student will arrange a meeting with a hearing officer; either the associate dean of students, the director of Academic Counseling, or in the case of a residence hall student, the director of Residence Life.
3. Suspension or expulsion from the residence Hall and/or University.
4. Students who are not removed from the University will be required to meet with the director of Counseling Services, according to the timetable established by the hearing officer.
5. Prior to the appointment, students will sign a release-of-information form with the hearing officer to verify that they followed through on the appointment and the subsequent recommendations.
6. Students will receive a mandatory referral for an AODA assessment by a licensed agency at the student's expense. This must be completed by a timeframe established in conjunction with the director of Counseling Services, who will facilitate the referral. Students will sign a release of information form with the director of Counseling Services to verify that they followed through on the appointment and the subsequent recommendations.
7. Any student allowed to continue at the University after a second paraphernalia violation will need to submit to random drug testing at the student's expense for a period of one calendar year while enrolled in classes or participating in University-sponsored activities. Students who test positive for drugs will be suspended or expelled from the residence hall and/or University.

B. Possession and/or Use of Drugs

First Offense

1. Referral to local law enforcement agency.
2. Within one business day of the incident, arrange a meeting with a hearing officer; either the associate dean of students, director of academic counseling or, in the case of a residence hall student, the director of residence life.
3. Probation and/or suspension or expulsion from the residence hall and/or University.
4. Any student who is not dismissed from the University after a drug violation, will need to submit to random drug testing at the student's expense for a period of one calendar year while enrolled in classes. Students who test positive for drugs will be suspended or expelled from the residence hall and/or University.
5. A student who is permitted to continue at the university will arrange for an appointment with, or referral from, the University Counseling department. This will also include an additional referral to a licensed AODA community agency for further assessment at the student's expense. Students are expected to follow through with any recommendations. Students will sign appropriate release of information forms to verify that they have completed their responsibilities.
6. The student will be expected to participated in a drug education program or one-on-one counseling, to be determined by the Counseling Department.
7. $25 for course/assessment materials

Second Offense -- Possession and/or Use of Drugs

• Immediate referral to local law enforcement agency and automatic suspension or expulsion from the University.

C. Sale, Manufacture, or Distribution of Drugs

Any student found to be selling, manufacturing, distributing, or facilitating the sale of drugs will be immediately referred to a local law enforcement agency and receive an automatic expulsion from the university.

Intervention for a Suspected AOD Problem

Intervention

Counseling Services staff are available to assist with planning/implementing an intervention. It is the responsibility of the instructor or professional staff member to confront a student whenever changes in performance or behavior suggest a student has an AOD problem. Although it is not the job of the instructor to diagnose the student's problem, the instructor should encourage such a student to seek help by contacting the Counseling Department on the main campus, the regional director of Academic Counseling in the regions, or seeking the assistance of a licensed AODA facility.

Treatment

After assessment, if treatment is deemed necessary, the student is referred to a recognized agency for rehabilitation.

1. The Counseling Department or director of Academic Counseling will assist in making appropriate treatment arrangements.
2. A student in rehabilitation may be permitted to continue class attendance.
3. If in-patient treatment for a student is deemed necessary by the assessment agency, arrangements will be made for leave time on a case by case basis in cooperation with the vice president for student development/dean of students.
4. If there is evidence of continued use of alcohol/drugs, such use shall be addressed through the student code of conduct.

Evaluation

The student will be regularly evaluated for symptoms of continued use. This may include alcohol and other drug testing.

1. Follow-up sessions will be coordinated by those persons responsible for the initial intervention.
2. Nothing in these procedures abrogates other established University policies and procedures for dismissal.

Health Effects of Alcohol and Other DrugsThe following is a partial list of drugs and related consequences of their use. This list includes only some of the known risks and not all legal or illegal drugs are covered.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug on campus and in society. Alcohol is chemically classified as a mind-altering drug because it contains ethanol and has the chemical power to depress the action of the central nervous system. This depression affects motor coordination, speech and vision. In great amounts, it can affect respiration and heart rate control. Death can result with high levels of blood alcohol. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, malnutrition and cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol is associated with academic and social problems such as sexual assault, violence, homicide and vandalism.

Cocaine and Crack

Cocaine and crack stimulate the central nervous system and are extremely addictive. They can cause psychological and physical dependency that can lead to increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, paranoia and seizures. They can also cause death by disrupting the brain's control of the heart and respiration.

Depressants and Barbiturates

Depressants such as Rohypnol and barbiturates such as Seconal and Nembutal can cause physical and psychological dependence that can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death, especially when used in concert with alcohol; withdrawal can lead to restlessness, insomnia, convulsions and even death. Depressants such as Rohypnol and GHB are sometimes dropped into open drinks of unsuspecting students resulting in unconsciousness and subsequent rape. Some body building supplements are metabolized into GHB also resulting in unconsciousness.

