Approved by College Council, May 17, 1971
Saint Joseph’s University does not condone the violations of any civil statute. The illegal possession, use or distribution of drugs is prohibited within the University. The University, however, has no intention of usurping the role of civil authority. The University is concerned with drug use, not only because it is a violation of a civil statute, but also because it is detrimental to the achievement of institutional goals. The primary role of this community is the intellectual and emotional development of its members. It is generally recognized that the effect of drugs (e.g. lysergic acid, mescaline, methedrine, heroin, marijuana) is to alter one’s judgment and level of awareness. Constant use and/or abuse of drugs can result in permanent physical damage and psychological dependence as well as an increasing inability to distinguish illusion from reality. These effects are opposed to the proper functioning of an academic community.
The University is vitally interested in the well-being of all members of its community and, therefore, wishes always to offer assistance rather than punishment. The University recognizes that chronic drug usage does not occur in isolation. Rather, it is a symptom of other difficulties that the individual is experiencing. In view of this, the University makes available to all members of its community a counseling office staffed by professionally trained personnel. The services of a qualified psychiatrist are also available. The University strongly urges its members to take advantage of these services. In addition, the Counseling Center offers a comprehensive library collection on the topic of drug use and abuse.
To ensure the continuance of its academic function, the University will find it necessary to initiate disciplinary action in certain situations. Such action should not be taken without guaranteeing administrative due process to the individual involved. When, in its judgment, every other reasonable avenue of approach is exhausted, the University will take action to maintain good order, academic and social, and to prevent serious damage to the individual. It is also imperative that no member of the University community considers this campus a sanctuary from civil law, as the University accepts seriously its responsibility to cooperate with the proper authorities. In certain cases, the University may have to separate an individual from the residence system. If such separation is deemed necessary, an attempt should be made by the University to provide the individual with appropriate guidance before separation takes effect. If the University’s counseling service is unable to handle a case, the individual will be referred to another competent agency. Separation from the University community may be the result of disciplinary action, but it is considered only as a last resort.
Drug Sanctions
These are the recommended sanctions for possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances other than alcohol. The following list of sanctions is to be used as a guideline but is certainly not inclusive. It is important to remember that in determining sanctions, present attitude, honesty, willingness to make amends, previous discipline history, and severity of the violation are all taken into consideration.
• Step 1: This step is for first time offenders of the Policy on Drugs (approved by University Council, 1971). Sanctions for this step include: a two semester disciplinary probation, notification of parent(s)/ guardian(s), and participation in a full substance abuse assessment and an educational process by qualified University staff. Other sanctions that may be imposed include fines, removal from University housing, loss of the privilege of representing the University, community service, or dismissal from the University. (Examples of violations that may require more severe sanctions include providing drugs to others, and intent to distribute or larger possession. Drug paraphernalia is also considered a violation of the Community Standards).
• Step 2: This step is for individuals who have violated the Policy on Drugs more than once. It is recommended that the student take a leave of absence from the University to seek outside counseling and assistance. This may occur by way of a suspension for a period of time or dismissal from the University. Please note that additional sanctions or more severe sanctions will occur if the student, under the influence of an illegal substance, commits violations that threaten the health, safety, or welfare of the University community (e.g. immediate suspension or expulsion). If a student is hospitalized for health and/or safety related issues, the University will follow up and take appropriate actions as deemed necessary to promote the health, welfare, and safety of the individual and the University community.
