Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Standards of Conduct

The University prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. This prohibition extends to on-campus residence halls, including those occupied by persons of legal age to possess and consume alcohol (age 21 or older) as per the terms of housing lease agreements.

Alcohol possession and consumption is permitted on the campus only under pre-approved conditions and according to procedures for such events as established by the University president or designee in accordance with applicable law. The University may exercise disciplinary action for violations of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol, and violations of University policies pertaining to drugs and alcohol, up to and including dismissal (expulsion) of students and termination of employees.

Alcohol Possession

The possession, sale, use or the furnishing of alcohol on the University campus is governed by the McNeese Alcohol Policy and Louisiana state law. Laws regarding the possession, sale, use, consumption or furnishing of alcohol are controlled by the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco and Control (ATC) Board. However, the enforcement of alcohol laws, including underage drinking laws on-campus, is the primary responsibility of the McNeese University Police. Only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted.

In Louisiana the minimum age to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverages is 21. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. A violation of any law regarding alcohol is also a violation of the McNeese Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and will be treated as a separate disciplinary matter by the University.

• Possession of alcoholic beverages on university premises or facilities, except as provided in the University Alcohol Policy.
• Possession of alcoholic beverages off campus by individuals under the age of 21.
• Consumption of alcohol on University premises or facilities (including underage drinking), except as provided in the University Alcohol Policy.
• Consumption of alcohol off campus by individuals under the age of 21.
• Excessive use of alcohol resulting in a state of intoxication that endangers oneself or other members of the community.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol (blood-alcohol level above .08 for individuals over age 21; (blood-alcohol level over .02 for underage individuals).
• Sale and/or distribution of alcohol by persons of any age to persons under the age of 21, including, but not limited to, charging admission to social events where alcohol will be served.

Illegal Drug Possession

The possession, sale, use, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by the MSU-PD. Violators are subject to University disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and/or imprisonment.

APPLICABLE LEGAL SANCTIONS
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol on university premises or while conducting University business off University premises is absolutely prohibited. All applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol will be applied. The legal consequences of alcohol and other drug violations are described below. 

It is unlawful in Louisiana to produce, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess illegal drugs. The most common illegal drugs on college campuses are marijuana, opium derivatives, hallucinogens, depressants, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, and amphetamines. The Criminal Code of Louisiana carries specific penalties for the possession and use of illegal drugs. It is also unlawful in Louisiana for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase/possess alcoholic beverages for any reason or anywhere open to the public.

Controlled Dangerous Substances SCH I- SCH IV (R.S. 40:981.3)
It is unlawful to possess, sell, distribute, or manufacture drugs listed in the statue. The drugs include, but are not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, “crack” cocaine, methamphetamine, heroine, LSD, and prescription drugs without having obtained a prescription from a licensed physician. Persons found guilty of one of these drug violations are subject to a fine of not less than $500, may be imprisoned at hard labor for up to 30 years or; if found selling illegal drugs on campus, can be imprisoned at hard labor for up to 45 years.

Educational and Prevention Programs

McNeese has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals and college disciplinary actions.

The University Counseling Center assists students with personal, development, academic and mental health needs. College life presents new and difficult challenges to all students and the Counseling Center strives to help students learn to navigate, manage and resolve those challenges.

In coordination with the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the McNeese Counseling Center administers the CORE Institute’s National Drug and Alcohol Survey to students on a biennial basis. The survey data is used to understand the drug/alcohol rates for the McNeese campus and to inform future educational programming needs.  Other data gathering surveys or tools may be used as needed.

Drug and substance abuse educational and prevention programs are offered through the unit of the McNeese Counseling Center and Student Health Services as a means to foster a healthy campus community. Programs include screening events, awareness/educational tabling events, classroom presentations upon request and professionally contracted speaking engagements available to the entire student body. Additionally, various other on- and off-campus resources are invited to collaborate on educational events for the campus community. 

The campus Wellness Coordinator is available for faculty/staff consultation regarding alcohol and other drug educational materials.

Annual Educational Campaign for Substance Abuse

The University maintains an annual educational campaign for students and employees coordinated through the Office of University Services, which consists of activities that include distribution of educational materials to new students; participating in and presenting information and materials during new employee orientation; and the delivery of ongoing awareness and educational programs to all employees and students throughout the year. The University offers the following primary alcohol and drug prevention and awareness programs for all incoming students:

PROGRAM	TIMELINE	LOCATION
Student Orientation	Fall & Winter Semesters	Bulber Auditorium
Housing/Resident Student Orientation	Fall & Winter Semesters	Bulber Auditorium
Campus Safety Month Wellness Wednesday	1st Week of September	Student Union
Homecoming Week Safety	October	Quad/Student Union
Mid-Semester Prevention (Pre-Mardi Gras Prevention)	March	Quad/Student Union

Other Resources

Substance Abuse Helpline:
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Narcotics Anonymous (Lake Charles):
(337)439-5753
Lake Charles Office of Behavioral Health:
(337)475-8022
Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s Office:
Non-emergency: (337)491-3600
Emergency: 911
National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency:
1-800-NCA-CALL (622-2255) for referrals to local treatment facilities.