DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND CAMPUSES— STATEMENT TO EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS

Note: The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, Public Law 101-226, requires that as a condition of receiving federal funds, or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. We therefore make the statement below to employees and students on Seattle Pacific University policy.

University Policy
Seattle Pacific University does not permit faculty, staff, or students to unlawfully possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs or alcohol or to use alcoholic beverages on its property or as part of any of its activities. Such possession, use, or distribution will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination/expulsion, and referral for prosecution. An employee or student who, while on the SPU property or at any University activity, exhibits objective signs of having consumed intoxicating beverages or illicit drugs will be placed on immediate suspension. If the observed behavior is a result of drug abuse or alcohol use, the employee/student will be subject to further disciplinary action. Employees should refer to the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use Policy (in the faculty and staff handbooks) and students to the student handbook for further detail.

Any such incident will be documented and reported to the Dean of Students in the Office of Student Life (regarding students) or Human Resources (regarding employees) and to the President's Office. The disciplinary action taken will be reviewed and approved by the President or his designate.


Health Risks

Alcohol Effects

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Health Risks: Uses & Effects

Legal Sanctions
Unlawful possession or distribution of controlled substances, including illicit drugs and more than 40 grams of marijuana, is a felony under both state and federal law, punishable by up to ten years in prison (depending on the drug). Unlawful possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor in the City of Seattle and King County and is punishable by up to three months in jail.

Under state and federal law, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance is also a felony and subjects the offender to forfeiture (confiscation) of any property (e.g., an automobile, boat or other personal property) used in the course of such illegal dealing.

State law also forbids the furnishing of liquor to a person under the age of 21 years or consumption of liquor by a person under the age of 21 years, except in certain special circumstances. Violation can result in fines of up to $500 or imprisonment from two to twelve months.

Legal Sanctions & Federal Trafficking Penalties
Washington State Criminal Penalties

Treatment/Counseling Availability
Referrals for drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs may be obtained from the Seattle Pacific University Counseling and Testing Center. This consultation and referral is accessible to Seattle Pacific University administration, faculty, staff, and students.

A list of some local drug and alcohol treatment resources is provided below:
Information, Alcohol/Drug 24-hour Help Line - 722-3700 or 1-800-562-1240

If you have questions regarding the University's policy on drugs, alcohol and tobacco, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 206.281.2809 or the Office of Student Life at 206.281.2481