The abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs by members of The University of Georgia community are incompatible with the goals of the institution. In order to further the University’s commitment to provide a healthy and productive educational environment, and in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University has established the following policy on alcohol and other drugs.

Student Misconduct

The University of Georgia’s student conduct regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. The regulations also prohibit other alcohol-related misconduct. All traditional freshmen, sophomores, and other students under the age of 21 are prohibited from possession and consumption of alcohol. All students are prohibited from the use and possession of illegal drugs. In addition, student organizations sponsoring events where alcohol is present are subject to the requirements and guidelines of the University’s Social Events policy and registration form. Sanctions for violations of these student conduct regulations may include alcohol and/or other drug education, mandated evaluation and treatment, community service, suspension, and/or expulsion. Student organizations which knowingly permit illegal drug activity will be excluded from campus for a minimum of one year, and leases or agreements for use of University property will automatically terminate pursuant to Board of Regents Policy and Georgia law.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) has given colleges/universities the option to notify parents/guardians about specific types of information from a student's judicial record.

The Office of Judicial Programs will notify parents/guardians the first time and any subsequent time a student is found to have violated Code of Conduct policies on the use or possession of alcohol or other drugs when he/she is under the age of 21.

Minimum Sanctions for Alcohol and other Drug Violations

All students found in violation, through the University’s Judicial process, of Alcohol and Other Drug Related Misconduct (see Conduct Regulation IV) will receive:

1st violation – For possession (not consumption) of alcohol only - Alcohol awareness class and probation for six (6) months from the date of resolution.

1st violation – For consumption, use, distribution, and possession of alcohol OR use, possession, distribution of other drugs – Alcohol and Other Drug awareness class and probation for twelve (12) months from the date of resolution.

2nd offense while on probation – suspension from institution for current semester and 1 subsequent semester (Fall or Spring semesters only). Summer suspension may not be substituted for a Fall or Spring semester and will be included if suspension is initiated during Spring semester.

Two or more violations (separate incidents) while not on probation – In cases where students are referred to the Office of Judicial Programs for additional violations that occur before the resolution of any prior violations or pending cases - suspension from institution for current semester and 1 subsequent semester (Fall or Spring semesters only). Summer suspension may not be substituted for a Fall or Spring semester and will be included if suspension is initiated during Spring semester.

These are minimum sanctions. The findings of fact, any particular circumstances, and prior record of the student will be factors considered when determining any appropriate sanctions.

Students who are suspended from the University for any length of time should be aware that this action may impact the following:

• Tuition, Residence Hall costs and fees (suspension does not forgive financial obligations)
• Student Financial Aid including HOPE Scholarship
• Athletic participation and eligibility
• Health insurance (contact your personal health care provider)
• University Housing
• Meal Plan
• Use of University resources and access to University facilities
• Immigration status for international students
• Veterans and dependents of veterans
• Internships, assistantships, and study abroad

This is not an exhaustive list.

Employee Misconduct

Employee misconduct related to alcohol or other drug abuse will not be tolerated. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, use, or possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug by employees of the University of Georgia is prohibited by federal and state law, as well as, Board of Regents policy. Violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including but not limited to dismissal, demotion or suspension of employment and/or referral to the appropriate state agency for legal prosecution.

Any employee who is convicted for the first time, under the laws of any state or the United States, of any criminal offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug shall notify Employee Relations in the Office of Human Resources (706-542-2222) of such conviction no later than 24 hours after the conviction. Any such employee shall at a minimum be suspended from his or her employment for a period of not less than two months or dismissed. The employee may appeal the suspension or dismissal under procedures set forth in the University of Georgia Grievance and Disciplinary Review Policy. In the case of a suspension, such employee shall be required as a condition of completion of suspension to complete a drug treatment and education program approved by the President. Upon a second conviction, such employee must be terminated and made ineligible for any state employment for a period of five (5) years.

If, prior to an arrest for an offense involving a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug, an employee notifies his or her immediate supervisor that he or she illegally uses a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug and is receiving or agrees to receive treatment under a drug abuse treatment and education program approved by the President, the employee shall be entitled to maintain employment for up to one (1) year as long as the employee follows the treatment plan. During this period, the employee shall not be separated from his or her employment solely on the basis of the employee’s drug dependence, but the employee’s work activities may be restructured if practicable to protect persons or property. In addition, this policy does not prohibit the institution from taking appropriate disciplinary action for violations of the conduct policy. An employee retained in accordance with the provisions of this policy will be subject to return-to-work and random selection for controlled substance testing for no less than one year. In addition, the employee may be tested “for cause” if the testing falls within the treatment center’s contract time period and the testing is arranged by the treatment center. No statement made by an employee to a supervisor or other person in order to comply with this policy shall be admissible in any civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding as evidence against the employee. The rights granted by this policy shall be available to an employee only once during a five (5) year period and shall not apply to any employee who has refused to be tested or who has tested positive for a controlled substance, marijuana, or a dangerous drug.

