Overview
Standards of Conduct
Alcohol Policy

• University and Student Events

  University Employees

1. University Sanctions
2. Criminal Sanctions
3. Laws Concerning Drug Abuse
4. Health Risks and Symptoms
5. Substance Abuse Assistance

    

    

   The U.S. Department of Education has issued regulations implementing the provisions of the Drug - Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.  These regulations require that the University distribute the following information annually to you in writing concerning the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs at the University.

    

   Drexel University College of Medicine's policies on substance abuse and alcoholic beverages are outlined below, along with related information on University sanctions for violation of these policies; on criminal sanctions for the illegal possession or distribution of drugs and alcohol; on health risks of drugs and alcohol; and on places to get help concerning the illicit use and abuse of alcohol and drugs.  Please read this important material carefully.

    

   STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

   Drexel University College of Medicine takes a strong stand on substance abuse and will vigorously enforce its rules regarding alcohol and drugs.  Drexel University College of Medicine also supports and will cooperate with authorities of the federal government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia in the enforcement of public laws and regulations regarding alcohol and drugs.  The Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy is intended to supplement and not limit the provisions of the University's Drug - Free Workplace policy applicable to certain University employees.

    

   Alcohol Policy

   Drexel University College of Medicine's policy regarding alcohol is consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The consumption, distribution, or serving of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Liquor and Crime Codes, which define the lawful consumption and service of alcohol and prescribe sanctions for violations.  The consumption, distribution, or service of alcoholic beverages must also comply with University regulations and policies described below.

    

   University and Student Events

   • No person under the age of 21 shall possess or consume alcohol.
   • No student, faculty member, staff member, employee, or other person shall intentionally or knowingly sell, furnish, supply, give, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21, or allow any person under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol.
   • With the exception of those areas of the University having liquor licenses, no alcoholic beverages shall be sold on University property.
   • No student activities money shall be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages without the consent of the Dean of Students (Center City Campus) or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (Queen Lane Campus).
   • No alcoholic beverages shall be served at membership recruitment functions (e.g., professional societies, and special interest groups).
   • No one shall advertise or promote alcoholic beverages of any kind at Drexel University College of Medicine. Further, no one may accept sponsorship, promotional items, or activities from companies engaged in the sale or marketing of alcoholic beverages. This statement should not be interpreted to prevent the distribution of materials whose primary purpose is to educate individuals concerning the health risks or other dangers involved in drug or alcohol abuse. Where there is some question concerning the primary purpose of such information, the University reserves the right to review and/or approve this information prior to its distribution.
   • Outdoor public drinking of alcoholic beverages on premises owned, leased, or controlled by the University, including walkways, buildings, residential steps or porches, unenclosed patios, lawns, and the like is strictly forbidden regardless of the age of the drinker except as specified below. With the prior written approval of the Dean of Students (Center City) or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (Queen Lane), alcohol may be served at outdoor events on University property in accordance with the guidelines for all events where alcohol is served. Outdoor activities involving alcohol must be limited to previously approved designated areas that are clearly marked and that are sufficiently enclosed so that access may be controlled.
   • All events on University property where alcohol is served must be conducted in accordance with the following provisions: a) Alcohol may be served at a social event to those of legal drinking age at Drexel University College of Medicine only with the written notice and approval of the Dean of Students (Center City) or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (Queen Lane) at least seven (7) days before the event. b) The individual or organization responsible for the event must provide written notice to University Security at least seven (7) days before the event, identifying the location, date, and time of the event. c) Except where the University provides written approval prior to the event, no fee will be charged for events where alcohol is served. d) At student - sponsored events, no individual may possess or consume alcohol unless he or she presents a valid photo driver's license, passport, or other acceptable photo identification issued by the state or federal government.  Those who present valid identification must be identified by a stamped hand, wristband, or other form of identification.  It is a serious violation of Pennsylvania law and University regulations for an underage person to present false or falsified identification for the purposes of possessing or consuming alcohol. It is also a serious violation of Pennsylvania law and University regulations for any person to give, provide, or furnish alcohol to an underage person or any person who is visibly intoxicated. e) The host organization will appoint a responsible host representative approved by the Dean of Students (Center City) or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (Queen Lane) to monitor the serving area entrance and serving area. Security will periodically check in with the event sponsor or representative to verify alcohol policy adherence and to see if any problems exist at the event. Security is not responsible for ensuring compliance with the University's guidelines for events where alcohol is served; this is the host organization's responsibility. f) Direct access to the serving area should be limited to person(s) of legal drinking age designated as the server(s). The server(s) and/or host shall be responsible for not serving individuals who, in the best judgment of the server(s), have already had enough to drink. Those serving may not drink until their responsibility as server(s) has been completed. g) Consumption of alcoholic beverages will be permitted only within the approved area designated for the event. h) Non - alcoholic beverages must be available at the same place as the alcoholic beverages and must be featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages. i) Food items, including non - salty foods, and non - alcoholic beverages must be available throughout the event. j) Parties, to be distinguished from receptions at which alcohol is served will be by invitation only.  A reception is defined as a social gathering of no more than two hours with a focused purpose such as honoring the recipient of an award or welcoming a lecturer to campus.  For all events involving students other than receptions, a computer - generated guest list will be required of each organization sponsoring the event, listing the first and last name of the Drexel University College of Medicine person responsible for the guest as well as the first and last name of the guest.  The list must be available for inspection at the entrance. k) Security will verify with each event sponsor to make sure the social event has terminated. No alcoholic beverages shall be served within a half hour of the termination of the event or after 1:00 a.m., whichever is earlier.  A formal cut - off announcement will be made to that effect. The event sponsors will notify Security if a problem arises with the closing of the function.
   • The University expects that all of its students, whether on - or off - campus, will abide by the University's regulations concerning alcohol and drug use.  Where a student engages in conduct off - campus that violates the University's regulations concerning alcohol and drug use and such violation results in behavior which, in the University's sole judgment, is destructive, abusive, or detrimental to the University's interests, the University's Judicial Process shall apply and such matters will be processed accordingly.

    

   University Employees

   Except as specifically authorized, the consumption or distribution of alcohol by employees while on University property or on University business is prohibited as is being under the influence of alcohol during work. This policy is intended to be consistent with applicable employment policies and the Drug Free Workplace Policy. Such policies may contain additional rules concerning alcohol and drug use.

    

   DRUG POLICY

   The possession, use, distribution, or sale of narcotics or drugs, other than those medically prescribed, properly used and in the original container, by students or University staff on University property or while on University business is prohibited.

    

   Off - campus possession, use, distribution, or sale of narcotics or drugs by students is inconsistent with the University's policies and goals, and is therefore prohibited.  Any and all type of drug paraphernalia including but not limited to bongs, pipes, any items modified or adapted so that they can be used to consume drugs are not permitted on University property.  The University will confiscate drugs or drug paraphernalia when found on University property.

    

   The University reserves the right to invoke the University Judicial Process to the extent that off - campus drug use leads to behavior which impairs performance or attendance of the employee, the safety and health of fellow employees, or the reputation or interests of the University are affected.  Drexel University College of Medicine reserves the right to take action against such off-the-job use of drugs consistent with existing policies.

    

   I. UNIVERSITY SANCTIONS

   Substance abuse violations of the Drexel University College of Medicine Alcohol and Other Drug policy by students or student organizations will be dealt with through the University Judicial Process. Sanctions imposed on students shall include, but are not limited to, probation, mandatory attendance at a substance abuse seminar, notification of parent or legal guardian, letter of reprimand and/or suspension or expulsion. In the case of a student organization, suspension will result in loss of privileges, including but not limited to, use of campus facilities, participation in University activities and sponsorship of official activities.  If expulsion is warranted, the student organization will lose its official recognition and its constitution shall be suspended permanently.

    

   Any employee of the University who violates the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, or is convicted of a drug violation occurring in the workplace, will be subject to the disciplinary procedures established and described in the Drug Free Workplace Policy or other established regulations under which the University may take disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

    

   II. CRIMINAL SANCTIONS

   As part of its educational function, Drexel University College of Medicine wants students, staff and faculty to be informed about the possible consequences of their actions and the risks they run under state and federal law regarding alcohol and drug abuse.  The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is punished by harsh sanctions under the laws of the United States Government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    

   Laws Governing the Use of Alcohol

   In the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Crime Code and the Pennsylvania Liquor Code govern the consumption, distribution and sale of alcohol.

