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Drug and Alcohol Prevention

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Information

Summary of the Drug-Free School and Campus Policy

Waynesburg University is committed to creating and fostering an academic and social environment in which its members grow in knowledge and responsibility. The presence and/or use of drugs of any kind is contrary to its mission and purpose. As a result, the University will respond to any known instances of alcohol and/or drug abuse. Knowing that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs negatively impact academic achievement, health and behavior, Waynesburg University has implemented alcohol and other drug education programs which target all segments of the educational community.

In an educational setting, the abuse of alcohol and other drugs is especially detrimental to a person’s development. Cirrhosis of the liver alone is the cause of nearly 30,000 deaths per year. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is now considered one of the three leading causes of mental retardation and birth defects. Both are the direct consequences of alcohol consumption.

The University reserves the right to require assessment counseling for any individual who demonstrates the effects of alcohol or other drug use in their social interaction or academic accomplishment. The purpose is to intervene in the lives of persons whose behavior while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is harmful or disruptive to themselves or others. Individuals who exhibit inappropriate or disruptive behavior as the result of the use of alcohol or other drugs, or who violate University regulations regarding the possession, use or distribution of alcohol or other drugs, or who are charged with or convicted of violations of civil or criminal law, will be disciplined and required to participate in an assistance program. Furthermore, the University reserves the right to discipline individuals whose actions affect the interests of the University, even when such actions occur off-campus. University sanctions will be applied on a case-by-case basis, but may progressively include the assessment of fines, probation, suspension, dismissal or expulsion. Legal sanctions may include fines, probation, imprisonment, or a combination thereof, in accordance with local, state or federal law. A more complete description of this Policy may be obtained from Student Services.

Waynesburg University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

In accordance with State and Federal laws, Waynesburg University prohibits the illegal possession use or sale of drugs or controlled substances. The possession and use of illegal drugs of any kind or drug paraphernalia by members of the University is contrary to the University’s purposes and will result in disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action includes the possibility of expulsion. Pennsylvania State Law also prohibits persons under the age of twenty-one from the purchase, consumption, or possession of the intoxicating beverages. Waynesburg University prohibits the possession or use of alcoholic beverages or containers (empty or full) on University property regardless of age. Violations of these regulations will result in confiscation of the alcohol and/or container and disciplinary action. Stronger sanctions will be applied for repeated offenses. The University reserves the right to discipline individuals whose actions affect the interests of the University, even if such actions should occur off campus.

A designated professional staff member (as determined by the Vice President of Student Services) will determine the level of each offense by the seriousness of the violation, the severity of the offense in terms of potential or actual harm to self or others, and whether it is a repeated violation of the policy. A first offense could be categorized as a Level One, Two or Three offense. Also, repeat offenses are not automatically determined to follow numeric sequence. The typical consequences for each level are as follows:

Level One Offense:

  • Interview with designated Student Services staff member to discuss the incident
  • May require a meeting with the Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education for evaluation and education
  • Review and sign the Student Accountability Contract
  • The Assistant Dean of Student Services may notify parents/guardians of the AOD violation by phone and/or certified receipt letter
  • Fine: $100
  • Violation of this policy may constitute dismissal from the University

Level Two Offense:

  • Student will be mandated to attend a University sponsored AOD Education Program. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. The Assistant Dean to Student Services will be kept informed of attendance and completion of the program. Non-attendance or dropping out of the program will result in further sanctions
  • The Assistant Dean of Student Services will notify parents/guardians of the AOD violation by phone and/or certified receipt letter (consistent with FERPA)
  • Fine: $150
  • Student will be placed on Disciplinary Probation
  • Violation of this policy may constitute dismissal from the University

Level Three Offense:

  • Student will be suspended for one semester
  • The student may be required to seek and participate in private counseling services off campus.
  • Before returning to the University, the student must meet with the Vice President of Student Services or designee
  • Violation of this policy may constitute dismissal from the University

While some violations involving possession of alcohol on campus may be designated as a Level One Offense, the seriousness and severity of the violation might categorize some first time violations as a Level Two or Three Offense. A violation involving a student becoming intoxicated to the point of illness or a situation involving disorderly conduct would typically be considered a Level Two Offense. Violations in relation to drugs are typically categorized as a Level Three Offense.

In addition, the University will not tolerate organizations or individuals who seek to promote the sale or use of alcoholic beverages. This applies both to public events and individual rooms. The use of University funds for the purchase of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The University reserves the right to take disciplinary action, as well as require education sessions and/or assessment counseling for any student who demonstrates the effects of alcohol/drug use in his or her social interaction or academic accomplishment.

A student who has been convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan or work assistance during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified in the following table:

If convicted of an offense involving...

The possession of a controlled substance: Ineligibility period is:
First offense...1 year
Second offense...2 years
Third offense...Indefinite

The sale of a controlled substance: Ineligibility period is:
First offense...2 years
Second offense...Indefinite

Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program

The Assistant Dean of Student Services requires students who receive a level 1 sanction to be counseled through a 30-45 minute presentation which highlights the repercussions of destructive decisions that is conducted several times throughout each semester. To request a copy of the presentation please contact Chris Hardie at chardie@waynesburg.edu.