University of Michigan Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff
This document contains the following section:
- Introduction
- UM Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
- UM Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Program
- Health Risks
- Counseling and Treatment Programs
- UM Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and Student Organizations
- University Sanctions — UM Ann Arbor Campus
- External Sanctions
- Employee Reporting Requirement
- Alcohol Marketing Standards
- Distribution of Policy
- Review of University Prevention Program and Policy
- For More Information
1.Introduction
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is committed to providing a safe, healthy learning community for all its members. The University recognizes that the improper and excessive use of alcohol and other drugs may interfere with the University's mission by negatively affecting the health and safety of students, faculty and staff. Problems such as vandalism, assault, harassment, and disruption of sleep and study space increase in relation to misuse. It is due to the harm caused by excessive and illegal use that the University has a vested interest in establishing polices to prohibit unlawful behavior and sanctions to address policy violations by members of the U-M community.
Under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1991, the University is required to have an alcohol and other drug policy and distribute this policy annually to all employees and students. This policy must outline the University's prevention, education and intervention efforts, and consequences that may be applied by both the University and external authorities for policy violations. The law also requires that individuals be notified of possible health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and sources of assistance for problems that may arise as a result of use.
Top2.UM Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Michigan law prohibits the dispensing, selling or supplying of drugs or alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years old. Employees, students, faculty and campus visitors may not unlawfully manufacture, consume, possess, sell, distribute, transfer or be under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs or controlled substances on University property, while driving a University vehicle or while otherwise engaged in University business. The only exception to this policy is that individuals of legal age may consume alcohol on University property in a manner consistent with University policy and State of Michigan law. University property, as defined in this policy, includes all buildings and land owned, leased, or used by the University, and motor vehicles operated by employees, including personal motor vehicles, when used in connection with work performed for or on behalf of the University.
If alcohol is to be served at any event/meeting outside one of the licensed facilities on campus (Michigan League, Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons, Oxford Conference Center, Business Executive Residence, and Inglis House), the General Counsel's frequently asked questions web page should be referenced for proper handling: http://www.ogc.umich.edu/faq_alcohol.html
Any person taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication is personally responsible for ensuring that while taking such drugs or medications, he or she is not a safety risk to themselves and others while on University property, while driving a University or privately owned vehicle, or while otherwise engaged in University business.
For the purpose of this policy, the term "drug" includes:
- controlled substances, as defined in 21 USC 802, which cannot be legally obtained
- legally obtainable controlled substances which were not legally obtained,
including:
- Prescribed drugs when prescription is no longer valid;
- Prescribed drugs used contrary to the prescription;
- Prescribed drugs issued to another person.
All members of the campus community also are governed by laws, regulations and ordinances established by the state and local municipalities, and will be held accountable by law enforcement representatives of those entities for any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of all campus members to be aware of these laws.
Top3. UM Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program (UMAODPP)
The UMAODPP uses evidenced-based strategic interventions, collaboration, innovation and the incorporation of the wellness dimensions to reduce harmful consequences of alcohol and other drug use.
- Providing education and awareness activities
- Offering substance-free social, extracurricular, and public service options.
- Creating a health-promoting normative environment.
- Restricting the marketing and promotion of alcohol and other drugs.
- Limiting availability of alcohol and other drugs.
- Developing and enforcing campus policies and enforce laws to address high-risk and illegal alcohol and other drug use.
- Providing early intervention and referral for treatment.
For more information on the U-M Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program see www.uhs.umich.edu/wellness/aod/UMAODPP.html or contact Health Promotion and Community Relations Department, at 734-615-7694.
Top4. Health Risks
The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs increases the risk for a number of health-related and other medical, behavioral and social problems. Below is a general description of the health risks associated with drug use.
ALCOHOL Loss of concentration and judgment; slowed reflexes; disorientation leading to higher risk of accidents and problem behavior; risk of liver and heart damage, malnutrition, cancer and other illnesses; can be highly addictive to some persons.
AMPHETAMINES Can cause rushed, careless behavior and pushing beyond your physical capacity, leading to exhaustion; tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; withdrawal can result in depression and suicide; continued high doses can cause heart problems, infections, malnutrition and death.
CANNABIS Can cause permanent damage to lungs, reproductive organs and brain function; slows reflexes; increases forgetfulness; alters judgment of space and distance.
COCAINE Causes damage to respiratory and immune systems; induces malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function. Some forms (such as “crack”) are highly addictive.
HALLUCINOGENS (PCP, LSD, ecstasy) Cause extreme distortions of what's seen and heard; induces sudden changes in behavior, loss of concentration and memory; increases risk of birth defects in user's children; overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma and death. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.