    

   1. It is a summary offense for a person under 21 years of age to purchase, consume, possess or knowingly and intentionally transport any alcoholic beverages.  Penalty for a first offense is suspension of driving privileges for 90 days, a fine of up to $300.00 and imprisonment for up to 90; for a second offense, suspension of driving privileges for up to one year, a fine of up to $500.00, and imprisonment for up to one year.  Multiple sentences involving suspension of driving privileges must be served consecutively.
   2. It is a crime to intentionally and knowingly sell or intentionally and knowingly furnish any alcoholic beverage to a minor (under 21). "Furnish" means to supply, give or provide to or to allow a minor to possess on premises or property owned or controlled by the person.
   3. One's age in an attempt to obtain alcoholic beverages. Penalties are as stated in ( 1. ) above.
   4. It is a crime to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly manufacture, make, alter, sell or attempt to sell an identification card falsely representing the identity, birth date or age of another.  The minimum fine is $1000.00 for first violation; $2500.00 for subsequent violations: imprisonment for up to two years for any violation.
   5. It is a crime to hire, request or induce any minor to purchase alcoholic beverages or to misrepresent that another is of legal age in order to obtain alcoholic beverages.  The penalty is a minimum fine of $300.00 and imprisonment for up to one year.
   6. It is a crime to drive or operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance or drug.  It is also a crime to drive or operate a vehicle where the amount of alcohol by weight in the blood of the person equals or exceeds 0.10%.  Penalties for violation include a minimum fine of $300.00; loss or suspension of driver's license; participation in and completion of a counseling or treatment program; and imprisonment from 48 hours to not less than one year, depending on the nature and number of prior violations.
   7. It is a crime to sell, furnish or serve alcohol to any person who is visibly intoxicated.
   8. The City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prohibit the consumption or distribution of alcohol in any public place without a proper license or permit and prohibit public drunkenness.
   9. Sales without a license or purchases of alcoholic beverages from an unlicensed source are prohibited.  It is unlawful to posses or transport liquor or alcohol within the Commonwealth unless it has been purchased from a State Store or in accordance with Liquor Control Board regulations.

    

   III. LAWS GOVERNING DRUG ABUSE

   Federal Law The Federal Government prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation and possession of controlled substances unless specifically permitted by statute.  The government categorizes controlled substances according to Schedules I through V.  Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse, with no accepted medical use.  Schedule I drugs include, but are not limited to, heroin, marijuana, hashish, LSD and other hallucinogens.  Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but some medical use, and include opium, morphine, codeine, barbiturates, cocaine and its derivatives, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP) and other narcotics.  Schedule III, Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs have some potential for abuse, but less than Schedule I and II drugs, with Schedule III drugs having the most potential for abuse and Schedule V the least.  Schedule III, IV and V drugs include chloral hydrate (IV), certain barbiturates (III and IV), benzodiazepines (IV), glutethimide (III), other depressants and narcotics (III and IV), amphetamines (III) and other stimulants (III and IV).

   1. The federal penalty for the manufacture, sale or distribution of small amounts of Schedule I and II drugs, for the first offense, is from five to 40 years imprisonment and/or not more than a two million dollar fine for an individual (where death or serious injury occurs, not less than 20 years imprisonment and not more than life imprisonment); for a second offense, not less than 10 years imprisonment and not more than life and/or a fine of not less than four million dollars for an individual (where death or serious injury occurs, not less than life imprisonment).  Penalties are doubled in many cases for the manufacture, sale or distribution of larger amounts of Schedule I and II drugs.
   2. The federal penalty for the manufacture, distribution or sale of Schedule III, IV and V drugs of any quantity is: Schedule III Drug: not more than five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000.00 fine for a first offense; penalty is doubled for a second offense. Schedule IV Drug: not more than three years imprisonment and/or a $250,000.00 fine for a first offense; penalty is doubled fora second offense. Schedule V Drugs: not more than one (1) year imprisonment and/or a $100,000.00 fine; penalty is doubled for a second offense.
   3. Federal law provides separate penalties for the manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana, hashish, or their derivatives. Penalties vary according to the quantity involved, the existence of a prior offense, and whether death or serious injury results. For a first offense involving small amounts (less than 50 kilograms of marijuana; less than 10 kilograms of hashish), the penalty includes not more than five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000.00 fine for an individual. Penalties are doubled for second offenses. For larger quantities (between 50 - 100 kilograms marijuana; between 10 - 100 kilograms hashish), the penalty includes not more than 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of one million dollars. Penalties are increased for second offenses. Where death or serious injury results, penalties are increased to include not less than 20 years imprisonment and not more than life for a first - time offender; not less than life for a second - time offender.
   4. In addition to the manufacture, distribution or sale of controlled substances, federal law prohibits unauthorized possession of controlled substances. Penalties for simple possession include up to one year imprisonment and/or at least a $1,000.00 fine (but less than $10,000.00) for a first offense; up to two years imprisonment and/or at least a $2,500.00 fine (but less than $250,000.00) for a second offense; up to three years imprisonment and/or at least a $5,000.00 fine (but less than $250,000.00) for subsequent offenses. Special sentencing provisions apply to the possession of crack cocaine.
   5. Special federal penalties apply to the sale or distribution of controlled substances to persons under age 21 or within 1,000 feet of school, college or university property.

