Drug Free Schools and Communities Notice

Related:

Drug Abuse Prevention Information

Drug Free Schools and Communities Notice

The issue of drug abuse, misuse, and dependency concerns the entire University community, as well as our surrounding environment. The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 Policy (Public Law 101-226) is federal legislation developed to eliminate illicit drugs and to initiate the intelligent use of alcohol on all college campuses, schools, and communities. The University of Akron is concerned with the quality of life on campus and believes that a rewarding college experience can only be achieved through the elimination of chemical abuses. Information is included below about drug and alcohol use and abuse, health risks, legal and University sanctions, resources and support services available to anyone with concerns about alcohol and drug problems. Students may obtain printed materials about drugs and alcohol at Student Health Services, Suite 260 Student Recreation and Wellness Services, and employees should contact Human Resources, 330-972-7090.

Unlawful consumption, distribution, possession or use of drugs or alcohol by students or employees on University property, in conjunction with University activities or inconsistent with the Code of Student Conduct is prohibited. Violators are subject to prosecution in accordance with applicable laws or ordinances and may be subject to University discipline.

University Sanctions

Students

Unauthorized consumption, possession or distribution of alcohol is a violation of section (D) of the University Code of Student Conduct, located in University Rule 3359-41-01. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, attendance at workshops, educational sanctions, disciplinary probation, removal from the residence halls, strict disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal, and other sanctions appropriate to the violation. Possession, use or distribution of marijuana or any narcotic, hallucinogenic or other drug in either the refined or crude form which is prohibited by law is a violation of section (D) of the University Code of Student Conduct, located in University Rule 3359-41-01. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, attendance at workshops, educational sanctions, disciplinary probation, removal from the residence halls, strict disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal, and other sanctions appropriate to the violation. For more information about the Code of Student Conduct see University Rules 3359-41-01 available at

University Employees

Employees who are under the influence, possess, use or furnish alcohol to a minor violate University rules 3359-20-05.5 and 3359-47-01 and may receive appropriate sanctions, up to and including termination.

Possession or use of illegal drugs on University property or any other property where University business is being carried out is a violation of University rules 3359-20-05.5 and 3359-47-02. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use, of any drug or controlled substance is a violation of University rule 3359-47-02. Employees who violate these rules may be subject to sanctions up to and including termination. If disciplinary action under these policies is taken against an Employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the action shall be subject to grievance procedures set forth in such agreement. For more information about the University’s Alcohol Policy and the University’s Drug Free Workplace Policy

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Substance abuse risks and penalties

Alcohol

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Liver disease, heart disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, slowed reaction, high blood pressure, stroke, birth defects, cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and larynx (voice box), breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, unconsciousness, memory loss, impotence, weight gain, premature aging, bad breath, infertility, heart attacks, stomach ulcers, colitis, unconsciousness

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Purchase under 21: Maximum confinement of 180 days and fine of $1,000

Possession or consumption under 21: Maximum confinement of 180 days and fine of $1,000

Open container violation: Maximum fine of $100

Consumption in a motor vehicle: Maximum confinement of 30 days and fine of $250

Driving under the influence (legal limit .08): Maximum confinement of 180 days and fine of $1,000

 

Marijuana 

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Memory and learning difficulties, distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate, heart attack, burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, heavy cough, respiratory illnesses, cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs, decreased immune system functioning, depression, anxiety, personality disturbances, altered neurological development in infants, drug craving, irritability, sleeplessness, increased aggression

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use:  Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

Cocaine & Crack Cocaine

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety, paranoia, depression, ulceration of the mucous membrane of the nose, cardiac arrest or seizures, respiratory arrest

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

Heroin, Opium, Morphine, Codeine and Demerol

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, collapsed veins, infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, cellulitis, liver disease, pulmonary complications, pneumonia, cellular tissue death, malnutrition, low blood pressure, seizures

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

LSD, PCP

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Dilated pupils, higher body temperature, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, tremors, blocked speech, psychosis, extreme image distortion, violent behavior, flashbacks, hallucinations, increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, sweating, dizziness, numbness, drowsiness, convulsions, coma, heart  and  lung failure, ruptured blood vessels in the brain, death, affects memory, perception, concentration and judgment, paranoia, fearlessness, anxiety, may affect hormones related to growth, nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, drooling, loss of balance, delusions, catatonia, depression, weight loss

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

MDMA (Ecstacy)

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Confusion, depression, sleep problems, severe anxiety, and paranoia, muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating, increases in heart rate and blood pressure, brain damage, drug craving, rapid eye movement, acne-like rash, liver damage, Parkinson’s disease – stimulant (like amphetamine) and hallucinogenic (like LSD) effects

