Drug & Alcohol Policy
I. Philosophical Statement
The Ohio State University is a dynamic learning environment. Its students, faculty, staff and guests interact in a wide variety of intellectual and social activities that extend outside of the classroom. We value and promote an alcohol-free environment, but we recognize alcoholic beverages may be available at some of these campus activities. Such activities are consistent with the University's cultural values when they foster moderation and safety in alcohol consumption. Illegal use of drugs is strictly prohibited.
The University prohibits the illegal use of alcohol and complies fully with federal, state and local regulations regarding the sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. All members of the University community are held responsible for their behavior and for respecting the rights of others. The University is committed to providing the community with education regarding high risk alcohol use and to making health-enhancing experiences a priority.
II. Policy
Unlawful possession, use, production, distribution or sale of alcohol or drugs by any student or employee is prohibited on University property or as any part of University activities. It is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, city, state and federal codes, and subject to faculty sanctions.
Any student, faculty or staff member found to be in violation of federal, state, and/or local law, or who violates the University's alcohol and other drug policies, are subject to University disciplinary procedures and/or referral to the appropriate authorities for legal prosecution. Campus disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to, written warnings, loss of privileges, probation, participation in an alcohol or other drug assistance or rehabilitation program, suspension, and/or dismissal. Sanctions may also apply to registered student organizations and to off-campus conduct involving activities sponsored or authorized by the University.
If violations occur, the following systems may be utilized:
a. Students are subject to appropriate discipline by the Dean at the OSU-Mansfield campus or by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct (http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp
b. Faculty could be disciplined under Faculty Rule 3335-5-04 (http://trustees.osu.edu/rules5/ru5-04.php)
c. Staff are subject to appropriate disciplinary actions described in the University's Operating Manual.
III. Legal Requirements - Under federal, state, and local laws pertaining to alcohol, it is generally a crime to:
- purchase, order, pay for, or share the cost of alcohol if you are under 21.
- possess alcohol if you are under 21.
- consume alcohol if you are under 21, unless it is provided by and consumed in the presence of your parent, legal guardian or adult spouse.
- sell alcohol to, buy alcohol for, or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 - even in your own home, apartment, or residence hall room.
- allow anyone under 21 to remain in your home, apartment, or residence hall room, or in other property that you own or occupy, while possessing or consuming alcohol.
- show or give false information about your name, age or other identification to purchase or obtain alcohol if you are under 21.
- provide false information about the name, age or other identification of another person under 21 to purchase or obtain alcohol for that person.
- have an open container of alcohol in your possession in any unlicensed public place.
- have an open container of alcohol in your possession while driving or riding in or on a motor vehicle.
- have an open container of alcohol in your possession while in or on a motor vehicle that is parked in or on a highway, street, or other place open to the public for parking. (An "open container" is any holder or receptacle that allows open access to alcohol, including any bottle, can, or similar container on which the original seal has been broken. A bottle, can, or similar container that has been recapped or recorked is still considered to be "open" for the purposes of these statutes.)
- consume alcohol while in a motor vehicle.
- drive while under the influence of alcohol. If you are under 21, there is zero tolerance for any alcohol testing in your system. Age 21 or older, the blood alcohol limit is .08.
- engage in conduct that offends, inconveniences, annoys, or alarms others or that poses a risk of physical harm to yourself, to others, or to property while you are voluntarily intoxicated.
Violation of these laws may also be a violation of Ohio State's Code of Student Conduct and could result in civil liability. This information is provided as a general summary of the major applicable laws. While it is believed to be current, laws are frequently amended and reinterpreted, and application of laws to specific situations generally requires an analysis of all of the facts and circumstances, and this information, therefore, should not be substituted for specific legal advice.
IV. Prevention and Assistance
Students are affected by alcohol and drug abuse in a variety of ways, and it can significantly interfere with the mission of this University. In addition to affecting the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, it also can exact tremendous costs in relationship to campus crime and its interference with the goals of learning. The Ohio State University is committed to providing a safe, healthy learning community for all of its members.
A. Adverse Health Effects of Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs may suffer from a number of health-related and other short and long-term medical, behavioral and social problems:
1. Heavy drinking increases the risk of certain disorders, such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and certain types of cancers, including cancer of the liver, mouth, throat, larynx (voice box) and esophagus.
2. Long-term health consequences include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, stomach ailments, digestive problems, skin problems, sexual impotence, obesity, heart and central nervous system damage, memory loss, physical dependence, and psychological disorders.
3. Abuse can also increase the risk of death from automobile crashes, injuries during recreation and work; higher likelihood of homicide and suicide, and harm to a fetus during pregnancy.
4. Alcohol and other drug abuse is associated with violent behavior toward others, and may lead to inappropriate risk taking which can result in injury or death, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases--including infection with the AIDS virus.
5. Excessive alcohol consumption is also related to patterns of behavior that damage the drinker's capacity to sustain relationships, and has negative consequences on academic and work performance. Nearly one-third of academic problems that occur on college campuses are related to alcohol abuse.
B. Education and Treatment Resources
All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to seek help early in the discovery of a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs, and to learn how to assist others with problems related to substance abuse. The earlier assistance is obtained, the less likely there will be serious, negative consequences resulting from an alcohol or other drug problem. Persons seeking assistance for a substance abuse problem will not be sanctioned by the University as a result of seeking such assistance. The following are some resources on campus and in the community for confidential assistance:
On Campus:
Counselor's Office-Bromfield 226 (Blake Wagner): 419-529-9941
Academic Advising Counselors in Student Services (for appointment, dial 419-755-4011)
In Mansfield:
The Center for Individual and Family Services Crisis Line (24 hours): 419-756-1717
Alcoholics Anonymous – Mansfield area: 419-522-4800
In Columbus:
Wilce Student Health Center: 614-292-4527
University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program: 614-293-4472
Dean’s Office, OSU-Mansfield, January, 2008