Alcohol and Paraphernalia

The University prohibits the unlawful possession of alcohol and controlled substances by students, faculty, and staff either on University property or at any University-sponsored activity. This prohibition extends to activities sponsored by groups or organizations related to the University; and it extends to off campus professional activities, including professional conferences, where attendance by faculty, staff, or students is sponsored, wholly or in part, by the University or by organizations related thereto. Furthermore, the University reserves the right to discipline members of the University community who, in other situations, whether on campus or off, are found to be in violation of federal, state, and local laws related to the use of controlled substances.

High Point University will impose disciplinary sanctions ranging from warning to expulsion where members of the University community violate the University policy involving controlled substances. Where members of the University community are charged with such offenses, cases may also be referred to federal, state, or municipal agencies. In addition, the University reserves the right to impose sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination, where members of the University community are found to be guilty of violating federal, state, or local laws involving controlled substances even where the activity was not University-related or on campus. Parental notification of the sanction may be made for any violation involving alcohol or other controlled substances such as narcotics or other drugs. This notification will only be made after a determination of responsibility has been made. In addition to sanctions imposed for the misuse of controlled substances, disciplinary action will be taken for misconduct which results from the misuse of alcohol. Members of the High Point University community also will be held accountable for damages which result from misconduct. In some cases, conditions of continuation or readmission may include the completion of an appropriate treatment program or inpatient care approved by the Office of Community Standards in conjunction with a recommendation from the Office of Counseling Services as indicated by a substance use assessment.

Even low doses of alcohol may have acute effects: (1) most vehicular accidents among persons aged 15 to 24 are related to drinking; (2) aggressive acts, such as abuse of family/friends and acquaintance rape, are almost always related to alcohol abuse; (3) mental functions may be impaired, making it difficult for a person to process and remember information. High doses of alcohol can cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses may produce similar effects.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence, in which case sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs, such as the brain and the liver. Some studies suggest that brain cells are actually destroyed permanently by high levels of alcohol.

New students will participate in a series of transitional education intended to introduce new students to High Point University and educational content that assists in the academic, social, and emotional transition from high school to college.

Alcohol. The Office of Community Standards recognizes that alcohol and substance use is a rising issue nationally for students at the college level. With this concern in mind, the Office of Community Standards will provide all students with a preemptive initiative that educates students about alcohol, its effects, and making well-informed decisions. An alcohol education program that will assist in creating an educational and comfortable living-learning environment for students within their campus community.

This method works to do the following for students:

• Motivates positive behavior change

Resets unrealistic expectations about the effects of alcohol

• Links choices about drinking to academics and personal success
• Helps students practice safer decision-making
• Engages students to create a healthier campus community

The University expects members of the University community to abide by state laws governing the use of alcohol; and, therefore, it prohibits the use of alcohol by persons who are younger than 21 either on campus or at University-related events.

Although the University does not sanction the use of alcohol, and except as indicated, students who are 21 years old or older may consume alcohol in their rooms or house, provided they do so in a responsible manner. In the event that alcohol is discovered in a student’s room who is under 21, the alcohol will be disposed of and additional sanctions will be imposed.

Special attention to the following:

• Alcohol, whether in original or subsequent to the original containers and regardless of student’s age, may not be publicly displayed on campus;
• Where the use of alcohol results in behavior which is disruptive, disrespectful, destructive, loud, or threatening, sanctions up to and including exclusion or termination may be imposed;
• Alcohol may not be used as an award or trophy for any event or program of the University or by any University organization, group, or individual;
• When an individual resides with residents who are under the age of 21, alcohol must not be present in common areas, such as the living room, bathroom, kitchen, or cabinets. If alcohol is found in the common areas, the alcohol will be disposed of and additional sanctions will be imposed; 118
• Students, regardless of age, are not permitted to possess alcohol paraphernalia including, but not limited to: beer bongs or funnels, tables that a reasonable person would believe is being utilized for drinking games, or any container or device specifically used to consume alcoholic beverages;
• Common large volume containers, such as kegs, are not allowed on campus or at any organization function off campus. Owners may be charged with distribution. Distribution is not limited to directly providing alcohol to minors but also includes creating an environment in which minors consume;
• Evidence of games leading to rapid consumption of alcohol such as beer pong, flip cup, etc. are prohibited.

