Drug and Alcohol Use Policies

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Albertus Magnus College takes seriously the issues presented by illegal drug and alcohol abuse by students. As members of the Albertus Magnus College community, all students have an obligation to follow the Drug and Alcohol policy, as well as all federal, state and local laws. The College has established the following requirements.

I. STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS

Albertus Magnus College seeks to educate, inform and support its students regarding substance use and abuse, and strives to help maintain a safe environment for the College community. Albertus Magnus College is committed to encouraging and facilitating responsible student decision making. The College recognizes that responsible decision-making concerning the use of drug and alcohol is especially crucial to the health and safety of students, respect for college property, and the educational mission of the institution.

The College believes that the social development of its students is as important as their academic development. It also believes that the consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of illegal drugs is not a necessary ingredient for the creation of a positive social environment.

A. Illegal Drugs

Albertus Magnus College Drug Policy

The possession, retention, distribution, or use of unauthorized drugs, stimulants, or depressants on campus is prohibited. This is a serious violation of State and Federal Law as well as College regulations and is grounds for expulsion from the college. A student is accountable for their actions and the use of drugs is not a justifiable excuse in a case involving violation of any College regulation.

Albertus Magnus College does not tolerate the use of illegal drugs on any part of the campus or at College-sponsored events off campus. At any time, the College reserves the right to contact the parents or guardians of any student about which it has any drug- related concerns. Students should be aware that the College expressly prohibits ingesting, smoking (or vaping) or possessing marijuana or paraphernalia on campus, regardless of current state laws and even if the individual is certified to use marijuana for medical reasons in accordance with Connecticut law.

Enforcement of State and Federal Laws Relating to Drug Use

As required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the College provides the following summary of applicable penalties imposed by Connecticut and federal law for a wide range of drug offenses. Applicable penalties may include imprisonment and/or a monetary fine depending on the circumstances.

The following mandatory minimum prison sentences apply under Connecticut law, even for first time offenders who are not “drug-dependent”:

Marijuana (Cannabis): Although not permitted on campus under any circumstances, the State of Connecticut limits possession of cannabis by a person 21 and over to one and one-half ounces of cannabis plant material and five ounces of cannabis plant material in a locked container at such a person’s residence or a locked glove box or trunk of such person’s motor vehicle. Persons between the age of 18 and up to 21, penalties include a minimal of $50 fine for first time offences and possible suspension of a driver’s license.

Under Connecticut Law, the Illegal manufacture, distribution, sale, growing of cannabis or cannabis products, other than permitted by law, for persons age 18 or older, shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for subsequent offences. Class B misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine; Class A carries up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine.

Connecticut laws pertaining to controlled substances include:

  • Controlled substance other than cannabis: Any person who possesses or has under such person’s control any quantity of any controlled substance shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor and punishable up to 1-year in jail and $2,000 fine.

  • Manufacturing, distribution, sale and possession with intent to sell of a narcotic or hallucinogen carries up to a 15-year prison sentence and up to a $25,000 fine for a first- time offence and up to 30-years prison and up to $100,000 fine for subsequent offences.

  • Manufacturing, distribution, sale and possession with intent to sell of a controlled substance other than a narcotic or hallucinogen carries up to a 7-year prison sentence and up to a $25,000 fine for a first-time offence and up to 15-years prison and up to $100,000 fine for subsequent offences.

Federal law also penalizes the manufacture, distribution, possession with the intent to manufacture or distribute, and simple possession of illegal drugs according to the Controlled Substances Act. Penalties under federal law range from less than one year to and/or $1,000 for possession of marijuana (Cannabis) and minimum of 5 years to life imprisonment and up to $4 million fines for possession or sale or intent to sell other controlled substance

classified as Schedule I or II of the Controlled Substances Act. This includes heroin, morphine or cocaine (which includes “crack”), or of phencyclidine (PCP), LSD, marijuana and other drugs that appear on the Schedule. Penalties may also include forfeiture of property, including vehicles used to possess, transport or conceal a controlled substance, and forfeiture of federal benefits, including student loans.

State and federal law thus makes crimes of many different activities involving drugs. Simple possession, giving, or merely offering drugs is illegal, as are such offenses as the manufacture or sale of drugs.

B. Alcohol

Albertus Magnus College Alcohol Policy

Albertus Magnus College does not tolerate the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage students and their guests. Appropriate college conduct actions will be taken against those students who are in violation of the College’s Alcohol Policy. Any student whose behavior, resulting from excessive drinking, is inconsistent with the educational goals of the College and will go through the College’s conduct process.

In furtherance of this general policy, the following standards apply:

  1. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages at Albertus Magnus College is subject to and governed by the relevant statutes of the State of Connecticut. If alcohol is to be sold, consumed, or a donation is to be requested at a College function the sponsoring body must obtain permission from the Executive Director of College Events.