INHALANTS (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons) Cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, slurred speech, hallucinations or delusions; may lead to rapid and irregular heart rhythms, heart failure and death; long-term use may result in loss of feeling, hearing and vision; can result in permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
NARCOTICS (heroin, morphine, opium, codeine) Highly addictive; tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; overdose can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest and death; leads to malnutrition, infection and hepatitis. Sharing needles is a leading cause of the spread of HIV and hepatitis.
SEDATIVES Tolerance increases rapidly; produces physical and psychological dependence; cause reduced reaction time and confusion; overdoses can cause coma, respiratory arrest, convulsions and death; withdrawal can be dangerous; in combination with other controlled substances can quickly cause coma and death.
TOBACCO (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco) Causes diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular smoking being a major risk factor for a myocardial infarction (heart attack), diseases of the respiratory tract such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema, and cancer, particularly lung cancer and cancers of the larynx and mouth
Top5. Counseling and Treatment Programs
The University of Michigan encourages individuals with alcohol- or other drug-related problems to seek assistance.
Emergency Services Faculty, Staff and Students
UM Psychiatric Emergency Services
Level B1 of the Medical Center, adjacent to the Department of
Emergency Medicine
Crisis help hotline 734-996-4747
24 hours a day/7 days a week
Fee for service
Non-Emergency Services for Individual Students
UM Counseling and Psychological Services
Michigan Union, 3rd floor
734-764-8312
Offers individual counseling and substance abuse assessments
Free services for enrolled UM students
UM University Health Service
Health Promotion and Community Relations
207 Fletcher Street
734-763-1320
Facilitates the BASICS programFacilitates the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) and the Individual Marijuana Education Program (IMEP), as educational interventions for students who would like to explore their relationship with alcohol and/or marijuana use (two one-on-one sessions); free to enrolled U-M students.
Non-Emergency Services for Faculty and Staff
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
1009 Greene Street
2076 Administrative Services Building
734-936-8660
UMHS Employee Assistance Program
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
734-763-5409
UM Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS)
Rachel Upjohn Building 4250
Plymouth Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI
734-232-0600 or 1-800-828-8020
Provides assessment and treatment services
6. UM AOD Policy and Student Organizations
The University of Michigan expects each student organization to adopt a policy about the use of alcohol and other drugs that is consistent with this Policy; complies with federal, state and local laws; minimizes criminal and civil liability to the organization and its members; and helps assure the personal safety and welfare of members and guests. The Division of Student Affairs provides resources and references to assist student organizations with drafting policies and managing membership. Contact the Office of Student Activities and Leadership for assistance or more information:
Office of Student Activities and Leadership 2205 Michigan Union, 2nd floor 734-763-5900
The following guidelines are recommended:
- It is illegal for student organizations to sell alcohol in the state of Michigan. Student organizations can significantly improve personal safety and reduce liability by not providing alcohol to any person.
- If alcohol is to be present at an organization-sponsored activity, the
organization can provide for the safety of its members and reduce its liability
if:
- Alcohol is not the focus of the event;
- Attractive alternative beverages are provided;
- Procedures are in place to prevent service or sale to persons under the legal age of 21;
- Alcoholic beverages are not purchased with organization funds nor with the contributions of individual members;
- Alcohol is not served from common or self-serve containers;
- Service complies with this Policy, as well as the rules of the facility;
- Designated non-drinking hosts are assigned to attend the event;
- Assist any attendee who is intoxicated with finding alternative transportation home.
If alcohol is to be present at an event, the preferred methods of serving alcoholic beverages are to use a professional caterer or hold the event at a site provided by a vendor who is licensed to sell and serve alcohol. If these methods are not possible, request that guests of legal drinking age bring a reasonable amount of alcohol that only they will consume at the event. Schools, departments, units and administrative offices as appropriate are expected to encourage student organizations' compliance with these expectations and recommendations.
Top7.University Sanctions — UM Ann Arbor Campus
The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs also increases the risks for behavioral and social problems such as negative effects on academic work performance; conflicts with co-workers, classmates, family, friends and others; conduct problems resulting in disciplinary action, including loss of employment or dismissal from an academic program; and legal problems resulting in ticketing, fines and imprisonment.
The laws of the state of Michigan and University of Michigan's policies prohibit the consumption or possession for personal consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 years. Further, Michigan laws and University policies prohibit the sale, service or giving of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. University of Michigan's policies, local ordinances and laws, state laws and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Violation of University policies will be subject to campus disciplinary review and action, as follows:
Students: The University community has established expectations for nonacademic student conduct under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities (The Statement). The Statement specifically addresses the illicit use of alcohol and other drugs as follows:
"The following behaviors contradict the values of the University community and are subject to action under this Statement:
- Illegally possessing or using alcohol
- Illegally distributing, manufacturing, or selling alcohol
- Illegally possessing or using drugs
- Illegally distributing, manufacturing, or selling drugs"
The Statement is administered by the Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR). OSCR is charged with facilitating the resolution process used to determine responsibility. OSCR staff work with parties to determine appropriate educational measures. These measures cover a wide range of educational assignments and obligations, including but not limited to suspension and expulsion from the institution. OSCR may delegate portions of the Conduct Process to other units of the University who have a vested interest in the conduct of smaller student communities (e.g. University Housing, Athletic Department).
