Alcohol and Drug Abuse
POLICY STATEMENT
In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Delta State University is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
DEFINITIONS
Student: includes all persons enrolled at the University whether full-time or part-time.
Employee: includes all faculty and staff employed whether full-time or part-time.
Supervisor: An employee designated by management who exercises major supervisory functions over another employee or employees. These functions include hiring, evaluating, assigning work, and disciplining employees.
Illicit drugs: are defined in Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act; and the Mississippi Uniform Controlled Substance Law, Mississippi Code Supplement (1989).
Alcoholic beverages: are defined in Sections 41-29-139, 142, 67-1-5, and97-29-7 of the Mississippi Code Annotated.
POLICIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Standards of Conduct
The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by its students and employees on university premises is strictly prohibited and in violation of University policy. It shall be the personal responsibility of each student, faculty and staff employee to adhere to this policy as stated. Failure to do so will result in sanctions as stipulated in this policy.
Legal Sanctions
As specified in Section, 37-105-9, 41-29-139, 41-29-142, and 97-29-47 of the Mississippi Code Annotated legal sanctions are applied to the following actions: possession of alcohol on University property; public drunk on University property; utilization of false ID to obtain alcohol; driving under the influence of alcohol; possession of illicit drugs; sale of illicit drugs; sale of illicit drugs near schools; possession of paraphernalia; and sale of paraphernalia. Sanctions range from fines of $25 to $1 million and jail sentences of 30 days in the county jail to 30 years in the state penitentiary.
Sanctions
Sanctions may be imposed upon employees and/or students who violate the University’s alcohol and drug abuse policy as follows:
Employees
Suspension pending further investigation (with pay); satisfactory participation in a drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program; issuance of a formal warning; or termination. For termination, the applicable termination procedure from the Faculty and Staff Handbook will apply, based upon the status of the employee.
Students
Probation for a minimum of six months up to the remainder of their tenure, and/or a fine of up to $100 and/or work of 10 hours up to 50 hours, and/or specified number of hours of counseling in the Counseling Center; and/or suspension for a specified period of time or with sentence suspended, expulsion from the University or one of its residential units, or any combination of the above listed sanctions or other forms of creative sanctions which might be imposed. Further disciplinary procedures can be found in the Delta State University Student Handbook, a copy of which can be obtained in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Health Risks
Delta State University recognizes that illicit drug use and alcohol abuse are both wrong and harmful. Medical research reveals that such behavior is a causative factor in heart, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases as well as in various cancers and brain damage. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is not only destructive to the physical health, but it also erodes the self-discipline and motivation necessary for learning. Pervasive drug use and alcohol abuse create an environment that is destructive to learning and working. Closely tied to being truant and dropping out of school, they are associated with crime and misconduct that disrupt the maintenance of an orderly and safe university atmosphere conducive to learning and working.
Counseling Programs
The University makes available to all its students and employees the services of the Counseling Center (O.W. Reily Health Center, 846-4690). In addition to offering direct services to students and employees experiencing problems with alcohol or substance abuse, the Counseling Center provides referral services to several centers for alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation in the area.
In addition, substance abuse programs are offered in the residence hall by the Counseling Center, the Student Task Force Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Delta Community Mental Health Center, DSU Police Department, and the City Police Department.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
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Faculty Staff Handbook
- Student Handbook