In addition to the criminal sanctions described below, employees convicted of drug-related offenses are subject to civil penalties. Such penalties may include suspension or revocation of professional and occupational licenses, restriction from public employment for up to five years, denial of retirement benefits, and denial of state-sponsored loans and mortgages. Workers’ compensation benefits will also be denied in certain instances where alcohol or other drugs are a cause of injury.

Any employee who serves or provides alcoholic beverages in his or her official capacity is subject to the Guidelines Concerning University Events Where Alcoholic Beverages are Served or Provided, which include prohibiting the furnishing of alcohol to persons under age. These guidelines should be reviewed by all employees hosting and/or working at any event where alcohol will be served.

Criminal Sanctions

Under Georgia and federal law, it is a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute illegal drugs. As required by federal regulations, you may view charts detailing federal penalties for marijuana trafficking, federal penalties for drug trafficking, and the state drug law summary.

Federal sanctions for the illegal possession of drugs include imprisonment up to 1 year and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first conviction; imprisonment for 15 days-2 years and a minimum fine of $2,500 for a second drug conviction; and imprisonment for 90 days-3 years and a minimum fine of $5,000 for a third or subsequent drug conviction. For possession of a mixture or substance which contains a cocaine base, federal sanctions include 5-20 years in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000, for a first conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 5 grams, for a second conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 3 grams, and for a third or subsequent conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 1 gram. Additional possible penalties for the illegal possession of drugs are forfeiture of real or personal property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if the offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment; forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used, or intended for use, to transport or conceal drugs; civil fine up to $10,000 per violation; denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses for up to 1 year for a first and up to 5 years for a second or subsequent offense; successful completion of a drug treatment program; community service; and ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm.

Georgia law prohibits the purchase or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, or the furnishing of alcohol to such a person. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs also is illegal. It is against Georgia law, under certain circumstances, to walk or be upon a roadway while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The punishment for these offenses may include imprisonment, payment of a fine, mandatory treatment and education programs, community service, and mandatory loss of one’s driver’s license.

Counseling and Treatment Resources

A variety of counseling services and treatment centers is available throughout the state for anyone experiencing problems related to substance abuse. Although most counseling and treatment centers charge for their services, some programs are free of charge. Faculty, staff, and students should avail themselves of the following referral sources to identify the services or programs which most closely meet their specific needs.

For students, the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) education program offers a variety of programs and presentations designed to meet specific needs. A resource library of information concerning alcohol and other drugs is located on the second floor in the Health Promotion Department of the University Health Center (UHC), and has films, videos, books, tapes, and pamphlets available for students’ use. Campus student groups which stress alcohol and other drug education and awareness include the Fontaine Center Student Advisory Board (FCSAB) and ASAP (Advocating Safe Alternatives for Peers) Peer Education Team. Support/therapy groups include AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs Support/Therapy Group) and AA. The Health Promotion Office offers referral services. Counseling is available through Counseling and Psychological services.

Faculty and staff may obtain a list of available alcohol and other drug counseling services and treatment centers from the Human Resources Employee Relations Coordinator. The Training and Development Department also periodically offers a substance abuse awareness program as part of its professional and personal development series, and has videos for checkout. Employees are encouraged to avail themselves of these resources and contact Training & Development for more information.

Health Risks

The following information on health risks is from What Works: Schools Without Drugs, U. S. Department of Education (1992):

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.

Contact Persons

For additional information regarding:

• Health risks or counseling and treatment resources for students, contact the Coordinator for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, (706) 542-8690
• The University’s policies on alcohol and other drugs as they pertain to students, contact the Associate Dean of Students for Judicial Programs, (706) 542-1131
• Counseling and treatment resources for employees and the University’s policies on alcohol and other drugs as they pertain to employees, contact Faculty & Staff Relations, (706) 542-9756
• Training resources for employees, contact the Director of Training and Development, (706) 542-7062

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