Academic units of the University also may have written or implied policies concerning management of alcohol use and their response to the illicit use of alcohol and other drugs in the academic setting. Students are expected to know and understand these additional policies and abide by them.
Student Organizations: Policy violations by non-Greek affiliated student organizations will be handled through the student organization judicial process administered through the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Violations by Greek affiliated student organizations will be adjudicated by the Greek Activities Review Panel (GARP).
Staff and Faculty: Sanctions for violations by faculty and staff are governed by policies within individual departments and any applicable guidelines set by University regulations (Regents' Bylaw 5.09, Standard Practice Guide 201.12), appropriate collective bargaining agreements, and other applicable policies or procedures. Appropriate sanctions may include: verbal or written warnings, a mandated rehabilitation program, probation, suspension, and termination. In each case there are likely to be different circumstances that are relevant for understanding the situation and determining the appropriate sanction.
8. External Sanctions
Violations of laws and ordinances may result in misdemeanor or felony convictions accompanied by the imposition of legal sanctions, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fines as determined under local, state, or federal laws;
- Imprisonment, including up to life imprisonment, for possession or trafficking in drugs such as heroin and cocaine;
- Forfeiture of personal and real property;
- Denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts and student loans;
- Loss of driving privileges;
- Required attendance at substance abuse education or treatment programs.
A full description of federal sanctions for drug felonies can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/agency/penalties.htm
Alcohol: Under Michigan law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, consume or possess, or have any bodily content of alcohol. A first-time conviction may result in a fine, substance abuse education and treatment, community service and court-ordered drug screenings. There also is a provision for possible imprisonment or probation for a second or subsequent offense. Use of false identification by minors in obtaining alcohol is punishable with a fine, loss of driver's license, probation and community service.
Individuals can be arrested and/or convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at .08 or higher. If a student is under 21, there is a "zero tolerance" law in the state of Michigan and any blood alcohol level of .01 or higher can lead to a minor in possession (MIP) citation as well as being cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, if applicable. This is in addition to suspension of driving privileges in the state of Michigan.
Marijuana: The laws regarding marijuana possession on campus differ from those in the city of Ann Arbor. The property occupied by the University of Michigan is under the jurisdiction of the laws of the state of Michigan. Under these laws, possession of marijuana on U-M property is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. Persons convicted of possession of marijuana off U-M property but in the city limits of Ann Arbor will be charged with a civil infraction and required to pay a fine.
Michigan Law Governing Marijuana The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 (MMMA) permits qualified patients and their primary caregivers to use, possess and grow limited amounts of marijuana for treatment of certain debilitating medical conditions. However, the MMMA conflicts with federal criminal laws governing controlled substances, as well as federal laws requiring institutions receiving federal funds, by grant or contract, to maintain drug-free campuses and workplaces. The University of Michigan receives federal funding that would be in jeopardy if those federal laws did not take precedence over state law. Thus the use, possession or cultivation of marijuana in any form and for any purpose continues to violate the UM Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and is prohibited at the University of Michigan.
Top9. Employee Reporting Requirement
Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, in addition to the other requirements of this policy, the University of Michigan requires all employees who work in any capacity under a federal grant or contract to notify his or her University supervisor or department head in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace or on work-related activities no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction. The supervisor or department head will notify University Human Resources, who will consult with the appropriate staff in the Division of Research Development and Administration regarding satisfying the University's reporting obligations.
Top10. Alcohol Marketing Standards
The University of Michigan will refuse advertising inconsistent with the fundamental missions of the University, or in conflict with the image the University seeks to project or the well-being of the University community. Examples of advertisements that will not be accepted include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Sex as a product
- Gambling
- Paraphernalia associated with illegal drugs
- Dishonest, deceptive, or illegal advertising.
A full description of the University's marketing standards can be found at: http://www.logos.umich.edu/policyuse.html#advertising
Top11. Distribution of Policy
A copy of this policy statement will be distributed to all faculty, staff and students annually via email at the beginning of fall semester.
Top12. Review of University Prevention Program and Policy
Biennially the University shall review its "Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Program and Policy" to determine effectiveness and implement changes, if needed, and to ensure that the University's disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
Top13. For More Information
For more information concerning this policy, contact the UM Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Program in the Health Promotion and Community Relations Department at 734-615-7694.
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