GENERAL INFORMATIONCWU Drug and Alcohol PolicyOn December 12, 1989, the President of the United States signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 which require that institutions of higher education implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by its students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities. This Act was developed in response to a proposal that Congress pass legislation requiring schools, colleges, and communities to implement and enforce firm drug prevention and education programs as a condition of eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. In addition, the Drug Free Workplace Act (Public Law No. 100-690, 5151-5160) requires applicants for federally funded grants and contracts to certify that they will institute affirmative steps to prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of controlled substances in the workplace. Taken together, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the Drug-Free Workplace Act, and Washington State law established the legal requirements to the Central Washington University policy. As a condition of employment at the University, all employees will abide by the terms of this policy and will notify their supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after the conviction.I. PHILOSOPHYThe mission of Central Washington University is to provide the highest possible quality education at the post-secondary level. The University must provide opportunities for learning to live more fully as well as training to make a living. The University also endeavors to provide students with programs and activities that enhance the academic program and contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals (University Catalog, page 9). In order to accomplish this mission, the educational environment in the University community must enhance the intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of all members of the community, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, and others. The use of alcohol and other drugs, and the problems associated with their abuse are becoming increasingly commonplace in our society as in our University community. The educational environment is adversely affected by the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Members of the University community can experience serious and major consequences of such use in bodily and emotional harm, decreased academic and work performance, increased attrition rates, and other damage to their growth and development as responsible and contributing citizens of our community and society. The University is obligated, and indeed mandated, to develop and maintain educational efforts and environmental enhancement that promote the health and well-being of its community. The University views alcohol and drug abuse as a treatable illness. As with other illnesses, we can support the efforts of those seeking assistance, and we can improve our environment in a way that sets an example for others. To this end, the University first affirms its prohibition of the use of alcohol and illicit drugs on campus. In addition, the University does not condone the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by employees or students, whether of legal age, or underage, in those areas the University deemed public access areas, except as allowed under state law and by state permit. In light of the serious consequences associated with the abuse of alcoholic beverages, the University also recognizes its responsibilities to engage in prevention and intervention activities with members of its community. Finally, the University affirms its intention to develop appropriate sanctions for violations of its drug and alcohol policy, and to apply these sanctions in a consistent manner. II. POLICIES AND PROCEDURESThe purpose of this section is to briefly summarize the key points of the University policy regarding the distribution, possession, and use of alcohol and other drugs. In order to comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, a complete description of relevant laws, procedures, sanctions, and prevention information found in the complete Drug and Alcohol Policy is available through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. III. LEGAL ISSUESThe University's policy regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol and other drugs on campus has been developed in keeping with Washington State law and the Governor's policy on alcoholism and drug dependency. Washington state laws are described in the Revised Code Of Washington and the Washington Administrative Code. Members of the University community may review these documents at the University library. State laws regulate behavior such as the consumption of alcohol in public places, the furnishing of liquor to minors, the illegal purchase of alcohol, and the distribution of controlled substances, to name a few. A brief description of applicable local, state, and federal laws is provided in Addendum E. The University Policy assumes that individuals of the University community have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these local, state, and federal laws. According to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 106-120- 027), a student shall be subject to disciplinary action or sanction upon violation of any of the following conduct proscriptions:
IV. PROCEDURES FOR SERVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON CAMPUSUniversity departments and student organizations are encouraged not to involve alcoholic beverages in any sponsored function. If they choose to do so, they are urged to consider the effects and the responsibility they assume in making such decisions. If the members of the department or organization choose to include alcoholic beverages in their functions, they must comply with all local and state laws, as well as specified liquor guidelines. All groups and organizations sponsoring social events held on the CWU campus and all recognized University groups holding events off campus which involve the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages are obliged to comply with the procedures and guidelines outlined in Addendum D and use a social attendant. Contact the Scheduling Center at 963-1321 for more information on Social Attendants. Any party that intends to serve alcoholic beverages on campus must adhere to the following procedures:
