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Appendix I: Drug and Alcohol Policy

Drug and Alcohol Policy

In keeping with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, which require that all College students receive annual notice of the laws regarding alcohol and other drug use, the following information is offered:

Members of the College community enjoy a high degree of personal freedom, guaranteed by the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Richard Bland College’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. That freedom exists within the context of local, state, and federal law and the obligations imposed by College regulations. The Student Handbook is the official document describing College policy for student behavior, the student discipline system of Richard Bland College of William & Mary, and sanctions for violation of College policy.

  • Richard Bland College clearly prohibits the use, distribution, sale, manufacturing of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
  • Richard Bland College clearly prohibits the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication, including on any owned, leased, or licensed campus property or at any college-related event.
  • Violations of local, state, or federal law also constitute violation of College regulations.
  • When a student is charged with a violation of law, it is the practice of the College to initiate its own disciplinary proceedings without awaiting court action. Behavior off-campus is subject to disciplinary action.

Alcohol Policy and Sanctions
All students of the College and their guests and all organizations must observe Virginia law as it pertains to the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Virginia law specifically states that persons under the age of 21 may not purchase, possess, or consume any type of alcoholic beverages. The sanctions for violation of this regulation shall range from warning to dismissal and will usually include an alcohol education or treatment component.

Drug Policy and Sanctions
For the purpose of these regulations, drugs are defined to include marijuana, hashish, amphetamines, LSD compounds, mescaline, psilocybin, DMT, narcotics, opiates, and other lab made cannabinoids, such as Spice, K2, and synthetic marijuana, except when taken under a physician’s prescription in accordance with law.

College regulations, in conformity with federal and state statutes governing drug use, provide the following:

  • Manufacturing or providing drugs to others is prohibited. The penalty for violation of this regulation shall range from disciplinary probation to dismissal from the College.
  • Possession or consumption of drugs is also prohibited. Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. The penalty for violation of this regulation ordinarily shall range from probation to dismissal.

II. Risks

Richard Bland College is dedicated to the education of students and employees about risks associated with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Descriptions of some of these health risks are offered below. In addition, behavioral difficulties at work or in school, in relationships, and with the law can be linked to the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car or walk home safely. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also are associated with increased incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including sexual assault, vandalism, and fighting. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn, memorize, and perform academically, sometimes for weeks after the drinking occurrence. 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 impairment, high tolerance, and 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 liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants often have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. Research indicates that children of alcoholic parents have a greater risk of becoming alcoholics.

IV. Minimum Sanctions Applicable for Alcohol & Drug Violations

Discretion may be used in applying sanctions in cases where violation is of such a nature to warrant additional or more severe actions. Students dismissed from College are entitled to no refunds of College fees or tuition/room and board.

Alcohol Violations

First Offense

Attend Conduct Conference |Minimum Sanction: Warning

Second Offense

Attend Administrative Hearing: | Minimum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation | Alcohol/Drug Education Course/Alcohol Educational assignment

Third Offense

Attend Administrative Hearing: |Minimum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation | Alcohol/Drug Education Course/Alcohol Educational Assignment | Community Service Hours/Restitution

Drug Violations for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

First Offense

Attend Administrative Hearing |Minimum Sanction: Alcohol/Drug Education Course/ Educational Assignment| Disciplinary Warning

Second Offense

Attend Administrative Hearing: | Minimum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation | Educational Assignment| Community Service/Restitution

Third Offense

Attend Conduct Board Hearing: |Minimum Sanction: Banned from Residence Halls/Suspension from RBC

Drug Violations for Possession or Usage of Marijuana or Other Drugs

First Offense

Attend Administrative Hearing |Minimum Sanction: Alcohol/ Drug Education Course/ Educational Assignment| Disciplinary Probation

Second Offense

Attend Administrative Hearing: | Minimum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation | Educational Assignment| Community Service/Restitution

Third Offense

Attend Conduct Board Hearing: |Minimum Sanction: Banned from Residence Halls/Suspension from RBC

Drug Violations for Sale, Distribution or Manufacturing of Marijuana or Other Drug Products

First Offense

Attend Conduct Board Hearing |Minimum Sanction: Alcohol/ Drug Education Course/ Educational Assignment| Disciplinary Probation | Community Service/Restitution

Second Offense

Attend Conduct Board Hearing: |Minimum Sanction: Banned from Residence Halls/Suspension from RBC

 

Student Handbook

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