Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Prevention Program
The ĢtvƵ, as a Catholic liberal arts university, seeks to maintain an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of learning and to a healthy and wholesome social environment. ĢtvƵ considers its students to be adults who will comply with its Alcohol and Other Drugs policy (AOD) and federal, state, and local law regulating alcohol and drug use.
The University, however, attempts to educate members of the University community as to the health risks associated with alcohol and drugs and the effects of alcohol and drug use and abuse on themselves, their families, their friends, and their colleagues. The ĢtvƵ tries to teach students to be responsible for their behavior and makes them aware of the effects of their behavior on others within and outside of the University community. The ĢtvƵ provides confidential counseling service for alcohol and drug-related problems when needed. In keeping with the laws of the United States Government, the State of Kansas, and the City of Leavenworth, ĢtvƵ establishes these policies regarding alcohol and drugs.
Current Law
In the State of Kansas, the legal drinking age is 21. The consumption and possession of alcohol by students under the age of 21 is prohibited.
In the State of Kansas, it is also illegal to be involved with controlled substances, including prescription drugs obtained or used contrary to the prescription. Violation of the Kansas drug laws also may result in incarceration and substantial fines. The University voluntarily complies with the substantive provisions of the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994, which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students on the property of ĢtvƵ or as part of an educational program or activity.
Students are prohibited from being intoxicated while on University property or attending a University-sponsored or University-financed function or while holding themselves out as representatives of the University. Behaviors indicative of intoxication include:
- staggering
- strong odor of alcohol or other drug
- incoherence
- lack of judgment
- unconsciousness (passed out)
- other behaviors which indicate the use or influence of alcohol or other drugs
A “minor in possession” is defined as a person of less than 21 years of age who has in his or her possession (for example, car, room, or person) containers of alcoholic beverage. A minor whose breath smells of alcohol will also be considered “in possession."
Social Event Alcohol Permit Forms
Permission to serve or consume alcoholic beverages at events where students may be offered or served alcoholic beverages in public areas of the University such as social rooms, dining hall, campus picnic areas, academic departments, offices, the circle fountain, or at University-sponsored or University-financed events must be obtained from the Vice President of Student Life or designee prior to the event. Alcohol for such events must be served and distributed by a third-party vendor. University Saint Mary students, faculty, or staff may not serve alcohol to students. For on-campus events or at University-sponsored or University-financed events, an individual or student organization may request permission by completing and submitting a Social Event Alcohol Permit Form which is available in the Student Life Office. The Social Event Alcohol Permit Form must be submitted at least fifteen (15) business days prior to the event. Grant or denial of permission to serve alcoholic beverages at a social event is at the discretion of the Vice President or President.
University Regulation of Other Drugs
The ĢtvƵ prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, transfer, or use of any illicit or illegal drug or controlled substance, including without limitation:
- Marijuana
- Synthetically derived cannabis materials (e.g. K2, Spice, etc...)
- Salvia divinorum, in any form
- Bath salts
- Opium
- Hallucinogens
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine/Crack
- Prescription medications illegally obtained (either unlabeled prescription bottle or name on the bottle does not match student’s name)
- Any other types of drugs that are used for their unintended purpose “to achieve a high or elevated state of awareness”
Any student violating this policy will be subject to University disciplinary procedures. Any illicit/illegal drugs or controlled substances and drug paraphernalia will be turned over to law officials. Prescription drugs not used in conformity with the prescription are considered illicit or illegal drugs under this policy.
Any student violating this policy will be subject to University Student Conduct Disciplinary Procedures and possible criminal prosecution. The University cooperates with local law enforcement in these matters.
Students are prohibited from being under the influence of drugs while on University property or attending a University-sponsored or University-financed function or while holding themselves out as representatives of the University. “Under the influence of drugs” is defined as displaying behavior such as staggering, glassy eyes, strong odor of banned substances, incoherence, lack of judgment, unconsciousness (passed out), or other behaviors which indicate the use or influence of drugs. The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to bring in law enforcement officers and canines to inspect residence halls without notice.