    

   Pennsylvania Law

   The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also imposes penalties for the possession, sale or delivery of a controlled substance. Pennsylvania classifies controlled substances according to Schedules I through V consistent with federal law. As with federal law, penalties vary according to the type of controlled substance involved.

   1. The penalty for the sale or delivery, or possession with the intent to deliver, of a Schedule I or II drug, whichis a narcotic, includes up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000.00 fine.
   2. The penalty for the sale, deliver or distribution of phencyclidines (PCP), methamphetamines, coca and its derivatives, and marijuana in excess of 1,000 pounds includes up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $ 100,000.00 fine.
   3. The penalty for the sale, delivery or distribution of any other Schedule 1,II or III drug not listed in (2) or (3) above, is up to five years imprisonment and/or a $ 15,000.00 fine.
   4. The penalty for the sale, delivery or distribution of any Schedule IV drug includes up to three years imprisonment and/or a $10,000.00 fine.
   5. The penalty for the sale, delivery or distribution of any Schedule V drug includes up to one year imprisonment and/or a $1,000.00 fine.
   6. Penalties for unauthorized possession of a controlled substance include up to one year imprisonment and/or a $5,000.00 fine for the first offense.
   7. Penalties for possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use or with the intent to distribute but not to sell or the distribution of a small amount of marijuana but not sale include up to 30 days in prison and/or a fine not to exceed $500.00.
   8. Penalties for the intentional purchase or knowing receipt in commerce by any person of any controlled substance, other drug or device from any person not authorized by law to sell, distribute, dispense or otherwise deal in such controlled substance, other drug or device include up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.00.

    

   IV. HEALTH RISKS AND SYMPTOMS The following are summaries of the major health risks of and common symptoms associated with alcohol and other drug use and abuse.  This is not a complete listing but an overview.  Each individual will experience the effects of alcohol and other drugs in a slightly different way given his or her tolerance, body size, family history, gender, and other physical and psychological factors. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs can lead to chemical dependency and can be harmful during pregnancy.

    

   Alcohol

   Health Risks: Alcohol in moderate amounts causes dizziness, dulling of the senses, impairment of coordination, reflexes, memory and judgment.  Increased amounts of alcohol produce staggering, slurred speech, double vision, mood changes and, possibly, unconsciousness.  Larger amounts result in death. Alcohol causes damage to the liver, heart and pancreas. It also may lead to malnutrition, stomach irritation, lowered resistance to disease and irreversible brain or nervous system damage.

    

   Symptoms: Glazed eyes, obvious odor, pale and dry skin, broken blood vessels in facial area slowed motor coordination and enlarged stomach.

    

   Marijuana

   Health Risks: Marijuana use leads to a substantial increase in heart rate. It impairs or reduces short - term memory and comprehension, and motivation and cognition are altered. With extended use, it can produce paranoia and psychosis. Smoking marijuana damages the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco. It also lowers male sex hormones, suppresses ovulation, and causes changes in the menstrual cycle and possibly causes birth defects.

    

   Symptoms: Someone who uses marijuana may laugh inappropriately and have bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and a tell-tale odor of the drug, a poor sense of timing and increased appetite.

    

   Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

   Health Risks: Cocaine and its derivative crack produce dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature. They may also cause insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, seizure and death.

    

   Symptoms: Someone using cocaine may experience muscle twitching, panic reactions, anxiety, numbness in hands and feet, loss of weight, a period of hyperactivity followed by a depression, a running or bleeding nose and sustained depression.

