Rockhurst University sponsors programs, services, and activities that encourage students to develop academically, faculty and staff to perform at their full potential, and for all community members to lead lives that are spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally healthy. In a partnership among students, faculty, and staff, the University helps to create an educational and workplace environment with principles rooted in its Jesuit, Catholic tradition. These principles challenge community members to strive for excellence, to be men and women for others, to integrate classroom and experiential learning, to develop talents through discovery and reflection, and to share a common concern with each person. 

The University complies with state, federal, and local laws related to alcohol and drugs, including underage drinking laws and federal laws regarding marijuana and other cannabis products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (collectively, “marijuana”), such as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, this memorandum is presented to provide Rockhurst University students and employees¹ with the following: (1) the University’s standards of conduct for students and employees relating to the use or possession of alcohol or drugs and disciplinary sanctions for violations of those standards, (2) applicable federal, state, and legal sanctions, (3) a description of the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs, and (4) a description of campus resources available to students and employees, including prevention and treatment resources. In addition, this memorandum serves as an opportunity to solicit your compliance with these policies and encourage your active participation in fostering a responsible, safe and caring community. 

GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT:

Rockhurst University prohibits the illegal possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on University property or as any part of University activities. All violators of this policy or of federal, state, or local laws regarding drugs or alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action as determined in the University’s discretion, up to and including expulsion or termination, and referral for criminal prosecution. Violators may be referred for educational, treatment, counseling or evaluation activities as a condition of continued participation in University programs or activities, including enrollment or employment.

¹ For purposes of this memorandum, a student includes any individual taking a class for academic credit, with the exception of continuing education credits. An employee is defined as a staff or faculty member or other full- or part-time employee, regular volunteer, or other individual performing work on behalf of the University.

STUDENT-SPECIFIC POLICIES:

The Rockhurst University Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations for student conduct both on and off campus, including conduct expectations regarding alcohol and drugs. These include the University’s Alcohol Policy (Student) as well as other policies and expectations prohibiting underage drinking, disrespectful or disruptive handbook, and certain conduct related to residence halls is located at: https://www.rockhurst.edu/campus-life/student-handbook. Students are responsible for reading, understanding, and abiding by the Student Code of Conduct, including provisions related to alcohol and drugs.

In addition to the range of sanctions described above, student-specific sanctions for alcohol or drug policy violations may include, but are not limited to the following: monetary fines, activity or access limitation, delay or postponement of honors and degrees, probation, suspension, and expulsion. As permitted by law, the University may notify parents/legal guardians of students under the age of 21 that the student has been found responsible for violation of the university’s policies regarding alcohol or drugs.

EMPLOYEE-SPECIFIC POLICIES:

Rockhurst University believes that illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol have no place in the work environment. The University is also committed to complying. The Rockhurst University Employee Handbook outlines expectations regarding employees and alcohol and drugs. These include the University’s policies related to alcohol and drugs, employee use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace, and drug testing. The Employee Handbook is available here. As a condition of employment, employees are responsible for reading, understanding, and abiding by the policies in the Employee Handbook, including provisions related to alcohol and drugs.

As stated in the Employee Handbook, the University reminds employees that, as a condition of employment, an employee must notify Rockhurst University's Director of Human Resources, within five (5) calendar days, if the employee is convicted of a criminal drug violation while on University premises or while conducting Rockhurst business.

In addition to the range of sanctions described above, employee-specific sanctions for alcohol or drug policy violations may include, but are not limited to the following: discipline as described in the Employee Handbook, up to and including termination. 

EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT:

Paraphrasing from the student and employee policies describe above, following are examples of prohibited conduct under University alcohol or drug policies:

•       Illegal possession, sharing, use, manufacture, sale or resale of alcohol or drugs

•       Reckless disregard for the illegal presence or use of alcohol Illegal or underage drinking in one’s residence hall room

•       Providing alcohol to underage persons

•       Reckless disregard for as to whether an underage person is consuming alcohol at an event you are hosting

•       Sharing or selling prescription medication

•       Purchasing drugs or alcohol illegally for personal consumption, distribution, or resale

•       Possessing or using, without authorization, containers of, or intended for, alcohol larger that are larger than 3 liters (kegs, barrels, party balls, etc.)  

