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The University is concerned with preventing the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; educating students regarding medical and psychological hazards; and increasing student sensitivity to the ways in which substance abuse interferes with the rights and privileges of others. The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol result in serious health hazards and potential legal penalties for those convicted of unlawful use, possession, or distribution of these substances.
The University has a tradition of students acting responsibly and refraining from actions that are damaging to themselves, to others, or to the University. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own conduct and to comply with state and federal laws as well as with University policy. All students will be furnished with a copy of this Policy.
Claremont Graduate University prohibits the use, possession, cultivation, manufacture, sale or transfer of illegal drugs on University property or at campus-sponsored activities. Students are expected to act lawfully with respect to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 is prohibited.
Local, State, and Federal Legal Sanctions
Local, state, and federal laws establish severe penalties for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions, upon conviction, may range from a fine and probation to lengthy imprisonment. In the case of possession or distribution of illegal drugs these sanctions could include seizure and the summary forfeiture of property, including vehicles. It is especially important to know that recent federal laws have increased the penalties for illegally distributing drugs to include life imprisonment and fines in excess of $1,000,000. Some other examples of the laws include:
- Unlawful possession of any controlled substance is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison.
- The purchase, possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) by any person under the age of 21 is prohibited.
- It is unlawful to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
- Selling or serving alcohol to an intoxicated person is prohibited.
- Any person found in a public place to be under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug and unable to care for his/her own safety or interfering with the use of a public way is guilty of disorderly conduct, which is a misdemeanor.
- Selling, either directly or indirectly, any alcoholic beverages except under the authority of a California Alcoholic Beverage Control License is prohibited. This includes selling glasses, mixes, ice, or tickets for admission.
- Possession of an alcoholic beverage in an open container in a motor vehicle or on a bicycle is unlawful, regardless of who is driving or whether one is intoxicated.
- Driving a motor vehicle or bicycle while under the influence of alcohol is unlawful.
Students should also be advised that the manufacture, use or provision of a false state identification card or drivers license is prohibited.
California State Laws are available at the Honnold/Mudd Library in the annual publication of West Annotated California Codes.
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
The use of any mind or mood-altering substance, including alcohol, can lead to psychological dependence, which is defined as a need or craving for the substance and feelings of restlessness, tension, or anxiety when the substance is not used. In addition, with many substances, use can lead to physical tolerance, characterized by the need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect, and/or physical dependence, characterized by the onset of unpleasant or painful physiological symptoms when the substance is no longer being used. As tolerance and psychological or physical dependence develop, judgment becomes impaired and people often do not realize they are losing control over the use of the substance and that they need help.
Alcohol acts as a depressant to the central nervous system and can cause serious short and long-term damage. Short-term effects include nausea, vomiting, and ulcers; more chronic abuse can lead to brain, liver, kidney, and heart damage and even eventual death. Ingesting a large amount of alcohol at one time can lead to alcohol poisoning, coma, and death. Drugs such as LSD, amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol alter emotion, cognition, perception, physiology, and behavior in a variety or ways. Health risks include but are not limited to depression, apathy, hallucinations, paranoia, and impaired judgment. Abuse of either alcohol or drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirths.
It is impossible to accurately predict how an individual will react to a specific drug or to alcohol because effects vary depending on the person, environmental variables, the dosage and potency of the substance, the method of taking the substance, the chronicity or use, and whether the substance is taken in conjunction with other substances. Illegal drugs have particularly unpredictable effects due to variability in dosage and purity. When two or more substances are combined, there is often an effect that is stronger than their additive sum.
Assistance for Alcohol Abuse and/or Drug Use Problems
The Claremont Colleges are committed to education and counseling as the primary focus of their substance abuse programs and provide confidential, professional assistance for students. Students are urged to seek information and help regarding substance abuse for themselves or their friends. A variety of services including counseling, educational materials, and/or referrals are available at the following offices:
- Health Education Outreach – Tranquada Student Services Center, 757 College Way, 909-607-3602 or 621-8871
- Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services – Tranquada Student Services Center, 757 College Way, 909-621-8202
- Student Health Services – Tranquada Student Services Center, 757 College Way, 909- 621-8222
- Chaplains of The Claremont Colleges- McAlister Center for Religious Activities, 919 N. Columbia Avenue, 909-621-8985
- Dean of Students and Campus Life – Harper Hall East, 160 E. 10th Street, 909-621-8965
To protect students’ privacy, information regarding a student during participation in any related program is treated as confidential.
Sanctions
The University will impose sanctions on individuals and organizations that violate this Policy. These sanctions will be consistently enforced and penalties will depend on the severity of the offense. The Provost, and Associate Vice President and Dean of Students will deal with violations and disciplinary action.
Penalties can include expulsion from the University and referral for prosecution for violations of the law. A student who is found to be selling illegal drugs may be suspended or expelled from the University, even for a first offense. Sanctions for less severe offenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:
verbal and written warnings, the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, and suspension for the repeat offender. An event may be closed immediately or other intervention may be taken to correct a violation. Disciplinary action may be invoked entirely apart from any civil or criminal penalties that the student might incur.
September 1990
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