    

   Barbiturates

   Health Risks: In small doses, barbiturates produce calmness, relaxed muscles and lowered anxiety. Larger doses cause slurred speech, staggering gait and altered perception. Very large doses taken in combination with other central nervous system depressants, e.g., alcohol, cause respiratory depression, coma and sometimes death.

    

   Symptoms: A person who uses barbiturates may have poor muscle control, appear drowsy or drunk, become confused, irritable, inattentive or have slowed reactions

    

   Amphetamines

   Health Risks Amphetamine use causes increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils. Larger doses cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors and physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, high fever and heart failure.

    

   Symptoms: An individual using amphetamines might begin to lose weight, have periods of excessive sweating, and appear restless, anxious, moody and unable to focus. Extended use may produce psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions and paranoia

    

   Hallucinogens (including PCP, LSD, Mescaline, Peyote, Psilocybin

   Health Risks: PCP, or angel dust, interrupts the part of the brain that controls the intellect and impulsive behavior. PCP blocks pain receptors. Violent episodes, including self - inflected injuries, are not uncommon. Chronic users report memory loss and speech difficulty. Very large doses produce convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, or ruptured blood vessels in the brain. LSD, mescaline, peyote, etc. cause dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and tremors.

    

   Symptoms: Someone using PCP might appear moody, aggressive or violent. Such an individual may become paranoid and experience hallucinations and have time and body movements slowed. LSD users may experience loss of appetite, sleeplessness, confusion, anxiety and panic. Flashbacks may also occur.

    

   Narcotics including Heroin, Codeine, Morphine, Opium, Percodan

   Health Risk: Because these narcotics are generally injected, the use of contaminated needles may result in AIDS and hepatitis. Symptoms of overdose include shallow breathing, clammy skin and convulsions. An overdose may result in a coma or even death.

    

   Symptoms: Some signs of narcotic use are euphoria, drowsiness, constricted pupils and nausea. Other symptoms include itchy skin, needle or “track” marks on the arms and legs, nodding, loss of sex drive and appetite. When withdrawing from the drug, sweating, cramps and nausea occur.

    

   V. SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSISTANCE

   Drexel University College of Medicine is concerned about anyone who has a problem with substance abuse. Assistance is available through campus and community resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support by contacting the people and/or agencies listed below. For those who seek to identify treatment resources on their own, contact the Focus on Recovery Help Line at 1-800-234-1253.

    

   If you are a student who is concerned about your alcohol and/or other drug use or you feel someone close to you may have a problem with alcohol and/or other drug use, you can contact the Counseling Center at 215-762-4995 for confidential assistance.

    

   The Counseling Center, located on the 4th Floor of the 1427 Vine Street Building, is staffed by therapists with experience in the area of substance abuse. Students whose substance problem may require more extensive treatment will be referred to the appropriate services. Faculty and staff who have concerns about a student who appears to have a problem with substances are encouraged to consult with Counseling Center staff for assistance.

    

   For information about local self - help meetings contact:

   Alcoholics Anonymous 215-574-6900

   Adult Children of Alcoholics 215-333-0444

   Al-Anon 215-222-5244 (for family and friends of alcoholics)

   Nar-Anon 215-440-8400 (for family and friends of drug addicted persons)

   Cocaine Anonymous 610-325-9134

   Suicide Prevention 215-686 -4420

    

   Faculty and staff who have concerns about enforcement of the alcohol and other drugs policy should contact Anthony Caneris, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services at 215‑895‑2800.

    

   University students who have concerns about enforcement of the alcohol and other drugs policy should contact David A. Ruth, Dean of Students, at 215-762-1410.

    

   Additional University Resources:

   Mary Ellen Bradley, MSW, CAC 215-991-8579

   Kevin Drab, M.Ed., CAC 215-762-6922 Associate Director of Addictions Counseling Sciences Program

   Pam Geller, PhD 215-762-4995 Director ‑ Student Counseling Center

   Vincent Zarro, MD, PhD 215-991-8515 Assistant Dean ‑ Office of Student Affairs, School of Medicine

    

   The University will review its alcohol and other drugs programs annually for effectiveness and consistency of application and, where necessary, make appropriate changes.

    

   Revised September, 1999

   The Office of University Student Life

   New College Building, Suite 1106

   245 N. 15^th Street

   Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

   215-762-1400       fax  215-762-4523