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Table of Contents
Introduction
MSU recognizes its responsibility for developing,
promulgating, and enforcing policy regarding alcohol and drug
use among students and employees. The university recognizes
that drug and alcohol use can adversely impact its most
important concerns: academic excellence, student development,
employee job performance, and the health and safety of the
campus community..
This policy applies to all levels of the universityıs
community. Its success depends upon the belief that each
person has a role in responding to this issue and that
substance abuse is a solvable problem which must be addressed
systematically, fairly, and with due process of law.
Philosophy
Each student deserves the best possible opportunity to achieve
academic excellence and a quality campus environment in which
to develop and mature. Moreover, the safety and welfare of all
members of the campus community must be assured. McNeese State
University wants to promote a safe and healthy environment, to
maximize the potential of all to make significant
contributions in life, and to promote the concept of
individual responsibility for substance use with all members
of its community.
The university recognizes that substance abuse poses specific
and serious threats to its mission as an institution of higher
education. The appropriate and legal use of drugs or alcohol
is a right and privilege, but the inappropriate or illegal use
of drugs or alcohol is not.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide a vehicle for
accomplishing the following:
Promote a healthy environment for students, faculty, and
staff.
Maximize the opportunities for academic excellence and student
development.
Define university expectations regarding appropriate use of
alcohol at sanctioned events.
Discourage the illegal use of alcohol and drugs and to
identify appropriate disciplinary procedures for those who
engage in such activities.
Demonstrate the universityıs commitment to provide counseling
and referral services to each member of the campus community.
Comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
Amendments of 1989: Public Law 101-226 and Executive Order
12564, Public Law 100-71 and subsequent regulations including
the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Programs and Services
McNeese State University recognizes
its responsibility to educate the campus community about
problems associated with drug and alcohol use. Alcohol and
drug counseling are provided to students and employees through
the MSU Counseling Center in Zigler Hall. The counseling
center provides services to all MSU students at no charge
except for a testing fee. Faculty, staff, and families are
also eligible for services through the Employee Assistance
Program. Assessment, counseling, and referral services will be
made available at no cost.
In a variety of settings, numerous prevention and education
programs will be offered on a regularly scheduled basis.
Current information about the effects of drug and alcohol use
on physiological and psychological health will be made readily
available. Students, faculty, and staff will be encouraged to
participate in all activities which promote alcohol and
drug-free experiences. Abstinence will be encouraged and seen
as a legitimate and socially acceptable choice for any member
of the university community.
Educational programs for campus leaders and other
administrators and staff will address the development of
skills required for identification of and early intervention
with others who demonstrate problems with alcohol or drugs.
Educational programs for campus leaders and other
administrators and staff will address the development of
skills required for identification of and early intervention
with others who demonstrate problems with alcohol or drugs.
ALCOHOL POLICY
This policy is based on a concern for the welfare of all
members of the university community and is in keeping with the
laws of the city and parish of Lake Charles and the state of
Louisiana. As members of the university community, students,
faculty, and staff are expected to comply with and abide by
this policy as well as local and state laws.
Campus police and other university officials will enforce all
laws governing alcohol use and abuse whenever necessary. This
policy is subject to change in order to comply with new local,
state, and federal laws pertaining to the possession and
consumption of alcohol.
McNeese State University has a genuine interest in providing
an environment that strives to protect the health and welfare
of its students, employees, alumni, and visitors. The
university recognizes that inappropriate and irresponsible
marketing and promotion of alcoholic beverages on campus can
contribute to the problems of alcohol abuse. Therefore, the
university, in its concern for the campus community and to
comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
Amendments of 1989, has adopted the following guidelines as a
realistic policy to govern alcohol practices on campus.
I. University Regulation
The university prohibits the use or sale of any alcoholic
beverages and the possession or consumption in any form on
campus except in those areas where the president or his
designee has authorized the serving or sale of legal beverages
in accordance with the provisions of the state and local laws
and ordinances and by prescribed university regulations.
II. State Laws
The 1986 Amendment of the Louisiana Code reenacts R.S.
14.91.1, 91.2 and 91.5 to comply with the U.S.C. 158
concerning alcoholic beverages. 91.1 A.
It is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to
purchase any alcoholic beverages either of high or low
alcoholic content. Penalty.
Whoever is guilty of violating the above provision should be
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $300
or be imprisoned for not more than 10 days.
91.2 and 91.5 B. (1) It is unlawful for any person under 21
years of age to possess or consume beverages of any alcoholic
content. Penalty. (2) Whoever is found guilty of violating the
above provisions shall be fined not more than $50.
III. Alcoholic Beverages Permitted on
Campus
Alcoholic beverages may be served on campus only at registered
private social events sponsored by the university, university
departments, or groups which include employees, alumni, or
visitors. The sponsoring group and its guests must comply with
university regulations and local, state, and federal
ordinances on alcoholic beverages.
Social events sponsored by student organizations must be
registered with the Office of Student Services.
Social events sponsored by the university, university
departments, or groups which include employees, alumni, or
visitors must be registered with the presidentıs office or his
designee.
Alcoholic beverages may be served at private social events to
members of the sponsoring organization, department, or group
and their specifically invited group if registered with the
presidentıs office.
Alcoholic beverages may be served by the university at a
private social dance sponsored by an organization or
department, its members and their specifically invited guests
if registered with the presidentıs office.