After the event, a written report will be completed by the Social Attendant, which will describe any problems, concerns, or suggestions that pertain to the event. The report will be kept on file and reviewed if and when the sponsoring organization subsequently requests University space for social functions involving alcohol consumption. Documentation of problems or violations at previous social events may result in the group not being allowed an alcohol use permit in the future. In addition, any areas of concern will be provided, in writing, to the sponsoring organization after the event. A copy of this and any subsequent communication will be kept on file in the University Scheduling Center Office. Sponsoring organizations should be aware of the consequences of failure to comply with the policy regarding the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The individuals responsible for the event will be held accountable under all Washington state laws. Other possible consequences include, but are not limited to:
V. ADVERTISEMENTThere will be no marketing or advertising of alcoholic beverages on the Central Washington University campus, except as allowed by state law. The University name will not be associated with the advertising of alcoholic beverages. VI. PROBLEM-SOLVING TEAMWhen student behavioral problems associated with alcohol and other drug abuse occur, the University employs a team problemsolving approach. The Director of Residence Living, the Chief of Campus Police, the Director of The Wildcat Wellness Center, and the Director of the Center for Student Empowerment join the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs weekly to review residence living incidence reports filed by residence advisors (RAs) and managers, as well as campus police reports which cover both on- and off-campus students. This problemsolving team then deals with student behavioral problems generally violative of the conduct proscriptions contained within the CWU student judicial code (WAC 106-120). It has been found that alcohol and other drug abuse is involved in the majority of student behavioral problems. The problem-solving team works together to suggest intervention strategies that are considered to be the most appropriate and effective for eliminating specific negative student behaviors, especially those related to substance abuse. The team may suggest various forms of intervention including, but not limited to, the following: (1) a meeting with members of the residence living student staff; (2) a meeting with one of the residence living or housing administrative staff; or (3) a meeting with the Director of the Wildcat Wellness Center or other full-time, appropriate staff members. Official hearings in the Vice President's office are conducted when it becomes apparent to the problem-solving team that the initial and more informal forms of intervention with a student have been unsuccessful in positively modifying a student's behavior. VII. UNIVERSITY SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF PROSCRIBED STUDENT CONDUCTOfficial University action will be taken when violation of state law or University policy regarding alcohol and other illicit drugs occur. Repeated violations carry more significant consequences. The Vice President's office may include in the sanction mandated contact with the Director of the Wildcat Wellness Center and/or direct referral for assessment through the Alcohol Drug Dependency Service (ADDS) in Kittitas County or other state licensed treatment agency. If alcohol or other drug abuse is a related factor in the violation of other proscribed conduct, the same mandate may be considered appropriate. Following are the sanctions available as they appear in the CWU Student Judicial Code:
The vice president's office may invoke a Summary Suspension of any student from the University pending investigation, action or prosecution of charges of an alleged violation of proscribed conduct when there is reason to believe that their physical or emotional safety and well-being or the safety and well-being of other University community members, or the protection of property requires such suspension. When chronic alcohol or other drug use is involved, as is often the case when a student has been suspended or suspension is imminent, re-entry after a period of suspension or continuation in school on a deferred suspension may be contingent upon the student successfully completing an appropriate treatment program. The specific treatment would be recommended by the Director of the CWU substance abuse program (Wildcat Wellness Center) and/or by members of the staff of local substance abuse treatment agencies. Generally, documentation from treatment counselors or program directors confirming successful completion of treatment and a positive prognosis for recovery are required for reinstatement or continuation in school. VIII. EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND REFERRAL FOR ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ISSUESAlcoholism and drug dependency are defined as illnesses that may interfere with an employee's ability to perform assigned work satisfactorily or that adversely affect job behavior. Employees are encouraged to voluntarily seek expert assistance for alcoholism, alcohol abuse, drug dependency, or any other job-impairing personal problem. Assistance is available through a variety of professional resources on campus and in the community. Questions regarding medical insurance coverage for professional services should be referred to the employee's medical plan provider. The University contracts for confidential employee assistance with EAS (Employee Advisory Services), (360) 753-3260 (Olympia) or (509) 456-5000 (Spokane). Supervisors are required to identify, document, and attempt to correct all employee job performance and/or work behavior problems, using standard corrective action procedures outlined in either personnel policies or the Faculty and Exempt Employees' Codes. They should not diagnose alcoholism, drug dependency, or any other complex medical-behavioral problem. However, corrective efforts may include referral to professional treatment resources at any time during the process. Supervisors are encouraged to share information regarding professional treatment services with employees on a regular basis. Pamphlets describing services are available from the CWU Human Resources Department or from the Director of the CWU Wildcat Wellness Center. See Addendum C for a description of professional drug treatment and counseling resources.
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