  2. Requests for the use of alcohol in public areas of the College must be approved by Chartwells and will be based on the above-mentioned criteria as they relate to the following areas:

    • focus of event

    • length of event

    • group’s past record of alcohol use

    • quantity of alcohol to be served/number of majority age attendees

    • type of alcohol to be served

    • serving procedure/servers

  3. Chartwells will manage the uses of alcohol which have been registered and approved.

  4. Any campus event at which alcohol is served, must comply with the regulations and policies outlined in the Student Handbook, or be subject to cancellation.

  5. Behavior resulting from alcohol abuse is subject to disciplinary procedures through the College Conduct System or, if appropriate, the legal procedures of the City of New Haven and State of Connecticut.

Alcohol Regulations and Procedures for Registered Campus Events

  1. A non-alcoholic beverage must be offered if alcohol is to be served.

  2. Alcohol must be served by a bartender who is approved by Chartwells.

  3. A sign must be posted at the alcoholic serving area which states “We reserve the right to refuse to serve persons at the Administrator’s Discretion.”

  4. If alcohol is sold or served, the sponsoring officers or designee must be present throughout the entire event and are legally responsible for the regulations of the amount of alcohol each person present consumes.

  5. Liquor permit numbers for any event on campus must be registered with Chartwells.

  6. At College mixers or similar events, only beer or wine may be served.

  7. After an event the sponsors must meet with the appropriate staff member for a follow-up review.

  8. The duration of serving alcohol is to be determined by Chartwells.

Additional Alcohol Policy Regulations pertaining to Residential Life:

  1. No persons under the age of 21 are allowed to consume, possess, or be in the presence of alcoholic beverages.

  2. No persons 21 or older may consume or be in possession of alcoholic beverages in the presence of those under 21 years of age.

  3. No persons 21 or older residing in a residence hall room with underage persons may possess or consume alcohol at any time.

  4. The purchasing of alcohol for minors (anyone under the age of 21) is not permitted.

  5. All alcoholic beverages are prohibited from common rooms and hallways.

Excessive Consumption of Alcohol and/or Drinking Games/Drinking Paraphernalia

The College strictly prohibits intoxication requiring medical or staff attention. Regardless of age, any apparatus designed for the rapid consumption of alcohol or “Drinking games” are not permitted in the residence halls or any other buildings/areas of campus. Such items could be, but are not limited to: kegs, beer bongs, funnels, Beirut tables, Beer Pong tables, ice luges, shot glasses, Jello shots, etc. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

Students found in possession of drinking paraphernalia or participating in any drinking games will be referred to the College student conduct process. The College reserves the right to immediately and permanently confiscate all drinking paraphernalia and the student(s) are subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Bar-Like Structures

Bar and bar-like structures are prohibited on campus. Displays of alcohol cans and bottles (empty or full) are prohibited in the residence halls or as otherwise designated by college policy. This pertains to any student who is or is residing with a student that is under 21.

Open Container Policy

Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed outside of one’s own residential room unless it is part of a registered event in which alcohol is approved.

Permissible Quantities of Alcohol

The College prohibits the possession of quantities of alcohol that are larger than what is reasonable for personal consumption. The following are guidelines for the maximum amount of alcohol permitted in on-campus residences for those that are at least 21 years of age, not living with another student that is not of legal drinking age, and are not living in a substance-free residence hall.

The total amount of alcohol permitted is: twelve 12-ounce coolers, malts or beers, OR one 1.75 liters of hard liquor OR (2) 750 ml bottles of wine.

Enforcement of State Laws Relating to Alcohol Use

Connecticut prohibits the consumption or possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of twenty-one. The College will notify law enforcement and Public Safety as appropriate for potential alcohol-related misconduct occurring on campus or affecting the College community. In addition, the College reserves the right to notify parents of minor students who have engaged in alcohol-related misconduct in violation of state law.

C. Drug and Alcohol Amnesty Policy

The Albertus community values the health and safety of its members and supports an environment that encourages students to help others who are in need of assistance. This policy has been established to encourage students to take responsible action when another student or guest is at risk due to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.

Students who seek assistance when dangerously intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs will be granted amnesty from the College disciplinary process in accordance with the terms of this policy. The Albertus student/guest who calls the Department of Student Affairs, a Residential Life Staff member and/or Campus Security on behalf of a student/guest in need will likewise be granted amnesty provided:

  • The caller is an Albertus student/guest, and

  • The caller remains with the Albertus student/guest in need until an Albertus Staff member and/or Campus Security arrives.

In rare circumstances such as cases where other violations occur, students may be referred for disciplinary adjudication. Examples include, but are not limited to: fights, verbal or physical harassment, disorderly conduct, property damage or vandalism. Please note that an Albertus student who requires medical or staff assistance due to being dangerously intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs on more than one occasion may be subject to disciplinary action.

Students involved in an alcohol and/or drug related emergency for which amnesty is granted are subject to mandatory educational or developmental interventions. An Albertus student/guest who summons assistance for a student in need will receive amnesty on an ongoing basis consistent with the terms of this policy. The College’s response to these incidents is independent of any action taken by law enforcement.

Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol and/or drug-related emergencies but does not apply to other conduct violations such as, but not limited to, assault, harassment, hazing, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, property damage and vandalism or distribution of illegal substances.

D. Sanctions for Drug and Alcohol Policy Violations

Any violation of college rules and regulations combined with violation of the Drug and Alcohol Policy will seriously affect student sanctions.

Sanctions may include expulsion from the College at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs / Dean of Students.

Notice of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations

Students Convicted of Possession or Sale of Drugs
The FAFSA Simplification Act amended Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), making several important changes to student eligibility criteria. One of these is the elimination of the prohibition on receiving Title IV aid for students with drug- related convictions. Having a drug conviction while receiving Title IV aid no longer

impacts a student’s Title IV aid eligibility, and a student who has a drug conviction may be eligible to receive Title IV aid if they meet all other eligibility criteria. The Department has removed the drug convictions questions from the 2023-24 FAFSA, and students with drug convictions are eligible for Title IV aid if they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Commuter Students - Sanctions will be the same for first, second and third offenses as set forth below with the exception of suspension or expulsion from the residence halls. All drug and alcohol sanctions apply to ALL guests.

For those students found responsible for violating the Alcohol Policy, the sanctions can include but are not limited to:

  • Parental Notification

  • Education Sanction

  • Mandatory completion of an online substance abuse and/or alcohol education program

  • Fine

  • Community Service

  • Probation

  • Suspension

  • Expulsion

Any sanction may be changed, modified, eliminated, or added to, by the Vice President for Student Affairs / Dean of Students and designees. Unpaid fines will result in a “HOLD” on student records and will also prevent registration for future semesters.

E. Medical Marijuana

Students should be aware that marijuana remains illegal as a matter of federal law even though its use has been approved for recreational and/or medical use in Connecticut. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the College will take disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where the student is under the influence at work due to the use of medical or recreational marijuana or if marijuana or marijuana products are brought onto campus.

Sanctions:

Possession and/or use of a dangerous article or substance on College property with the potential to injure or discomfort a person and/or cause property damage and/or cause damage to the community.

Typical sanctions may include probation, a minimum fine of $100, community service, and suspension from housing. Sanctions may be as severe as suspension or expulsion from the College.

Drugs and Drug paraphernalia – Possession, use, storage or sale of marijuana, LSD, barbiturates, inhalants, amphetamines, and/or other dangerous, illicit or illegal drugs not prescribed for a personal use by a licensed physician or paraphernalia in connection with the use of illegal drugs.

Typical sanctions may include probation, a minimum of a $100 fine, community service, expulsion or suspension or expulsion from housing and/or the College. The sanction for a student found responsible for selling drugs is expulsion from the College and possible arrest by local authorities.

Other sanctions may also be added. The Vice President for Student Affairs / Dean of Students or designee has the right to revoke any or all privileges regarding participation in Housing Selection. Commission of any act that would constitute a crime under federal, state or municipal law.

Typical sanctions may include arrest, probation, assessment, community service, reimbursement, banning from specific areas of the campus, and suspension or expulsion from housing and/or the College. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee has the right to revoke any or all privileges regarding participation in Housing Selection.

II. THE DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT

As a recipient of Federal funds, the College must certify under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require Albertus Magnus College to:

  • Notify students of the standards of conduct relative to alcohol and other drugs.

  • Describe applicable sanctions for unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs.

  • Describe the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.

  • Describe available alcohol and other drug counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs.

  • Describe sanctions the College will impose resulting from violation of standards of conduct.

III. STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS

A notice of the current version of the Drug and Alcohol Policy will be sent annually by email in the fall to all students and will also be posted on the following website: https://www.albertus.edu/policy-reports/drug-alcohol-use

IV. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

  • Resident Assistant training includes information on alcohol and other drugs and recognition of abuse patterns.
  • The Orientation program for new students includes discussions on substance abuse, College rules regarding legal drinking and information for counseling and referral through the College’s Health’s Wellness Office.
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Community Resources are available to students.
  • The Health & Wellness Office maintain a referral network of inpatient and outpatient programs for students.

Community Resources:

The Substance Abuse Treatment Unit (SATU)
1 Long Wharf Drive
New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: 203-974-5777

Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism (MCCA)
215 Whalley Avenue
Suite 300
New Haven, CT 06511
Tel: 203-285-6475

V. Health Risks

There is significant health risks linked to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Please click this link to review more details about these risks: Health Risks Link .

The use of alcohol and illicit drugs poses serious health risks, which can affect both personal well-being and workplace safety. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of available online resources, educational materials, and training programs that provide important information on the dangers of substance use, prevention strategies, and support services. These resources are designed to promote awareness, encourage healthy choices, and ensure all employees have access to the tools they need to maintain a safe and productive work environment.

VI. Biennial Review

Albertus Magnus College will prepare a biennial report on the effectiveness of its Drug and Alcohol Use Policy and the consistency of sanction enforcement.