•       Possessing drug paraphernalia (e.g., syringes, bongs, pipes for drug-related use, scales, rolling paper, roach clips, blow tubes, and other vaporizer devices)

•       Legal use of alcohol or prescribed drugs on the job as a University employee that impairs the employee’s ability to fulfill job responsibilities or that poses a threat to the safety or wellbeing of oneself or of other University community members

OTHER POLICIES AND USE OF ALCOHOL/DRUGS AS A DEFENSE TO POLICY VIOLATIONS:

In addition to this policy, other University departments (including but not limited to Residence Life, Greek Life, and Human Resources) may have additional applicable policies related to alcohol, drugs, and social and University events. Please contact the relevant administrative offices for more information.

Alcohol or drugs may impact an individual’s conduct and be involved in violations of other University policies. The use of drugs or alcohol will not serve as a defense to violations of University policies, including this policy.

LAWS:

Apart, separate and distinct from the University’s policies, students and employees who engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances, illicit or illegal drugs or alcohol are subject to sanctions under local and municipal ordinances, Missouri Statutes, the United States Code and other applicable local, state and federal laws. Such sanctions could include, without limitation, fines and imprisonment. The severity of the sanctions imposed for drug possession or distribution offenses depends on the type and quantity of drugs, prior conviction, and whether death or serious injury resulted. Sanctions may be increased for offenses that involve distribution to minors or occur on or near University premises. In addition, other federal laws require or permit forfeiture of personal or real property used to illegally possess, facilitate possession, transport or conceal a controlled substance. A person’s right to purchase a firearm or receive federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, or professional or commercial licenses may also be revoked or denied as a result of a drug conviction. While criminal penalties change from time to time, the University sets forth some sample criminal penalties for drug convictions. For example, under Missouri law, conviction for possession of illicit drugs may result in up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000. Under Federal law, conviction for possession of illicit drugs may result in 3 years imprisonment and a fine of at least $1,000, unless the offense involves cocaine base (crack) that may carry mandatory imprisonment for 5 to 20 years. Drug trafficking can result in life sentences under both state and federal law. Under federal law, drug trafficking penalties range from $100,000 to $10 million. State penalties for drug trafficking also may be imposed. For more information on federal penalties, visit https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/Drugs%20of%20Abuse%202020-Web%20Version-508%20compliant4-24-20_0.pdf or review the charts included in this memo. 

In Missouri, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume, purchase or possess alcohol. If you violate these laws and are found guilty in a court of law, you are subject to suspension of your driving privileges, a fine of up to $1,000, and up to one year in jail. County and municipal ordinances contain similar prohibitions and sanctions. The same penalties apply to persons knowingly furnishing alcohol to minors. Additionally, Missouri has a “Possession by Consumption” law which prohibits minors from having blood alcohol content in excess of .02%. For more information about Missouri alcohol laws, visit the Missouri General Assembly Revised Statutes (Chapter 311) http://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=311. For information about Missouri drug laws visit the Missouri General Assembly Revised Statutes (Chapter 195) at http://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=195.

FEDERAL TRAFFICKING PENALTIES

FEDERAL TRAFFICKING PENALTIES MARIJUANA

*The minimum sentence for a violation after two or more prior convictions for a felony drug offense have become final is a mandatory term of life imprisonment without release and a fine up to $20 million if an individual and $75 million if other than an individual.

STATE-LAW-AUTHORIZED MARIJUANA PROHIBITED:

This policy prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of marijuana on University property or in University activities. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law, and the University remains bound by federal laws prohibiting marijuana on University property or in its activities. This prohibition extends to all forms of marijuana, including state-law-authorized prescription medical or recreational marijuana. Students or employees seeking reasonable accommodations related to recovering from drug or alcohol dependencies, or a medical history which reflects treatment for substance abuse conditions, should contact the appropriate resource (the Disability Resource Center for students and Human Resources for employees).

HEALTH RISKS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE, MISUSE & ABUSE: 

The use, misuse, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs can cause a number of problematic changes in behavior and physiology. Alcohol, especially in high doses or combined with medications or other drugs, can lead to violent behaviors including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, incidents of drinking and driving, injury, and other medical emergencies. If you discover someone who is excessively intoxicated, unconscious or in need of emergency assistance, please dial extension 4010 if on campus (816-501-4010), and 911 if off campus. Doing so may save someone's life. 

Moderate to high doses of alcohol may cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and recall information. Research has shown that using alcohol or other drugs negatively affects academic and work performance. 

The risk of having an automobile accident increases after consuming even relatively small quantities of alcohol. Low doses may significantly impair judgment, coordination, abstract mental functioning, and the ability to complete complex tasks. 

