It is the policy of Wheeling Jesuit University to comply with the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.  As a recipient of federal contracts and grants, the University certifies to all funding agencies that it promotes and provides a workplace free from illicit drugs and alcohol use by complying with the statutory requirements stipulated by both federal and state laws. Wheeling Jesuit University’s policy on the illicit use of drugs and alcohol is distributed annually to each student and employee of the University and is kept on file in the Human Resources Department.

1. Wheeling Jesuit University strives to maintain a workplace free from the illicit use of drugs and alcohol. Wheeling Jesuit University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and use of illicit drugs and alcohol on University property and at all University functions.
   
2. Any Wheeling Jesuit University student or employee determined to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. This may ultimately lead to expulsion for students, termination of employment for employees, and/or prosecution for both. Specific information regarding federal, state, and University sanctions are distributed annually to every student and employee and are on file in the Human Resources Department.
   
3. All employees of Wheeling Jesuit University are required to notify the Human Resources Department of any drug-related criminal conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days following the conviction.  All employees are informed of this policy and required to abide by its terms as a condition of employment.
   
4. Wheeling Jesuit University will take one of the following actions within thirty days of receiving notice that a student or employee is found in violation of the University’s Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Policy or if an employee has been convicted of a drug related crime in the workplace:
   
1. Require the student or employee to participate satisfactorily in an assessment and rehabilitation program, and/or
2. Disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, termination and referral for prosecution.
   
5. Wheeling Jesuit University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Education Program offers to all students and employees’ education, counseling, and referrals for those with alcohol and other drug related concerns. Information on possible drug health effects, drug education, counseling, referral, rehabilitation services, and sanctions is distributed annually to every student and employee and is available in the Counseling Center and the Human Resources Department.
   
6. It is the responsibility of the Human Resources Department to ensure that all new employees receive a copy of this policy upon entrance to the University. The Dean for Student Development or the Dean’s designee insures that all students also receive a copy of this policy.

Students who violate the University’s Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Policy will have the record of the offense forwarded to Student Conduct Process for action. Employee cases of violation will be forwarded by their supervisors to the Human Resources Department.

Wheeling Jesuit University’s sanctions for the above violations and other actions involving illicit drugs and alcohol vary with each situation. Employees who violate these and other illicit drug and alcohol laws face disciplinary action up to and including the assessment and satisfactory completion of a rehabilitation program, referral for prosecution, and/or termination of employment.

Students who violate these and other illicit drug and alcohol laws/policies face disciplinary action up to and including assessment and/or the satisfactory completion of a rehabilitation program, referral for prosecution, and expulsion. Sanctions for students will be governed by the student handbook as dictated in each case. In the case of drug related convictions for crimes committed in the workplace by employees, the Human Resources Department will be responsible for reporting the conviction to the appropriate federal funding agency.

Both the Division of Student Development and the Human Resources Department will be responsible for ensuring that all sanctions against students and employees are carried out within thirty days of receipt of notice. Both offices are ultimately responsible that adherence to the Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Policy is followed. A biennial review of the policy to determine its effectiveness, implement needed changes and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced will be conducted by a committee convened by the Coordinator for Counseling Services and the Director of Human Resources. A report of the committee’s findings, including suggestions and recommendations, will be forwarded to both offices.

Effects of Alcohol
 
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. The drug slows down the coordination, reaction time, and judgment of the user. For this reason, anyone using alcohol, in any amount, should refrain from operating machinery, automobiles, or engaging in any activity requiring full mental and physical functioning.

Use of alcohol in large quantities can have serious health consequences including alcohol poisoning and death. Long term use of this highly addictive drug can result in abuse and dependency. Women are advised to abstain from alcohol use during pregnancy to avoid Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Legal Sanctions Under Local, State and Federal Law

The intent of the following information is to provide knowledge of possible sanctions to be known and available. It is not possible for this list to encompass all penalties available to federal and state authorities.

Alcohol

Underage purchase of alcohol or misrepresentation of age is subject to a fine up to $500 and three days in jail or probation.

Purchase of alcohol for those underage is subject to a fine up to $100 and up to 10 days in jail. Public intoxication is subject to a fine up to $100 and up to 60 days in jail or completion of an alcohol education program or counseling. Driving under the influence of alcohol, or other drugs (includes DWI), depending on circumstances, is subject to incarceration 24 hours to 10 years, a fine of $100 to $5,000, and license suspension six months to life.

Controlled Substances

Possession of a controlled substance is subject to probation for the first offense.  Conviction of second or subsequent offenses (depending on substance classification) can result in a sentence of up to 30 years imprisonment and/or $50,000 fine. Manufacture, possession, or delivery with the intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance is subject to, depending on the substance classification, up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a $25,000 fine upon conviction. Federal sanctions for illegal possession of a controlled substance vary with the conviction, substance possessed, and the quantity of the substance. First conviction is subject to up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of at least $1,000 but no more than $100,000 or both. After one prior drug conviction, the penalty is at least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years and a fine of at least $2,500 but no more than $250,000 or both. After two or more prior drug convictions, the penalty is at least ninety days in prison, not to exceed three years, and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000 or both.  Those convicted of illegal possession of a controlled substance are also subject to denial of federal benefits, such as work-study, student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, for up to one year for the first offense, up to five years for the second and subsequent offenses.

A Detailed Controlled Substance—Use and Effect Chart can be viewed on the website of the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
 
Resources for Alcohol & Other Drug Education Counseling and Rehabilitation Services

Alcohol and Other Drug Education Program:
209 Swint Hall
304-243-2451

WJU Health Services:
219 McDonough Center
304-243-2275

Hillcrest Outpatient Services:
Suite 501 Valley Professional Center South
2101 Jacob Street
Wheeling, WV  26003
304-234-8517

Cross Roads Counseling Services:
255 West Main Street
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
740-695-9447

Alcoholics Anonymous:
304-234-7511 or 800-333-5051
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

Updated 8/12/05