IV. Alcohol Prohibited at Certain
Events
The possession or consumption of alcohol is not permitted at
athletic events, including varsity athletic events, club
sports athletic events, and intramural sports events.
The possession or consumption of alcohol is not permitted at
social events where the general public is invited.
The possession and consumption of alcohol in academic
buildings is permitted only by special permission from the
presidentıs office and only for times when classes are not in
session.
V. Regulations for Serving Alcohol at
Private Events
Student organizations wishing to host a private social event
at which alcoholic beverages will be served must have one of
their officers participate in the alcohol awareness course.
Proper identification such as a driverıs license is required
to be shown when alcohol is served to ensure no underage
person is served alcohol.
An alternate nonalcoholic beverage other than water must be
served and displayed in equal prominence along with alcoholic
beverage.
Food items such as popcorn, chips, cheese, and crackers must
be served and displayed in equal prominence along with
alcoholic beverage.
Alcoholic beverages are to serve as an adjunct to a social
event and only to members of a group or its specifically
invited guests.
Alcoholic beverages are only to be served at a private social
event and only to members of a group or its specifically
invited guests.
No cover charge may be imposed at private social events at
which alcohol is served; groups may not sell alcohol to
participants. (Only licensed personnel are authorized to sell
alcoholic beverages).
Alcoholic beverages cannot be provided as free awards, nor is
sampling of alcohol or contests using alcohol allowed at
university events.
Students at social events must be registered seven days prior
to the function with the Office of Student Services.
All social events hosted by employees, alumni, or visitors
must be registered seven days prior to the function with the
presidentıs office or his designee.
Social events may be scheduled and alcoholic beverages may be
served only during the following times:
Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday noon to 1 a.m.
Sunday noon to 11 p.m.
When alcoholic beverages are served on campus, the consumption
is restricted to the serving area.
Notice of cancellation of an event approved for the serving of
alcoholic beverages must be received 24 hours prior to the
event or the sponsoring organization will be charged for
facilities, University Police, and Food Service.
VI. Violations of Alcohol Policy
Individuals and/or organizations are subject to revocation of
approval to serve and consume alcoholic beverages if behavior
at approved events violates the alcohol policies of the
university. Other disciplinary action may be taken by
appropriate university officials.
Events may be terminated by university officials if the event
becomes disruptive, the safety of individuals is endangered,
or if alcohol policies of the university are violated.
VII. Regulations for Serving
Alcoholic Beverages at Major Events
The serving of alcoholic beverages at major events such as
Spring Fling, which involve substantial and diverse segments
of the university community, must be approved by the president
of the university.
The serving of alcoholic beverages at major events must be in
accordance with the local, state, federal ordinances, and
university regulations.
Uniformed police officers must be present at the event. The
number of police officers present will be determined by the
Director of University Police. The officers will be assigned
specific duties and will be under the supervision of the
University Police Department.
VIII. General Alcohol Policies
University publications may accept advertisements from alcohol
companies or distributors in accordance with the Guidelines
for Campus Marketing of Beverage Alcohol.
Alcoholic beverages may not be distributed free of charge by
an alcohol company or distributor at any university event or
under any other circumstances on campus.
Alcoholic beverages may not be sold on campus by any alcohol
company or distributor.
DRUG POLICY
McNeese State University prohibits the unlawful manufacture,
distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs or
controlled substances by university students, faculty, and
staff on university owned or controlled property or at
university events as set forth by this policy, the Code of
Student Conduct, current personnel policies and procedures,
and Louisiana Law.
As citizens, students have the responsibility for knowing of
and complying with the laws of the community and state. Any
student who violates these laws is subject to prosecution and
punishment by civil authorities as well as disciplinary action
by the university. The university may proceed against and
sanction a person for the same conduct being handled by civil
authorities. McNeese State University considers any violation
of this drug policy a serious offense. Sanctions will be
imposed by the university in accordance with disciplinary
procedures set forth by the Code of Student Conduct.
As a condition of certain types of financial aid students must
certify that they ...will not engage in the unlawful
manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or use of a
controlled substance... during the period of the grant.
Students found in violation of this drug policy jeopardize
their ability to Receive financial aid for which they might
otherwise be eligible.
The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 prohibits the
unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession,
or use of illegal drugs in the workplace and provides for
sanctions against faculty, staff, and student employees,
permanent or temporary, who violate this policy. Any employee
who violates this Drug-Free Workplace policy is subject to
disciplinary actions by the president or his designee which
may include referral to civil authorities for prosecution and
punishment and termination of employment.
ILLEGAL DRUGS AND WEAPONS POLICY
The entire campus is considered a "Drug Free Zone" and a "Gun
Free Zone" under Louisiana law. MSU complies with all federal
and state laws which prohibit the use, possession, and sale of
illegal drugs. The university will not shield any student,
employee, or visitor from action by civil authorities. The use
of weapons by university police personnel is governed by state
law and departmental regulation. The use or possession of
firearms or other weapons by students, employees, or visitors
while on campus is prohibited.
SALE OR USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
MSU complies with all federal and state laws which regulate
the sale and use of alcohol. The university neither condones
nor shields from prosecution any individual found in violation
of the Louisiana Alcoholic Beverage Control laws. The
university does authorize alcoholic beverages on campus for
sanctioned events complying with state law.
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