Although the University ordinarily is not in a position to regulate off-campus events, it should be understood that any person or any group of persons who aids or abets others in securing alcohol may be liable not only for aiding or abetting but also for personal injuries or property damages resulting from misconduct by those who are intoxicated. Organizations and officers of such organizations may also have such liabilities and are required to complete the Off-Campus Third-Party Vendor Event ContractEvent Contract. Therefore, in part because they are intended to help persons or groups avoid such liabilities, it behooves individuals, groups of individuals, or organizations to comply with the following guidelines. Furthermore, should it become evident that individuals, groups of individuals, or organizations who/which are members of the University are unlawfully furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons who are not of the legal drinking age or using alcohol in games or as prizes, such individuals, groups of individuals, or organizations may be subject to stern disciplinary action by the University. Such action may include the withdrawal of the organizational charter or the expulsion or termination of individuals.

For legal and/or moral reasons, the following guidelines should apply wherever alcohol is available at off-campus events:

• alcohol should not be provided by organizations or individuals to persons not known to be 21 years old, or older;
• the sale of alcohol should be prohibited unless the distributor is licensed by state or local authorities;
• the use of common containers of alcoholic beverages, such as kegs, large bottles, punch bowls, trash cans, ice tubs, refrigerators, etc., by all students should be prohibited;
• common containers including, but not limited to, beer balls, kegs, containers of mixed punch of any kind, or any quantity of alcohol available without restriction are not permitted;
• the use of pure grain alcohol by individuals or organizations is prohibited; • the use of alcoholic beverages in games is strictly prohibited;
• the use of alcoholic beverages as a prize should be strictly prohibited;
• individuals, groups of individuals, or organizations who influence excessive and/or harmful consumption of alcohol through games, peer pressure, subterfuge, or other activities should know that they are subject to stern disciplinary action both by the University and by external authorities;
• alcohol should not be available where fewer than 25% of the persons present are 21 years old or older;
• any organization or group of individuals which sponsors an event where alcohol is available should provide alternative food and beverages during the duration of time when alcohol is available;
• any individual, group of individuals, or organization which sponsors an event where alcohol is available should consider the effects, including noise and parking, upon the community where the off-campus event is scheduled: specifically, such events should not be scheduled where noise pollutes residential communities or where people park on private property other than that of the hosts;
• any chartered organization which allows alcohol at any off-campus event must designate a Risk Management Officer at the beginning of each academic year. This officer must participate in an Alcohol Awareness Session and must provide all members of the organization with information about local, state, and federal statutes; University policies; and possible sanctions for the violations thereof;
• organizations or groups sponsoring or hosting social events on or off campus are responsible for the actions of all members and guests during and sometime following a social event. All groups must follow all University, local, state, and federal laws, including any policy set forth by a governing body or inter/national organization. When policies conflict, the organization is to use the stricter policy for enforcement. All organizations must file the appropriate paperwork with the Office of Student Life by the deadline set forth in the social policy determined by the type of event being hosted. Additionally, fraternities may host alcohol-free events in their houses which must be approved by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority 120 Life. Social events may not conflict with University-wide sponsored events. Hosting social events is a privilege. Violating any policies or laws will result in the case being adjudicated and sanctions by the governing council of the organization.

Defined as any possession or use of controlled, prohibited, or illegal substances or use of (or intent to use) substances for purposes or in manners not as directed. Examples include but are not limited to: possession or use of illegal substances; possession or use of prescription drugs without a valid/current medical prescription; use of prescribed medication not as directed (over-use, snorting prescribed medication, and the like); huffing, snorting, smoking or otherwise possessing or using legal substances not as intended. Substances such as JWH-018 (K2, “Spice”), salvia, and pyrovalerone derivatives (found in substances marketed as “bath salts”) are not intended for human consumption and are prohibited for possession or use by any High Point University student.

The consumption, distribution, manufacture, misuse, possession, or being knowingly in the presence of a controlled substance or illegal or illicit drug, narcotic, or hallucinogenic drug outlawed by federal or North Carolina state law is expressly prohibited. This includes possession of paraphernalia analogous with the consumption, distribution, or manufacture of such substances. This also includes operating motor vehicles under the influence of such substances.