Repeated use of alcohol and other drugs can lead to physical and/or emotional dependence. Alcohol or substance dependence occurs when a person continues their use despite recurrent social, interpersonal and/or legal consequences. There is strong evidence based in medical research that alcohol and other drug abuse contributes significantly to heart disease and cancer as well as permanent damage of vital organs such as the brain and liver. There is clear evidence of serious negative effects on babies due to the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by the mother during pregnancy.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH RISKS (SPECIFIC DRUGS): 

Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish). The use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Its effect can last for more than 4-6 hours after being used. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is both physically and emotionally addictive. 

Hallucinogens (LSD, Ecstasy, and PCP) cause hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects can occur, including ongoing loss of concentration and memory. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of some mental functions. 

Cocaine/ Crack are highly addictive drugs. The immediate effects of cocaine include dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, followed by depression. Crack can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, and even death. These drugs cause a temporary feeling of power, impairing judgment, and decision-making. 

Amphetamines (Crystal, Speed, Crank, and Meth) are highly addictive stimulants, which can cause one to "rush" around and appear stimulated. Amphetamines can also cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, loss of coordination, collapse, and even death. Continued stimulant abuse can lead to mood swings, irritability, depression, sleeplessness, and even altered personality and paranoia. 

Heroin causes the body to have diminished pain reactions and is highly addictive both physically and emotionally. It can cause disinterest in relationships, personal productivity, and workplace safety. The use of heroin can result in coma and death. Commonly used intravenously, heroin use is associated with a wide range of physical health problems (i.e., AIDS, hepatitis). 

Prescription drugs (i.e. Anti-depressants, Pain Suppressants, Stimulants, and Tranquilizers) are safe ONLY if taken as prescribed under the supervision of a licensed physician. If abused, they can lead to sluggishness or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, liver and kidney damage, addiction, and nervous system damage.

CAMPUS RESOURCES: 

Knowing how to cope with problems and keeping yourself informed are important steps in successfully navigating the rigorous demands of college and workplace life. 

            SEEKING ASSISTANCE:

Rockhurst supports and encourages students and employees to make healthy choices for themselves and to offer support for those who may require assistance in dealing with problematic alcohol and or other drug use. Rockhurst encourages students and employees who believe that alcohol or drugs is having an unfavorable effect on their every-day life, who believe they have an alcohol or drug problem, or who believe a fellow student or employee has an alcohol or drug problem, to seek assistance through such campus resources as Residence Life staff and the Counseling Center or the Office of Human Resources. 

Students who voluntarily seek assistance for a dependence issue unrelated to a university investigational process or disciplinary proceeding will not be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (see Good Samaritan policy in the student handbook). Students or employees seeking reasonable accommodations related to recovering from drug or alcohol dependencies, or a medical history which reflects treatment for substance abuse conditions, should contact the appropriate resource (the Disability Resource Center for students and Human Resources for employees).

STUDENT RESOUCES:

For students, we offer a variety of ongoing programs specifically addressing substance abuse, responsible decision-making, and healthy lifestyles. Literature and pamphlets are available through the Counseling Center. Online alcohol education programs, PEER programs, Social Norming Campaign, Social Mentor programs, Greek Leadership training, and SAB alternative late night programs are examples of programs offered by the University. These programs are available through the Counseling Center, Residence life, Student Life, Security, and Athletics. For students seeking assistance with suspected drug or alcohol problems, the Counseling Center is available for initial dialogue and assistance in defining the extent of any problem.

            EMPLOYEE RESOURCES:

Employees with alcohol and other drug-related problems are encouraged, and, in some cases, may be required to utilize the services of private and/or community agencies to receive appropriate information, treatment, counseling or referral services. The University has access to an Employee Assistance Program which may be helpful in addressing alcohol or drug issues. The EAP assists employees in dealing with personal problems including substance abuse, emotional, mental health, family, marital, financial, and legal problems. Employees and immediate family members may make a confidential appointment with our EAP provider by calling the numbers below. Employees may also contact the Human Resources Director with any questions related to available resources.

SUMMARY:

Given our Catholic and Jesuit heritage, Rockhurst is committed to the development and success of each student and employee. Additionally, Rockhurst is committed to upholding the alcohol and other drug policies. These policies, combined with alcohol and other drug prevention programs, intervention resources, and environmental management strategies, contribute greatly to the overall wellness and safety of both the individual student or employee and the greater Rockhurst community.