Dominican University Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy Summary Statement
Per the Dominican University Policy on Alcohol and Substance Abuse:
In consonance with its mission, the University seeks to foster personal and social development in a value-centered environment. In light of this commitment, the University takes as a serious responsibility the opportunity to educate and inform on issues which directly relate to human development in its broadest context. Various federal and state statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell, or possess with intent to manufacture controlled substances. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors, including the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance. Possible sanctions include incarceration up to and including life imprisonment and imposition of substantial monetary fines. Additional information concerning legal sanctions regarding drugs and alcohol is available in the Office of Student Development.
The use of alcohol can lead to serious health risks, such as the loss of muscle control, poor coordination, slurred speech, fatigue, nausea, headaches, increased likelihood of accidents, impaired judgment, possible respiratory paralysis, and death. Heavy drinking can lead to alcoholism; damage to brain cells; increased risk of cirrhosis, ulcers, heart disease, heart attack, and cancers of the liver, mouth, throat and stomach; hallucinations; and personality disorders. Health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs include increased susceptibility to disease due to a less efficient immune system, increased likelihood of accidents, personality disorders, addiction, death by overdose, anemia, and poor concentration. Additional information about how the use of drugs and/or alcohol affect your health is available in the Office of Student Development.
The University has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). As part of that program, the University provides or offers referrals and/or rehabilitation to students and to staff. Counseling and/or referral is available by appointment with the University Counselors (359-5018) and through a variety of community pro-grams represented in the literature available in the Office of Student Development in Casey Hall. Other suggested resources are:
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, Dept. of Mental Health
(845) 356-4080
Project Rainbow, Mental Health Association, Inc.
(845) 267-2172
Alcoholics Anonymous
(845) 352-1112
Rockland Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence
(845) 358-HELP
Office of Community Resources
(845) 638-5865
The following standards of conduct shall apply to students and employees of the University:
- No student or employee shall manufacture, distribute, sell, dispense, possess or use illicit drugs on University property or as part of any of the University’s activities.
- No student or employee shall sell, possess or consume alcoholic beverages on University property or as part of any of the University’s activities, without the appropriate prior written approval. Students must receive approval from the Dean of Students or the President of the University, and employees must obtain the approval of the President and/or his/her designee.
The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state and federal law) for violation of the foregoing standards of conduct or for violations of local, state, and/or federal law. Such sanctions for students will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Alcohol — First, second, and third offenses may include graduated fines, community service, and/or disciplinary probation and parental notification. More serious violations of the alcohol policy, e.g. possession of common source containers such as kegs, may include removal from a University residence (if applicable) and/or separation from the University.
Illegal drugs — Offenses will include removal from a University residence (if applicable) and/or separation from the University, depending on severity. Students are also expected to adhere to the alcoholic beverage laws of New York State at activities and establishments off campus.
In the case of employees, sanctions may include termination. In all instances, with employees or students, action may include referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution. Criminal sanctions by local, state and federal agencies for drug and alcohol offenses range from fines to probation to incarceration, depending upon the severity of the offense. Illegal drug convictions, particularly for sale or distribution, can result in incarceration for a period of time, dependent upon the drug and the amount involved.
Please note: Students convicted of illegal drug use are subject to the loss of their federal financial aid.
As a condition of continuing employment or attendance, the University may require an employee or student to participate satisfactorily in a drug/alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.
The University policy is not intended to punish people who seek rehabilitation. All information provided to people who voluntarily avail themselves of drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation services will be confidential.
Students with questions or concerns should contact the Office of Student Development (845) 848-4079. Employees with questions or concerns should contact Human Resources (845) 848-7824.