The distribution, delivery, sale, or intent to distribute any narcotic, hallucinogenic drug, prescription drug (with or without a valid prescription), or other controlled substance concealed or knowingly distributed to another, including drug paraphernalia while on University property or while attending a University-related event is strictly prohibited.

Students who misuse legally prescribed substances through overconsumption or ingestion through means other than prescribed. This only pertains to such substances as are considered legal under North Carolina state law and does not apply to medical marijuana. Use of controlled substances that results in intoxication and/or subsequent behaviors or physical signs, including, but not limited to: staggering, difficulty standing or walking, slurred speech, passing out, loss of memory, vomiting, retching, physical injuries, or inappropriate behavior that exhibits a lapse or absence of judgment, without the request or denial of medical assistance but require a University response or intervention. Use of controlled substances in association with inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to:

• verbal abuse;

• physical abuse;

• failure to comply with a University or other law enforcement official;

• destruction of property;

• any other behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct of the University;

• a pattern of recurring episodes of alcohol and/or other drug-related violations of the Student Code of Conduct;

• intoxication to the point of endangering one’s own health or safety regardless of age;

• any possession or use on campus of paraphernalia used to facilitate the rapid consumption of alcohol;

• disruptive behavior beyond an individual’s control due to intoxication.

Students that do receive medical assistance, call for assistance on behalf of another student, or clubs or organizations that seek assistance may not receive sanctions under the medical amnesty policy. Positive results from random drug testing will be considered a violation of probation and will be referred to the Senior Director of Community Standards.

The illegal possession and/or use of manufactured or homemade drug paraphernalia, regardless if used or new includes, but is not limited to, roach clips, bongs, hookah pipes, grinders, pipes, vaporizers, digital scale, empty THC cartridges, or rolling papers, while on University property or while attending a University related function is prohibited. Positive results from random drug testing will be considered a violation of probation and will be referred to the Senior Director of Community Standards.

The illegal possession and/or use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, or other controlled substance by any person on University property or at University-related functions is prohibited. Thisincludes medication that is in a student’s possession without a prescription or that is prescribed to another individual but is in the possession of another student. Positive results from random drug testing will be considered a violation of probation and will be referred to the Senior Director of Community Standards.

The possession and/or use of Delta 8 or CBD product with proof of purchase will be adjudicated separately from possession/consumption.

Manufacturing is defined as the production, preparation, or processing of any controlled substance by extracting the substance from its natural origin, by chemical processes, or other means. Manufacturing is also defined as the packaging or repackaging of a controlled substance or the labeling or relabeling of the controlled substance’s container. The manufacturing of a counterfeit or a simulated substance includes the mixing, 130 compounding, encapsulating, or tableting of the counterfeit or the simulated substance.

Many medications and drugs, including those which are prescribed for you, have the potential for abuse. As members of the University community, we are responsible not only for ourselves but also for each other. While they are not always related to substance abuse, the following traits often are related; and, regardless of the cause, they are ordinarily indicative of a need for help:

• withdrawal from social situations;
• increased boredom or drowsiness;
• change in personal appearance;
• change in friends;
• a defeatist attitude (easily discouraged);
• low frustration tolerance (outbursts);
• violent behavior or vandalism;
• terse replies to questions or conversation;
• sad or forlorn expression;
• lying;
• poor classroom attendance;
• dropping grades or poor work;
• apathy or loss of interest.

When negative behaviors, such as those listed above, become prevalent in persons you know, you should:

• express concern and care;
• be ready to listen;
• communicate a desire to help;
• make concrete suggestions about finding help or coping with specific problems;
• encourage the person to seek professional help;
• ask for assistance from campus resources;
• be persistent.

When negative behaviors, such as those listed above, become manifest in persons you know, you should not:

• take the situation lightly or as a joke;
• be offended if the person tries to “put you off;”
• take “I don’t have a problem” as an answer;
• try to assist the person without asking for professional help;
• promote guilty feelings about grades, etc.;
• gossip

If you or a person you know is encountering difficulties because of substance abuse or other negative behaviors, you should seek help immediately.

On Campus. You are encouraged to contact the Office of Counseling Services, located on the third floor of the Slane Student Center. You may call us at 336.888.6352 or email [email protected].