Alcohol and Drug Policy
BELLIN COLLEGE ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICIES AND SANCTION COLLEGE POLICY CONCERNING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
The purpose of this policy is to provide an alcohol and drug-free environment for faculty, students, administration, and support staff at Bellin College in order that the College may carry out its mission and comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
The College does not oversee the personal lives of College community members on or off campus. However, everyone is expected to be responsible for his/her own conduct and abide by all state laws and follow College policies and guidelines. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use or being under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol is prohibited within the Bellin College building, on the campus grounds or in other settings in which the faculty, staff, or students may be carrying on the business of the College. Any exceptions to the College policy of not serving alcoholic beverages at College-sponsored events must be approved through the President’s Office. Consumption of alcohol at such events must be in moderation.
The College cooperates with civil authorities in the enforcement of local, state and federal laws. Violations of federal and Wisconsin laws regarding drugs and alcohol will be considered a violation of the Bellin College foundational behaviors and should be reported to the Dean of Student Services within two business days. A violation of drug and alcohol use must be reported to the respective state or national board examination organization if applicable. Eligibility for credentialing and licensure is at the discretion of the respective regulatory body.
Penalties against persons found in violation of this policy include disciplinary action up to and including termination from the College program, or employment. Persons found in violation may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program which is approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.
Resources available for alcohol and drug abuse problems include the Bellin Health Services, such as the Employee Assistance Program and Student Assistance Program through Bellin Health and other community resources. To comply with the DrugFree Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), the College annually distributes to each student and employee: the College policy regarding drugs and alcohol, a description of the legal sanctions and health risks, a description of available treatment programs and sanctions to be imposed if violations occur.
LEGAL SANCTIONS WISCONSIN:
The Laws of Wisconsin prohibit drug possession and delivery through the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Wis. Stat. 161, and mandate stiff penalties that include up to 15 years of prison and fines up to $500,000. A person with a first-time conviction of possession of a controlled substance can be sentenced up to one year in prison and fined up to one year in 0rison and fined up to $5,000, Wis. Stat. 161.41 (2r) (b). The penalties vary according to the amount of drug confiscated, the type of drug found, the number of previous offenses by the individual whether the individual intended to manufacture the drug, sell the drug, or use the drug. See Wis. Stat. 161.41. In addition to the stringent penalties for possession or delivery, the sentences can be doubled when exacerbating factors are present, such as when a person distributes a controlled substance to a minor, Wis. Stat. 161.46 (1). Substantial restrictions against alcohol abuse also exist in Wisconsin. It is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone who has not reached the legal drinking age of 21 and there is a concurrent duty on the part of an adult to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on his/her premises. Wis Stat. 125.07 (1). Violation of this statute can result in a $500 fine. It is against the law for an underage person to attempt to buy an alcoholic beverage, falsely represent his age, or enter a licensed premise. Violators can be fined $500, ordered to participate in a supervised work program, and have their driver’s license suspended. Wis. Stat. 125.07 (4)(3). Harsher penalties exist for the retailer of alcoholic beverages, including up to 90 days in jail and revocation of the retail.
FEDERAL:
The federal government has recently revised the penalties against drug possession and trafficking through its Federal Sentencing Guidelines that reduce the discretion that federal judges may use in sentencing offenders of federal drug statutes. Under these guidelines, courts can sentence a person for up to 6 years for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, including the distribution of a small amount (less than 250 grams) of marijuana. A sentence of life imprisonment can result from a conviction of possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury. Possession of more than 5 grams of cocaine can trigger intent to distribute penalty of 10-16 years in prison, U.S.S.G.o2.1 (b) (1).
HEALTH EFFECTS:
The following is a partial list of drugs, and the consequences of their use. The effect is clear. The use of alcohol and other drugs is detrimental to the health of the user. Further, the use of drugs and alcohol is not conducive to an academic atmosphere. Drugs impede the learning process and can cause disruption for other students and disturb their academic interests.
The use of drugs in the workplace may also impede the employee’s ability to perform in a safe and effective manner and may result in injuries to others. Early diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse is in the best interests of the student, employee, and the College.
Marijuana and hashish are deleterious to the health and impair the short-term memory and comprehension of the user. When used, it alters the sense of time and reduces the ability of the user to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. It increases the heart rate and appetite. Motivation and cognition can be altered making acquisition and retention of new information difficult. Long-term users may develop psychological dependence. Paranoia and psychosis. Because this drug is inhaled as unfiltered smoke, it is damaging to the lungs and has more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.
Cocaine (including crack) stimulates the central nervous system and is extremely addictive, both physically and psychologically. Symptoms include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, and insomnia, loss of appetite, paranoia, and seizures. It can also cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.
Other stimulant and amphetamine use can have the same effect as cocaine and cause increased heart rates and blood pressure that can result in a stroke or heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. It can also lead to psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia and even a physical collapse.
Depressants and barbiturates can cause physical and psychological dependence that can lead to respiratory depression, come and death, especially when used in convert with alcohol. Withdrawal can lead to restlessness, insomnia, convulsions and even death. LSD, PCP, mescaline, and peyote are classified as hallucinogens. Hallucinogens interrupt the brain messages that control the intellect and keep instincts in check. Large doses can produce convulsions and coma, heart, and lung failure. Chronic users complain of persistent memory problems and speech difficulties for up to a year after their use. Because the drug stops the brain’s pain sensors, drug experiences may result in severe self-inflicted injuries. Persistent memory problems and speech difficulties may linger. Users of narcotics, such as heroin, codeine, morphine, and opium develop dependence and increase the likelihood of an overdose that can lead to convulsions, coma and death.
Alcohol is chemically classified as a mind-altering drug because it contains ethanol and has the chemical power to depress the action of the central nervous system. This depression affects motor coordination, speech, and vision. In great amounts, it can affect respiration and heart rate control. Death can result when the level of blood alcohol exceeds 0.4%. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, malnutrition, and cirrhosis.
Revised 10/21
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
BELLIN HEALTH OFFICE 433-3587
STUDENT / FACULTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 433-7843
SERVICE ON UWGB CAMPUS
ASSESSMENT, REFERRAL, & AFTERCARE SUPPORT SERVICES
Drug and alcohol use is assessed, and recommendations made for treatment. Follow-up counseling is also provided.
INSIGHT GROUP
Education and early intervention in the areas of alcohol abuse and related problems. Include a discussion of factors related to choices to drink or not drink.
ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS (ACOA) AND CO-DEPENDENCY COUNSELING
Short-term education and counseling regarding family and relationship issues.
ACOA SUPPORT GROUPS
On-going support group for students from dysfunctional homes.
The above services are available by contacting the Counseling and Student Health Center. 465-2343.
BELLIN PSYCHIATRIC CENTER
In-patient and out-patient treatment program, 433-3630
BROWN COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
In-patient and out-patient treatment. Fees based on ability to pay, 468-1136.
RECOVERY WORKS
Out-patient treatment for addiction, ACOA, codependency and dysfunctional families. Day and evening programs available, 432-6400.
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
(LIBERTAS)
In-patient adolescent and out-patient adult chemical dependency programs. Aftercare and family programs, 498-8600
UNITED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
In-patient and out-patient adult, adolescent and family programs, 920-738-8700.
See the yellow pages under “Alcoholism” for additional resources.
Students dually enrolled are encouraged to consider resources available at other campuses.