THE FACTS ABOUT ILLICIT DRUG USE
AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

This information is provided to you in accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act. The law requires that we provide this information to you annually. Please take a few minutes to review this important information.

See also THE LAW, Employee Policies, Health Risks, Federal Penalities, Help Resources

Students, Staff and Faculty

Shenandoah is a community of individuals who have come together for the purpose of education. As with any comity, Shenandoah must establish guidelines for behavior, which will produce an environment in which learning, growth, and maturity can take place.

The regulations and practices governing the use of alcoholic beverages apply to all members of the Shenandoah community and their guests. The primary responsibility for knowing and abiding by the provisions of these policies rests with each individual.

Shenandoah will not tolerate the possession, use, manufacturer or distribution of illicit drugs or controlled substances. All action consistent with the law and individual privacy rights will be taken to eliminate the illegal use of drugs and alcohol on campus. Individuals violating the Federal laws, Virginia Statutes or local laws will be dealt with firmly.

To demonstrate the continuing concern about the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, Shenandoah is committed to an institution-wide program in drug and alcohol education, identification of abusers, treatment and rehabilitation.

STUDENT LIFE POLICIES

Shenandoah is primarily a community of individuals who have come together for the purpose of education. As with any community, Shenandoah must establish guidelines for behavior that will produce the type of environment and atmosphere necessary to best achieve its stated purposes and protect its academic integrity. The basic purpose of rules, regulations, and related enforcement procedures must, of necessity, be to support and maintain an environment in which learning and growth can take place.

The following pages contain an alphabetical listing of a number of areas that have required definitive regulation in the past. In cases which are not specifically covered here, students will be expected nonetheless to govern their behavior so as to safeguard the educational process, protect individual and institutional rights and property, and to insure the safety of all members of the Shenandoah community.

The Administration reserves the right to change any policy, rule or regulation within this document without prior notice, when it determines that such action is in the best interest of Shenandoah, its students, and /or faculty is not being served by continued implementation of said rule.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND DRUG POLICY

The Shenandoah community believes that individual responsibility is extremely important in social choices. The administration encourages a policy on alcoholic beverages that provides sanctions for abuses but places major responsibility on the student for reasonable decision making. A strong counseling program is available to help students know the problems and dangers of consumption of alcohol. Also major efforts are made by the Administration and Student Government Association to prevent "drinking and driving." The Shenandoah community will maintain the highest standards of personal conduct for its student body, faculty, and staff in dealing with abuses of the privileges granted in this policy. The regulations and practices governing the use of alcoholic beverages apply to all students attending Shenandoah and their guests. The primary responsibility for knowing and abiding by the provisions of the alcoholic beverage policy rests with each individual.

The illegal possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of drugs or other controlled substances by persons in the Shenandoah community will not be tolerated. Actions consistent with the law and individual privacy rights will be taken to eliminate the illegal use or abuse of drugs and alcohol on the Shenandoah campus. Shenandoah will deal firmly and fairly with individuals found in violation of Virginia statutes and federal laws pertaining to such substances.

Shenandoah believes that the illegal use or abuse of mood altering substances inhibits the healthy growth of the individual and is a direct threat not only to the individual involved but also to the safety and well being of the entire community.

Shenandoah recognizes that drug or alcohol abuse may be symptomatic of a serious addiction and for this reason, the sanctions and consequences of abuse described below may include assessment and the opportunity for counseling as part of the disciplinary action. Qualified drug and alcohol counselors will make assessments. An assessment is a structured interview designed to determine the progression by an individual toward addiction. Treatment recommended may include, but is not limited to drug screens, counseling and/or attendance at an outside treatment center, as appropriate. Failure to comply with a recommended treatment program may result in dismissal from Shenandoah.

Infractions of this drug and alcohol policy will be reported to the Student Programs Office for action. Consequences will be based on the following progression.

1. Alcohol use by under age student. Consequences:

a. 1st offense: written social warning to student, mandatory attendance at a two-hour alcohol/drug education program, notification to parents.
b. 2nd offense: social probation, fine of $25.00 to $100.00, mandatory attendance at a
minimum of three group-counseling sessions conducted by professional counselors, notification
to parents.
c. 3rd offense: suspension or mandatory assessment, required attendance at a minimum of six group counseling sessions conducted by professional counselors plus other treatment as required, fine of $50.00 to $100.00, notification to parents.
d. 4th offense: dismissal from Shenandoah, notification to parents.

2. Unauthorized public use by students over 21. Consequences:

a. 1st offense: written social warning.
b. 2nd offense: social probation, required attendance at a two hour alcohol/drug education program, fine of $25.00 to $100.00, notification to parents.
c. 3rd offense: dismissal from Shenandoah, notification to parents.

3. Any student found to be intoxicated on campus. Consequences:

a. 1st offense: social probation, required attendance at a two-hour alcohol/drug education program, fine of $25.00 to $100.00, notification to parents.
b. 2nd offense: suspension or mandatory assessment, required attendance at a minimum of three group counseling sessions conducted by professional counselors plus other treatment as indicated, fine of $50.00 to $100.00, notification to parents.
c. Any subsequent offense: dismissal from Shenandoah, notification to parents.

4. Sale or distribution of alcoholic beverage by student over 21 to underage student. Consequences:

a. 1st offense: social probation, required attendance at a two hour alcohol/drug education program, fine of $100.00 to $250.00, notification to parents.
b. 2nd offense: suspension from Shenandoah, fine of $250.00, notification to parents.
c. 3rd offense: dismissal from Shenandoah, notification to parents.

5. Use or possession of illegal substances by student. Consequences:

a. 1st offense: suspension or mandatory assessment, required attendance at a minimum of six group counseling sessions conducted by professional counselors plus other treatment as required, fine of $75.00 to $150.00, notification to parents.
b. 2nd offense: dismissal from Shenandoah, notification of parents.

6. Sale of illegal substances by student. Consequences:

a. 1st offense: dismissal from Shenandoah, notification to parents.

In all infractions involving illegal substances, the Winchester Police Department will be notified.

If alcohol/drug education programs or counseling is required, the student must make arrangements for attendance in support groups, within seven days of written notification of the sanction.

Where the above consequences indicate that a student's parents will be notified, this usually applies only to those situations when the student is financially dependent upon his/her parents to attend Shenandoah.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES