University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Drug-Free Workplace)
Policy Number: LR 516.1
Effective Date: April 1, 2010 (review date)
Policy
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to the principle of a drug-free environment and feels an obligation to help eradicate alcohol and other drug abuse on our campus and beyond. The university provides a drug prevention program accessible to students and employees and complies with the standards set forth by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas Policy 705.2, USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON UNIVERSITY FACILITIES, states as follows:
“Possession and use of alcoholic beverages in public areas of university facilities (including organized houses) and at official university student functions held on campus must follow state and federal laws and university policies at all times. Each campus shall establish policies to be approved by the chancellor regarding the use of alcoholic beverages on and off campus for student and non-student events. Other units of the university designated by the president shall develop such policies for approval of the president.
Irresponsible behavior while under the influence of alcoholic beverages is not condoned and may be subject to review and/or action by the appropriate judicial body. The Board directs each campus to develop an alcohol awareness and use policy, which shall be made available to its new and continuing students each fall.”
Some Applicable Arkansas Laws
- No person under the age of 21 may legally consume or possess alcohol in Arkansas.
- It is illegal to be so intoxicated in a public place that you are likely to endanger yourself or others or be unreasonably annoying to others. This is a Class C misdemeanor (with a Class A as the most serious), and may result in fines and incarceration.
- Driving a motor vehicle with .08% or more blood alcohol content is a Class A misdemeanor that, in addition to incarceration and heavy fines, will result in a suspension of driving privileges from 120-180 days for the first offense. Driving with a license suspended for DWI may result in incarceration for ten days and a $1,000 fine. Refusing the chemical test for blood alcohol content may result in a 180-day suspension of driving privileges for the first offense. In the event of an accident involving a fatality, a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher may result in a charge of manslaughter, even though the driver did not set out to intentionally harm anyone.
- A person under the age of 21 operating a motor vehicle with .02% but less than .08% blood alcohol content commits the offense of Underage Driving Under the Influence. The penalties include suspension of driving privileges for up to 120 days for the first offense, fines up to $500, public service work at the discretion of the court, and mandatory attendance at an alcohol and driving education program.
- Arkansas statutes 5-27-501 through 503 are aimed at preventing persons under 21 from using altered identification to purchase alcohol. Manufacturing, altering, or distributing altered personal identification for this purpose, is a Class C felony punishable by up to ten years in prison. Possessing altered identification is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and revocation of driving privileges for up to 12 months or age 18, whichever is shortest.
- Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana or possessing it in a form to facilitate distribution is a felony offense. Possession of any usable amount of any other illegal narcotic is a felony. The penalties range from probation to life in prison. Recently in an effort to combat the manufacture of methamphetamine, legislation was enacted to control ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenolpropanolamine. Possession of more than five grams of ephedrine or more than nine grams of pseudoephedrine or phenolpropanolamine is a felony and prima facie evidence of the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. These substances are often found in over-the-counter sinus medications and diet pills.
Standards of Conduct
- The university expects students, employees and groups to be free of the influence of controlled substances; to refrain from the use of controlled substances on university premises or related premises or at a university activity. Employees of the university are expected to refrain from activities involving controlled substances both on and off campus, where such activities could have a detrimental impact on their abilities to perform their jobs. Persons may generally not drink, dispense or be under the influence of alcohol or possess alcoholic beverages on university premises or at functions or activities controlled by the university. Persons 21 years and over may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of assigned rooms in university apartments, houses and the residence hall, at the Stephens Event Center, and other authorized locations. The Stephens Event Center is authorized for the legal sale of alcohol per the University of Arkansas Board Policy 705.2, and alcohol may be dispensed and consumed there pursuant to the issuance of a permit by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Violation of expected standards of conduct may result in appropriate student discipline and employee discipline up to and including suspension or termination.
- Any student, employee, or group who gives or transfers controlled substances to another person or sells or manufactures a controlled substance while on campus or related premises will be subject to appropriate student discipline or employee discipline up to and including termination or suspension, and/or referral to the authorities for prosecution. In addition, any employee who engages in the above-described activities off campus and whose activities impede his/her ability to effectively perform his or her employment shall be subject to appropriate discipline.
- Any student, employee, or group found to be in violation of federal, state, or local narcotic or controlled substance laws on university premises will be subject to appropriate student discipline or employee discipline up to and including suspension or termination.
- Students, employees, and groups whose behavior and/or conduct is a result of alcohol or other drug misuse/abuse on campus or as a part of any university activity may be required to undergo, at their own expense, a pre-assessment (screening) at the university Counseling and Career Planning Services or Health Services and/or clinical assessment at an appropriate agency identified by the university. The welfare of the student or employee comes first and discipline may be deferred or dismissed depending upon the severity of the violation.
- Any containers of beer, wine, or distilled spirits which are being transported in a private automobile must be sealed and covered while on university premises.
University Sanctions for Violating Alcohol and Drug Policies
Sanctions for violations of university policies, regulations, and guidelines and local, state, or federal laws may include, but are not limited to: appropriate rehabilitation programs, expulsion, suspension, termination of employment and/or referral to authorities for prosecution, counseling, job reassignment, university or public service, educational projects, restitution or fines, withdrawal from classes or probation. Disciplinary sanctions for the illegal sale or distribution of controlled substances may subject the offender to sanctions up to and including expulsion, suspension, termination, and/or referral for prosecution. For specific definitions of sanctions and procedures for handling disciplinary actions for students and employees, refer to faculty, staff, and student handbooks.
Health Risks of Drug and Alcohol Use
Illicit drugs as well as alcohol and other drugs have various effects on the body and mind. The initial, short-term effects may be positive feelings like alertness, optimism, self-confidence, energy, or stress relief. These positive feelings and reactions are the primary reason drugs have appealed to so many for so long. However, the secondary, long-term, negative effects far exceed the initial positive effects.
Effects of Use on the Body
- Mood swings/impaired judgment
- Depression/mania
- Sleep disturbances and irritability
- Increase in aggressive or combative behavior
- Heart and/or breathing difficulties/death
- Increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections
- Liver damage
Signs that Indicate a Person is Becoming Dependent on a Substance:
- Increased tolerance – takes more and more to get the desired effect. This increases the risk of overdose.
- Changes in relationships with friends and family.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, shakiness, headaches, convulsions, hallucinations, etc.
- Psychological dependence – thinking that using a substance will help him or her get through the day.
UA Little Rock does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission, employment, or access to its programs and activities in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 (ADA). Under ADA, current illegal drug use is excluded from the definition of disability when a “covered entity” acts on the basis of such use. The definition of “individual with a disability” does include persons who are in or who have completed a supervised drug rehab program or have been otherwise rehabilitated and are no longer using drugs.
Counseling and Treatment Programs
Education
The process of providing information concerning drug abuse to students, faculty, and staff is conducted through the classroom, self-help groups, literature, and individual counseling and campus-wide activities. Educational activities in the classroom are provided on undergraduate and graduate levels. A resource list of speakers, to provide classroom presentations or workshops on substance abuse are available at Health Services. Counseling and Career Planning Services and Health Services provide free literature, handouts, videos, individual counseling, one-on-one information sessions, and referrals. The university provides an annual Alcohol/Drug Awareness Week to educate the campus population in the areas of substance abuse, risk reduction, and self-assessment.
Treatment
Counseling and Career Planning Services provides support services to individuals, couples, groups, and families. Available techniques include crisis intervention, problem-solving strategies, and group therapy and intervention techniques. Free confidential assistance is available to all UALR employees from the Arkansas Employee Assistance Program. Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meet in the community. Counseling and Career Planning Services facilitates groups that deal with issues such as co-dependency and addictive personalities.
Referral
Referrals to private and public facilities, outpatient and inpatient institutions and individual practitioners are provided by Counseling and Career Planning Services and Health Services. Resource lists of area treatment centers are available at Counseling and Career Planning Services.
Helpful Numbers
Employee Assistance Program: 501-686-2588
UA Little Rock Counseling & Career Planning Services: 501-916-3185
UA Little Rock Health Services: 501-569-3188
UA Little Rock Police Department: 501-916-3400
Alcoholics Anonymous: 501-664-7303
Narcotics Anonymous: 501-373-8683
Source: UA Little Rock Student Handbook 2009
Revised: March 2006; April 1, 2010 (review date)
Approved By: VCESS, April 1, 2010
Custodian: Student Affairs/Provost