Ecstasy/MDMA

Ecstasy is a synthetic psychoactive drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. Ecstasy (MDMA) users may encounter problems similar to those experienced by cocaine users. Its psychological effects can include confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety and paranoia during, and sometimes weeks after, taking the drug.

MDMA use damages brain serotonin neurons. Serotonin is thought to play a role in regulating mood, memory, sleep and appetite. Research indicates that heavy MDMA use causes persistent memory problems in humans. Recent research has also shown that even one time use can trigger a neurological sequence that causes permanent memory disturbance.

Physical effects can include muscle tension, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure are a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease.

MDMA-related fatalities at raves have been reported. The stimulant effects of the drug, combined with the hot, crowded conditions usually found at raves can lead to dehydration, hypothermia, and heart or kidney failure.

Hallucinogens

LSD, PCP, mescaline and peyote are classified as hallucinogens. Hallucinogens interrupt brain messages that control the intellect and keep instincts in check. Large doses can produce convulsions and coma, heart and lung failure. Chronic users complain of persistent memory problems and speech difficulties for up to a year after their use. Because the drugs stop the brain's pain sensors, drug experiences may result in severe self-inflicted injuries.

Marijuana and Hashish

Marijuana and hashish are deleterious to the health and impair the short-term memory and comprehension of the user. They alter the sense of time and reduce the ability of the user to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination; they increase the heart rate and appetite. Motivation and cognition can be altered, making acquisition and retention of new information difficult. Long-term users may develop psychological dependence that can produce paranoia and psychosis. Because this drug is inhaled as unfiltered smoke, it is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system and has more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.

Narcotics

Users of narcotics, such as heroin, codeine, morphine and opium, develop dependence and increase the likelihood of an overdose that can lead to convulsions, coma and death.

Stimulants and Amphetamines

Stimulants and amphetamines such as Dexidrine and Ritalin can have the same effect as cocaine and cause increased heart rates and blood pressure that can result in stroke or heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness, sleeplessness, anxiety and physical collapse. Use can also lead to psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia.

Tobacco

Nicotine is highly addictive, whether ingested by smoking or chewing. This drug reaches the brain in six seconds, damages the lungs, decreases heart strength and is associated with many cancers. The withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, progressive restlessness, irritability and sleep disturbance.

• Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator/Director of Counseling -- (414) 410-4095.
• Dean of Students -- (414) 410-4183
• Associate Dean of Students (414) 410-4186
• Director of Residence Life -- (414) 410-4504
• Assistant Director of Residence Life -- (414) 410-4503
• Campus Minister – Director -- (414) 410-4150
• Campus Minister -- (414) 410-4165
• Campus Priest  -- (414) 410-4151
• College of Business and Management Directors
  of Academic Counseling
  Wisconsin -- (414) 410-4442
  Minnesota -- (800) 878-7482

• Addiction Resource Council -- (262) 524-7921
• Alcoholics Anonymous -- (414) 771-9119
• Milwaukee County Mental Health Crisis Hotline -- (414) 257-7222
• Ozaukee Council, Inc. -- (262) 375-1110
• Racine Council on Alcohol &  Drug Abuse -- (414) 632-6200

Selected Treatment Agencies

Milwaukee Area

• Aurora Behavioral Health Center -- (414) 219-5000
• Aurora Psychiatric Hospital -- (414) 454-6600
• Community Information Line -- (414) 773-0211
• Genesis Behavioral Services, Inc. (24 hrs.) -- (414) 342-6200
• Lutheran Social Services Outpatient -- (414) 645-8525
• Meta House -- (414) 962-1200
• Milwaukee County Mental Health -- (414) 257-6995
• Southeastern Wisconsin Medical and Social Services -- (262) 695-1728
• St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee -- (262) 243-7300

Madison Area

• Bureau of Substance Abuse Services  -- (608) 266-2717
• Lutheran Social Services -- (608) 277-0610
• Prevention and Intervention Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse -- (608) 246-7600

Appleton Area

• Fox Valley Pastoral Counseling Center -- (920) 739-9319
• Lutheran Social Services -- (920) 734-9171

Green Bay Area

• American Foundation of Counseling Services -- (920) 437-8256

Beloit Area

• Lutheran Social Services -- (608) 362-6629

Janesville Area

• Lutheran Social Services -- (608) 752-7660

• Lutheran Social Services -- (715) 842-5577

• Alcoholics Anonymous -- (952) 922-0880
• Al-Anon -- (952) 920-3961
• Fairview Recovery Service (Drug/Alcohol) --                      (612) 672-2222/ (800) 231-2234
• Hazelden -- (763) 509-3873/ (800) 257-7800
• Metropolitan Chemical Health Assessment -- (952) 888-7010
• Sexual Violence Center (612) 871-5111
• Allina Behavioral Health (Psychotherapy) -- (651) 221-0233
• Minneapolis Psychiatric Institute (Chemical Dependency) -- (612) 863-5327
• Fairview Behavioral Services -- (612) 672-6600