Preventing Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Newman University (NU) is dedicated to the safety, health, and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff. The primary purpose of this plan is to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus, support students who are at risk, and to promote the wellness of all at NU. NU prohibits the unlawful possession use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on NU property or as a part of NU sanctioned activities. Such behaviors can result in university fines, university suspensions, legal fines, jail or prison time, as well as injury or death. Substance abuse can lead to lessened study and work productivity, increased absenteeism and physiological illness as well as impaired relationships with others.
Alcohol Policy
Newman University follows city and state regulations regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. All members of the Newman community are expected to abide by the laws of the state, to conduct themselves in a manner reflecting credit on themselves and NU, and to share responsibility for the functioning of this policy. The provisions of this policy are as follows:
- Possession of alcohol anywhere on campus by anyone under the age of 21 is a violation of the NU alcohol policy. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages for those 21 years of age and over is permitted in Fugate Hall. Alcohol is never permitted in any capacity if any of the residents or guests of that room are under the age of 21.
- Residents assigned to a housing unit are responsible for any violations of NU policy that occur in their housing unit whether they are present or not.
- Regardless of age, (even if you are 21 or over) consumption of alcohol by students anywhere on campus in areas that are not designated drinking areas (Fugate Hall where all residents of that room are 21 or over, NU sanctioned beer garden, etc.) is a violation of NU policy.
- University departments may host functions with alcohol on campus.
- All alcohol must be packaged and unopened when brought onto the campus and transported to sanctioned drinking areas or designated university functions.
- Kegs are not allowed in the residence halls or at any student event unapproved by the Student Life Office. In addition to all violators receiving alcohol policy violation outcomes, kegs/taps that are found will be confiscated by the NU and not returned.
- Empty beer and alcoholic beverage containers are not permitted in non-21-year-old rooms or common spaces in the residence halls. Possession of empty containers will be treated as full violations of the NU alcohol policy.
This policy does not sanction drinking parties of any kind in residents' rooms, but is intended to allow moderate drinking by residents, who are of age, in their room with a reasonable number of guests. If a student is ever unclear on the alcohol policy, they are encouraged to meet with the Director of Residence Life or the Dean of Students to gain clarity.
Drug and Controlled Substance Policy
NU has a well-defined policy on both illicit drugs and controlled substance usage for its students. Existing policies prohibit the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and/or drug paraphernalia by students on NU property or as a part of college-sanctioned activities.
All members of the NU community are expected to abide by state and federal laws, to conduct themselves in a manner reflecting credit on themselves and NU, and to share responsibility for the functioning of this policy. Violators of the Drug and Controlled Substance policy may be referred to city law enforcement and/or Campus Security and may incur fines or other penalties.
Policy Violation Sanctions
Failure to follow policy will result in disciplinary action. During such an incident, the student’s legal identification will be requested and must be presented upon the request of a college official.
Violations of the drug and/or alcohol policy are serious in nature and the disciplinary outcomes given will reflect the severity of the violation. Violations may result in disciplinary actions which include warnings, counseling, probation, suspension, expulsion, loss of employment, and/or other relevant sanctions.
Per the Newman University Athletic Department Substance Abuse and Drug Testing and Education Policy, athletes are subject to random drug testing. Drug testing policies for athletes, at minimum, follow NCAA drug testing requirements.
Drug and Alcohol Education, Counseling, Treatment, Rehabilitation, Re-entry Programs
Help is available for those who seek it. Employees and students are encouraged to initiate contact with their supervisor, counselor, a faculty member, or administrator who will work with them confidentially or refer them to an off-campus source of help.
The University’s Employee Assistance Program is available to employees and their families to provide confidential help with a wide variety of personal topics. Employees can refer to the Employee Handbook for more information or contact the Human Resource Department.
Mental Health and Telehealth Wellness Services are available to students through the Student Success Center and the University’s virtual mental health resource, UWill. On-site in-person counseling sessions are available to students. Qualified personnel can assist students in getting connected with the appropriate resources both on campus and in the wider community.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Hotline is a confidential source of information for those seeking treatment referral and information service. The web site https://www.samhsa.gov also has links to additional information resources sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA National Hotline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free, confidential, 24/7/365information service in English and Spanish.
Distribution of Materials
This material will be posted on the university website as well as distributed with other student and employee handbooks and university communications. This policy will be reviewed annually and after an incident to ensure best practices for drug and alcohol abuse prevention are addressed.
Amnesty
The University encourages students to seek help, including medical help, for themselves or others without fear of disciplinary action and, as a result, will not face disciplinary action while seeking such help. This amnesty protects the individual seeking assistance and the individual needing assistance. This policy does not protect against disciplinary actions in other violations such as the distribution of drugs, alcohol distribution to minors, and other criminal activities.