Student Handbook

Alcohol and Drug Policies

Drug-Free Policy

The possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by members of the Strayer University community on any campus facility during class, study, or work periods is incompatible with the goals of the University. No employee or student should report to work or class while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Violators of these rules are subject to evaluation/treatment for a substance use disorder, or to disciplinary action as set forth in the Student Handbook, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University.

Alcohol Policy

The possession, consumption, or sale of alcohol on campus or at University-sponsored activities is prohibited, unless specifically sanctioned by the University and allowed by state and local alcoholic beverage regulations. The use of alcoholic beverages in the following instances must be approved by the President or his or her designee: (1) on campus and at functions sponsored by, or primarily for, students; and (2) at off-campus student functions sponsored by recognized student organizations.

Non-alcoholic beverages and food items must be available at the same place as the alcoholic beverages and readily accessible as long as alcoholic beverages are available. Advertisements for social functions may not describe the availability of alcohol as a promotional tool nor promote consumption of alcohol by minors.

All persons must have proof of age at any activity involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages. If alcoholic beverages are served, the sponsoring organization must implement precautionary measures to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not accessible or served to persons under the legal drinking age or to persons who appear to be intoxicated.

Individuals involved in the illegal use or distribution of alcohol are subject to arrest and University disciplinary action.

Drug Policy

Strayer University prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs on University property. Possession, sale, use, or distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, is a violation of federal and state laws and University policy. Students and employees who violate state or federal drug laws will be referred by Strayer University to the appropriate authorities for criminal prosecution, and, if convicted, may be subject to suspension, termination, or expulsion from the University.

Legal Sanctions for Unlawful Possession of Alcohol and Drugs

In addition to violating University policy, unlawful possession of alcohol and drugs may violate federal and state laws. Students and employees entering University property under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be referred to treatment and/or reported to local authorities. All other persons will be reported to local authorities immediately.

Alcohol Violations

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Persons possessing or consuming alcohol under the legal drinking age may face fines or jail time. Many states impose severe penalties for persons using false identification to purchase or consume alcohol.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. In addition to restrictions on blood alcohol content for drivers above the legal drinking age, many states also have strict "zero tolerance" laws prohibiting driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol if the driver is under the age of 21.

Drug Violations

Possession of any controlled substance, including drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy, as well as unauthorized prescription medications, drug paraphernalia, and materials used to manufacture or distribute illegal drugs, can result in serious penalties under federal and state laws, including imprisonment and large fines. Penalties increase sharply if the conviction involves possession, distribution, or the manufacture of controlled substances while on the grounds of a school or college.

In addition, students convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs (not including alcohol and tobacco) may be ineligible to participate in federal student loan programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information on penalties for violating controlled substance laws can be found at the website for the Drug Enforcement Administration, located at the following link: http://www.justice.gov/dea/agency/penalties.htm.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Drug Use

Health risks associated with use of alcohol and illicit drugs include physical and psychological addiction; permanent damage to vital organs, such as the brain and liver; complications during pregnancy; loss of motor coordination; psychological and mood disorders; and increased risk of several types of cancers.

For additional information on alcohol- and drug-related health risks, please visit www.factsontap.org, www.drugfree.org and www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov .

Treatment Resources for Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Students or employees who need assistance in overcoming alcohol- or drug-related problems are encouraged to contact the substance abuse organizations listed below:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association

1-800-662-HELP, www.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA is the Federal agency charged with improving the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, death, disability, and cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses. The SAMHSA Web site has a treatment facility locator searchable by type of treatment, form of treatment, and forms of payment accepted.

American Council on Alcoholism

1-800-527-5344, www.sobersupports.com

The American Council on Alcoholism (ACA) is a national non-profit health organization dedicated to educating the public about the effects of alcohol, alcoholism, and alcohol abuse, as well as the need for prompt, effective, available, and affordable treatment.

Alcoholics Anonymous

www.aa.org

Alcoholics Anonymous is worldwide with meetings in almost every community. Contact a nearby central office, intergroup, or answering service to find specific locations. Telephone numbers for Alcoholics Anonymous are often listed in local telephone directories. Outside of the United States and Canada, contact the International General Services Office.

Narcotics Anonymous

www.na.org

Narcotics Anonymous is an international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts with more than 31,000 weekly meetings in over 100 countries worldwide. To find a meeting in your area, contact one of the registered Narcotics Anonymous service committees and groups. If you do not find contact information for your area on the website, please consult http://www.drugrehablocator.com/ for information on how to receive help.

Crisis Intervention Resources

If you are experiencing challenges or a crisis, please refer to our Crisis Referral Information at http://www.strayer.edu/quick-links-and-contacts/student-consumer-information/crisis-referral-information. There are local and national telephone hotline numbers available regarding suicide prevention, domestic abuse, substance abuse and mental health crises.