Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College seeks to maintain an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of learning and to a healthy and wholesome social environment. The College considers its students to be adults who will comply with its Alcohol and Other Drug policy and federal, state, and local law regulating alcohol and drug use. Any student who violates this policy will be subject to the full range of correction action, up to and including dismissal
The College, however, attempts to educate members of the College community as to the health risks associated with alcohol and drugs and the effects of alcohol and drug use and abuse on themselves, their families, their friends, and their colleagues. The College also tries to teach students to be responsible for their behavior and make them aware of the effects of their behavior on others within and outside of the College community.
The College provides confidential counseling service for alcohol and drug-related problems where needed. Students desiring assistance should contact Academic and Student Support Services Department. Students who initiate self-referral through the Academic and Student Support Services Department will not be disciplined for utilizing this service. The information shared will remain confidential. Students who are referred by School Administrators may be subject to disciplinary action due to performance or safety related issues.
A student convicted of any criminal drug statute violation, including DWI, is required to notify School Administrators no later than five days after such conviction occurs. School Administrators will report such conviction to the appropriate federal agencies as required by the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Current Law
In the State of Missouri, the legal drinking age is 21. Furnishing alcohol to a minor is also a punishable criminal offense. Violation of Missouri drinking law can result in increased fines and incarceration. A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also result in fines in excess of $500, community service, mandatory treatment programs, license revocation, and/or incarceration.
In the State of Missouri, it is also illegal to be involved with controlled substances, including prescription drugs obtained or used contrary to the prescription. Violation of the Missouri drug laws also may result in incarceration and substantial fines.
The College voluntarily complies with the substantive provisions of the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994, which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students on the property of the College or as part of any educational program or activity.
Federal law contains other laws regulating drugs and controlled substances. Under federal law, illegal possession of a controlled substance can result in a fine of at least $1,000 and up to one year imprisonment for a first offense. Penalties increase when an offender has been convicted of prior drug-related offenses. Illegal possession of a controlled substance can also result in the forfeiture of property, civil fines, and the loss of federal benefits. Trafficking controlled substances can also lead to substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences, including life in prison. Conviction for violation of federal drug laws may also result in loss of federal aid for financing education.
Health Risks
Abuse of alcohol and use of drugs is harmful to one’s physical, mental and social well-being. Accidents and injuries are more likely to occur if alcohol and drugs are used. Alcohol and drug users can lose resistance to disease and destroy their health. Tolerance and psychological dependence can develop after sustained use of drugs.
More specifically, the major categories of drugs are listed below and include the significant health risks of each.
AMPHETAMINES - Physical dependency, heart problems, infections, malnutrition and death may result from continued high doses of amphetamines.
NARCOTICS - Chronic use of narcotics can cause lung damage, convulsions, respiratory paralysis and death.
DEPRESSANTS - These drugs, such as tranquilizers and alcohol, can produce slowed reactions, slowed heart rate, damage to liver and heart, respiratory arrest, convulsions and accidental overdoses.
HALLUCINOGENS - may cause psychosis, convulsions, coma and psychological dependency.
College Regulation of Alcohol
Students are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol while on College property or attending a College-sponsored or College-financed functions or while holding themselves out as representatives of the College. “Under the influence of alcohol” is defined as displaying behavior such as staggering, glassy eyes, strong odor of banned substances, incoherence, lack of judgment, unconsciousness (passed out), or other behaviors which indicate the use or influence of alcohol.
College Regulation of Other Drugs
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, transfer, or use of any illicit or illegal drug or controlled substance, including without limitation, marijuana and cannabis-derived material, opium and its derivatives, hallucinogens, amphetamines or methamphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine or crack, and prescription medications illegally obtained. Any student violating this policy will be subject to College disciplinary procedures. Any illicit/illegal drugs, or controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, will be confiscated by the College. Prescription drugs not used in conformity with the prescription are considered illicit or illegal drugs under this policy. The College cooperates with local law enforcement in these matters.
All drugs and drug paraphernalia will be confiscated by the College and turned over to law officials. Any student violating this policy will be subject to College disciplinary procedures. The College cooperates with local law enforcement in these matters.
Students are prohibited from being under the influence of drugs while on College property or attending a College-sponsored or College-financed functions or while holding themselves out as representatives of the College. “Under the influence of drugs” is defined as displaying behavior such as staggering, glassy eyes, strong odor of banned substances, incoherence, lack of judgment, unconsciousness (passed out), or other behaviors which indicate the use or influence of drugs.
Marijuana, for recreational or medicinal use, is illegal under the federal law. Any college or university that receives federal funds must prohibit the unlawful possession and use of illegal drugs, including marijuana. Even where otherwise permitted under local or state law, recreational or medicinal marijuana use, possession or influence on College premises or at College events is prohibited. Testing positive for marijuana, including medical marijuana, may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.
Screening
Pre-Admission Screening: In an effort to maintain a drug and alcohol-free environment, applicants who receive a conditional acceptance to the College will be subject to drug testing as part of the pre-admission health screening.
“For Cause” Testing: Detailed guidelines are available through the Academic and Student Support Services Department relating to testing when a College administrator/faculty/staff suspect drug or alcohol related impairment or unauthorized use on the job or clinical.
Testing in the Event of Accident/Injury: College Administrators may conduct testing in the case of an accident and/or injury.
Testing in the event of medication administration/handling discrepancy: College Administrators may conduct testing in the case of the improper documentation of narcotics.
Right to Inspect
College Administrators may at any time inspect a student’s locker, lunchbox, or other personal property when any of these are on Barnes-Jewish College property. In addition, College Administrators may inspect the person of any student whom it reasonably believes to be in violation of this policy. College Administrators also may at any time inspect any vehicle on Barnes-Jewish College property if the administrator/faculty/staff member has reasonable cause to suspect that the vehicle is involved in the use, storage, distribution, or sale of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Consequences for ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG Policy Violation
Violations of the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy will be addressed pursuant to the College’s discipline procedures. Along with any other appropriate sanctions, consequences of a violation of the College Alcohol and Other Drug policy may include one or more of the following:
· Required attendance and completion of a drug or alcohol education course;
· Rehabilitation;
· Treatment program satisfactory to the College;
· Required periodic alcohol and drug screening;
· Reporting the matter to appropriate law enforcement authorities, which, in any event, may be required in some cases involving violations of federal, state, or local alcohol or drug-related laws;
· Disciplinary fines and sanctions up to and including dismissal from the College which will effectuate appropriate resolution;
· Disciplinary probation which could result in extra-curricular activity suspension, including athletics.
A student may be required to present a statement of successful or continued successful participation in drug or alcohol rehabilitation satisfactory to the College and further drug and alcohol screening as a condition of continued enrollment. The cost of such rehabilitation, including communications between the drug or alcohol rehabilitation provider and the College and all drug and alcohol screenings, is the responsibility of the student.
As permitted by law, the College also reserves the right to release information about alcohol or drug related disciplinary violations to parents of students.
Revised 10/2016