Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program
Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program and Policy
Under the "Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988" and the "Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1991" the University is required to notify all employees and students of its specific alcohol and drug policy program.
The elements of the policy and program include consequences that may follow the use of alcohol and other drugs, and sanctions that may be applied both by the University and by external authorities. The law requires that individuals be notified of possible sources of assistance for problems that may arise as a result of use. The following material is provided to supplement the comprehensive policies that are being prepared in accordance with the Task Force report.
This policy is intended to educate members of the University community about the health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and about the resources available for counseling and therapy. In addition, in order to assure a work and learning environment that promotes the University's mission and proper function, the University prohibits unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs by faculty, staff, or students on university property or as a part of any University activity. Federal and state sanctions also apply to such conduct.
Prevention strategies include efforts to change inappropriate community norms regarding alcohol and other drug use, to alter environmental factors that support inappropriate use, and to provide information and skills regarding sensible use.
Health Risks
The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs increase the risk for a number of health related and other medical, behavioral, and social problems. These include acute health problems related to intoxication or overdose (blackouts, convulsions, coma, death); physical and psychological dependence; malnutrition; long-term health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, organic brain damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, and cancer of the liver, mouth, throat, and stomach; contracting diseases, such as AIDS, through the sharing of hypodermic needles; pregnancy problems including miscarriages, still births and learning disabilities; fetal alcohol syndrome (physical and mental birth defects); psychological or psychiatric problems; diminished behavior (hangovers, hallucinations, disorientation, slurred speech); unusual or inappropriate risk-taking which may result in physical or emotional injury, or death; violent behavior towards others, such as assaults and rape; accidents caused by operating machinery while impaired; impaired driving resulting in alcohol and drug-related arrest, traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities; negative effects on academic or work performance; conflict with co-workers, classmates, family, friends, and others; conduct problems resulting in disciplinary actions, including loss of employment; and legal problems including imprisonment.
Counseling and Treatment Programs
The University encourages individuals with alcohol or other drug-related problems to seek assistance.
Confidential, no-cost services are available to University of Michigan-Dearborn students, faculty and staff members at:
Counseling and Support Services
2157 University Center, 593-5430
This office can also provide additional information on local, state, and national resources for those seeking assistance.
University Sanctions
Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs by faculty, staff, or students on University property or as a part of any University activity may lead to sanctions within the University, the severity of which shall increase as the seriousness of the violation increases. Sanctions include:
A verbal or written reprimand;
Completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program;
A disciplinary warning, with notice that repetition of the offense or continuation of the offense may result in a more serious sanction;
Suspension from the University (student) or from employment (employee) or from a specific University activity or facility for a fixed period of time or until completion of specified conditions, such as completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program;
Expulsion from the University (student) or termination of employment (faculty and staff); and/or
Other appropriate sanctions
Sanctions for violations by faculty and staff shall be imposed pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct or pursuant to other approved procedures. More detailed descriptions of sanctions related to these and other drug and alcohol offenses are available at the Human Resources office, 1050 AB, 593-5190; and at the Student Affairs office, 1060 AB, 593-5151.
External Sanctions
Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may also lead to a referral to the appropriate local, state, and/or federal authorities for prosecution for a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the offense. The sanctions for such offenses may include fines and/or imprisonment.
For example, under federal laws trafficking in drugs such as heroin or cocaine may result in sanctions up to and including life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 grams or more. Fines for such an offense can reach $4 million. Offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 grams may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $20 million. A first offense for trafficking in marijuana may lead to sanctions up to life imprisonment for an offense involving 1,000 kg or more or up to 5 years imprisonment for an offense involving less than 50 kg. Such an offense carries with it fines that can reach $4 million for an individual offender. Federal and State sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances ranges from up to one-year imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines to three years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines for repeat offenders. Under Michigan laws, use of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $100 fine. Delivery of marijuana is a felony punishable by up to four years imprisonment and up to $2,000 in fines. Violations may also lead to forfeiture of personal and real property and denial of federal benefits, such as grants, contracts, and student loans.
The State of Michigan may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol-related offenses. For example, a first drunk driving offense may be punished by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, suspended license for not less than six months nor more than two years, and up to 45 days of community service. Subsequent offenses can lead to significantly increased sanctions. The vehicle of a minor transporting alcohol may be impounded for up to 30 days. Furnishing or using fraudulent identification to obtain alcohol may be punished by up to 90 days in jail and a $100 fine.
On September 1, 1995, the Michigan Legislature expanded the law concerning minors and alcohol possession, consumption, and purchase. A minor is anyone under the age of 21. The minor may be required to submit to a preliminary chemical breath test and may be subject to suspension of his/her driver's license even if he/she was not in an automobile at the time of the arrest. In addition, it is now a misdemeanor, not a civil infraction, for a minor to attempt to possess, consume, or purchase alcohol. If the underage person is less than 18 years of age, the agency charging him/her must notify the parents or guardian with 48 hours.
Employee Reporting Requirement
Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, in addition to the other requirements of this policy, a faculty or staff member who works in any capacity under a federal grant or contract must notify his or her University supervisor or department head, in writing, of his or her conviction for a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction. This applies to direct charge employees and to the indirect charge employees who perform any support or overhead functions related to the grant. The supervisor or department head must then promptly report the violation to the General Counsel's Office.
Distribution of Policy
A copy of this policy statement shall be distributed annually to all faculty, staff, and students.
Review of University Program and Policy
Biennially, the University shall review its "Alcohol and Drugs Prevention Program and Policy on Alcohol and Drugs" to determine the program's and policy's effectiveness and implement changes, if needed, and to ensure that the University's disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.