Marijuana is not legal in the State of Kansas. The State of Kansas, local law enforcement authorities, and the ĢtvƵ does not recognize medical marijuana cards issued by other states. Possessing a medical marijuana card from another state does not make it legal to use marijuana in the State of Kansas or at the University of Saint Mary.
Drug Testing Policy
The ĢtvƵ strives to maintain a drug-free educational environment and requires all students to remain free of the unlawful and/or inappropriate use of controlled or illegal substances while enrolled as a student. Students will be held accountable for consuming illegal substances, regardless of state/local laws in the location where the substance was ingested. A student is subject to testing to show proof of a physical condition free from the unlawful and/or inappropriate use of controlled or illegal substances or the use of prescription medication for which the student does not have a valid prescription or which a student is using in a manner inconsistent with a physician's directions. Drug testing will be required whenever the Vice President, or his/her designee, suspects or has reason to believe that a student might be engaging in the unlawful and/or inappropriate use of a controlled or illegal substance, or the inappropriate use or abuse of a prescription medication, whether on or off campus.
Reasonable grounds for requiring a student to submit to a drug test may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Incoherent communication or inexplicable behavior;
- A pattern of tardiness and/or absenteeism from class;
- Suspicious odors on person, clothing, and/or other property;
- Sudden, inexplicable decline in academic performance;
- Possession of drug paraphernalia;
- Prior positive drug test results;
- Arrest, citation, or conviction for a substance-related offense by University or public law enforcement authorities;
- Observation of substance use or physical symptoms or manifestations of impairment, incoherency, or erratic, inexplicable conduct;
- A report of substance abuse or use provided by a reliable and credible source.
A student who refuses to submit to a request for drug testing from an authorized University official, refuses to authorize the release of test results to the University, or tampers with a drug test sample will automatically be considered as failing a drug test and disciplined up to and including dismissal from the University. A positive drug test that confirms that a student has engaged in the unlawful or inappropriate use and/or abuse of controlled or illegal substances, or inappropriate use or abuse of a prescription medication, whether on or off campus, will result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension or dismissal from the University. Drug testing may be conducted on campus or also at a lab selected by the University and certified to conduct drug testing. A positive drug test will result in the student paying the fee for the testing services.
Consequences for Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy Violation
Violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Policy will be addressed pursuant to the Student Conduct Disciplinary Procedures. Along with any other appropriate sanctions, consequences of a violation of the University Alcohol and Other Drugs policy may include one or more of the following:
- Required attendance and completion of a drug or alcohol education course;
- Rehabilitation;
- Treatment program satisfactory to the University;
- Required periodic alcohol and drug screening;
- Reporting the matter to appropriate law enforcement authorities, which, in any event, may be required in some cases involving violations of federal, state, or local alcohol or drug-related laws;
- Disciplinary fines and sanctions up to and including dismissal from the University which will effectuate appropriate resolution.
- Disciplinary probation which could result in extra-curricular activity suspension, including athletics.
A student may be required to present a statement of successful or continued successful participation in drug or alcohol rehabilitation satisfactory to the University and further drug and alcohol screening as a condition of continued enrollment. The cost of such rehabilitation, including communications between the drug or alcohol rehabilitation provider and the University and all drug and alcohol screenings at the rehabilitation location, is the responsibility of the student. Violations of the University AOD policy by a student-athlete are reported to the Athletic Director.
As permitted by law, the University also reserves the right to release information about alcohol or drug related disciplinary violations to parents of students.
Have Questions? Contact Us.
ĢtvƵ
admiss@stmary.edu
913-682-5151
See the staff/faculty directory
Have Questions? Contact Us.
ĢtvƵ
admiss@stmary.edu
913-682-5151
See the staff/faculty directory