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

Barbiturates and Tranquilizers

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Shallow breathing, slurred speech, sluggishness, fatigue, disorientation, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, disinhibition, sleepiness, impairs memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, paranoid and suicidal ideation, depression of the respiratory center in the brain resulting in death, tremors, elevated blood pressure and pulse, sweating, seizures, emotional instability, vision problems, sexual dysfunction, chronic tiredness, menstrual irregularities, breathing disorders, hallucinations, vomiting, sleep and eating disorders

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

GHB

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Coma and seizures, nausea and difficulty breathing, insomnia, anxiety, tremors, sweating, unconsciousness

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

Rohypnol ("Roofies")

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Amnesia, death, muscle reaction, seizures, dependence, blackouts, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, decreased blood pressure, visual disturbances, gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary retention, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, irritability, numbness, tingling, loss of identity, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, shock, cardiovascular collapse

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

Ketamine ("Special K")

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

Dream-like states and hallucinations, delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Ranges from rehabilitation programs to substantial fines and long-term confinement

Sell, offer to sell, or distribute for sale: Penalty determined by the amount of substance, with fines in large amounts (exceeding $1,000,000) and life imprisonment

 

Inhalants

Effects of Occasional and Extended Use

unconsciousness, heart failure and death, suffocation, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathies or limb spasms, central nervous system or brain damage, bone marrow damage, liver and kidney damage, blood oxygen depletion, Kaposi’s sarcoma

Criminal Sanctions/Penalties

Possession or use: Maximum confinement of 180 days and $1,000 fine

Note: The Ohio Revised Code and federal law distinguish amongst controlled narcotic substances by category.  Ohio law classifies narcotics according to a schedule (Schedule I – Opiates; Schedule II – Opium & Opium derivatives such as cocaine; Schedule III – stimulants such as steroids and LSD; and Schedule IV – narcotic drugs). Penalties vary depending upon the Schedule of the narcotic.

Note: Distribution of controlled substances in or near schools and colleges can result in penalties twice the regular penalty for the same offense. Trafficking in drugs can result in forfeiture of property including motor vehicles, vessels, money, real property and other personal property.

 

Note: Use of ANY controlled substance to aid in committing a crime of violence (including sexual assault) is a violation of federal law that could be prosecuted in addition to the underlying crime. Penalties may be as great as 20 years in prison with the penalties increased if the perpetrator has a prior conviction or if death or serious bodily injury results from the use of the controlled substance.

Resources

The University of Akron has the IMPACT Employee Assistance (EAP) & Work/Life Program which offers access to confidential professional support. The IMPACT program includes access to unlimited phone consultation, six complimentary face-to-face counseling sessions per person per occurrence, plus an expansive collection of resources. The IMPACT Employee Assistance (EAP) & Work/Life Program is available 24 hour a day, 7 days a week by calling 800-227-6007.

 

Students who are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse issues also may be referred to The University of Akron Crisis, Assessment, Referral and Evaluation “CARE” team. The CARE Team provides guidance and assistance to students who are experiencing crises and responds to students when concerns have been identified for a student’s health, welfare and safety.

 

In addition to specific programs identified above, the University, as well as its constituent student and employee organizations, offers various programming concerning the effects of alcohol and substance abuse for constituent University audiences throughout the year. Information regarding ongoing programming is communicated to students and employees through informational postings, webpage announcements and electronic newsletters that the University sends to students (through Zipmail) and employees (through the Digest.) Student organizations may use the Zipmail system to share information with University students.

On-Campus Support and Resources

The following are available to students and employees

  • Center for Nursing: 330-972-6968
  • Clinic for Child Study and Family Therapy 330-972-6822
  • Counseling and Testing Center 330-972-7082
  • Health Services 330-972-7808
  • Department of Psychology 330-972-6714
  • Department of Sport Science and Wellness Education 330-972-7473

 

Hotlines

  • Alcohol & Drug Helpline 1-800-821-4357
  • Alcohol Treatment Referral Hotline 1-800-ALCOHOL (252-6465)
  • Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) 1-800-729-6686
  • for Substance Abuse Treatment National Drug/Alcohol Treatment Referral Service 800-662- HELP (4357)
  • National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (NCADD) Hotline 1-800-622-2255
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
  • S. Department of Education 1-800-624-0100

Akron Support Services

  • Alcoholics Anonymous 330-253-8181
  • Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board 330-762-3500
  • Summit County Public Health 330-375-2984
  • Edwin Shaw Hospital 330-436-0950
  • GreenLeaf Family Services 330-376-9494
  • Rape Crisis Center/Medina & Summit Counties 330-374-0740/Hotline 877-906-RAPE (7273)/
  • Campus 330-972-6328
  • Thomas Medical Center 330-379-5295
  • Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition 330-434-9144 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Support Services

  • Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters 1-800-344-2666
  • Alcoholics Anonymous World Services 1-212-870-3400
  • Marijuana Anonymous World Services 1-800-766-6779
  • Nar-Anon Family Groups 1-800-477-6291
  • Narcotics Anonymous 1-818-773-9999