Alcohol and Controlled Substances Policy
In response to concerns about the health and public safety risks associated with the misuse and abuse of illicit drugs (“controlled substances”) and alcohol, the Congress of the United States passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. The acts describe various deleterious physical and mental consequences (including addiction, severe disability, and death) among the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
“Controlled substances” are those defined in 21 U.S.C. 812 and include, but are not limited to, such substances as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, barbiturates, amphetamines, PCP, tranquilizers, and inhalants.
Generally, as of September 1990, it is a criminal offense:
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To illegally manufacture, sell, distribute, or possess controlled substances (those listed in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. sec. 812, 282, 841, 844,845,845a].)
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To unlawfully possess or possess for sale, controlled substances specified in the California Health & Safety Code (sec. 11350, 11351.)
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To transport, sell, or distribute marijuana to a minor or to use a minor to transport, sell, or distribute marijuana (California Health & Safety Code, sec.647.)
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To provide an alcoholic beverage to a person under 21 or to any obviously intoxicated person (California Business & Professions Code sec.25658,25602.)
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To be under the influence of alcohol in a public place and unable to exercise care for one’s own safety or that of others (California Penal Code sec.647.)
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To operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants or with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher (California Vehicle Code, sec.23152.)
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To have an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and for a person under 21 years of age to drive a vehicle carrying alcohol or to possess alcohol while in a motor vehicle (California Vehicle Code sec. 23223, 23224.)
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Therefore, the Board of Trustees has enacted the following policy in compliance with the law applicable to all employees and students.
Drug-free Policy
It is the policy of Sofia University to maintain a drug-free workplace, campus, and sponsored events. The unlawful distribution, possession, and/or use of controlled substances or the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on the University campus or in the workplace. The workplace, campus, and event venues are presumed to include all University premises and venues where the activities of the University are conducted.
Except for any Sofia University sponsored social functions, alcohol may not be consumed on campus. The only exceptions to this policy are those occasions when we hold a social gathering, and alcoholic beverages are provided. Consumption of alcohol should be reasonable under the circumstances, and students are expected to comply with existing conduct rules prohibiting unlawful sexual harassment and other forms of unlawful harassment. If off campus use impacts academic quality of participation and coursework in online classes, this is also considered a violation of this policy.
Violations of this policy will defer to the student conduct policy and procedures found here 2023-2024-Sofia-Student-Handbook.pdf . For informal resolution, formal SCC disciplinary action or referral for prosecution according to local, state, and federal statutes. If a violation is determined in any circumstance as noted above, it could result in disciplinary action to redo assignments in question, forced leave of absence, and in extreme cases, students may be expelled from their program and university due to unlawful conduct.
This policy will be reviewed every two years by the President of the Institution to determine its effectiveness and needed changes to the policy will be implemented.
Current federal code and state codes regarding controlled substance use.