As an educational institution, the University of North Florida is committed to providing an environment that enhances and supports intellectual and individual development.  The University community - including faculty, administrators, staff and students - has the collective responsibility to ensure that this environment is conducive to healthy intellectual growth.  The use of harmful and addictive chemical substances poses a threat to the educational environment and the University’s mission.  Thus, it is necessary to promulgate this Alcohol and Other Drug Policy to assist members of the University community in:
A. Their understanding of:
      1.  The harmful and addictive potential associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs
      2.  The consequences of the use, possession, manufacture or sale of illicit drugs
      3.  The consequences of the use, possession, manufacture or sale of drug paraphernalia
      4.  The consequences of the possession of prescription drugs unless dispensed pursuant to Chapter 893 of the Florida Statute
      5.  The consequences of the alteration or sale of prescription drugs
      6.  The unlawful use and possession of alcohol; and

B. Their role as: 
1.  Resources in the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse
2.  Resources in the creation and monitoring of a safe and drug-free       environment 

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions (as per Florida Statutes) shall apply:
      A.  Alcohol (or alcoholic beverage):  means distilled spirits and any        beverage containing 0.5 percent or more alcohol by volume.
      B.  Illicit Drug:  means a controlled substance or “designer drug”
under provisions of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes.

The University of North Florida expressly prohibits the following by students and employees in or on property owned and controlled by the University of North Florida or off campus when a student or employee is acting as a representative of the University:
      A. Unlawful manufacture, alteration, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any illicit drug
      B.  Unlawful possession or use of a prescription drug regulated under the provisions of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes (controlled substances and “designer drugs”) unless dispensed and used pursuant to prescription or otherwise authorized by law.  Manufacture, alteration, delivery, distribution, dispensing, and/or sale of such substances are prohibited unless authorized by law.
      C.  Unlawful purchase, possession, distribution and/or use of alcohol

The use of alcoholic beverages and/or use, possession, manufacture, sale, or attempted sale of any illicit drug or prescribed drug by members of the University community is at all times subject to federal, state, and county laws, ordinances, and statutes governing these substances. 

Anyone found guilty of violating this policy is subject to specific sanctions and penalties as described herein.

The successful implementation of this policy is contingent on providing education, services and  regulation in the following six areas:

• A. Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption
• B. Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention Services
• C. Evaluation
• D. Rehabilitation
• E. Parental Notification
• F. Sanctions

                 
A.  Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption

1.  Overview of Guidelines

The sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall comply with state and federal laws, city and county ordinances, and the licensing agreement with on-campus distributors, which allows for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. 

Due to the concern for the health and safety of individuals at UNF, the University has formulated the following general guidelines governing the sale and consumption of alcohol on campus:

• a. Alcoholic beverages may be served at approved events as an amenity to a well-planned and structured program, not as the indispensable and essential program element.

b. The sale or service of alcoholic beverages to persons younger than 21 years of age and the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons younger than 21 years of age is prohibited. 

• c. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except in designated areas or as approved with special events.
  
  d. The sale of alcoholic beverages on the University campus may be permitted only in approved areas and only by licensed distributors.
  
  e. The sponsor of the event is responsible for providing food and non-alcoholic beverages at any event where alcohol is served.

  f. Individuals are responsible for their actions regardless of the mental or physical effects of alcohol.

  Specific rules covering the sale, distribution, consumption and location of alcoholic beverages on campus are discussed below.  At all times these rules must comply with federal, state and county laws and ordinances.

  2.  Areas

  • a. The following are areas where alcoholic beverages may be served and/or consumed:
  • 
    1. Private rooms of students or individuals over 21 years of age residing in the Osprey Village area of University housing
  • 2. The Boathouse. Due to license requirements at the Boathouse, the serving or consumption of alcoholic beverages must be approved by the license holder
  • 3. University gallery
  • 4. Public reception areas, for example, Library Atrium, Robinson Theatre Atrium, President’s Conference Room, Foundation Board Room
  • 5. Classrooms where no academic instruction is scheduled.
  • 6. Robinson Student Life Center (except Theatre)
  • 7. The Arena
  • 8. The Osprey Nest
  • 9. Fine Arts Center
  • 10. Hayt Golf Learning Center
  • 11. Soccer/Track Stadium
  • 12. Other areas approved by the President or designee
  • 
    b. Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in the following areas, including but not limited to:

    1.  University Nature Trails and Lakes
    2.   Robinson Theater (except Atrium)
    3.   Thomas G. Carpenter Library (except Atrium)
    4. Campus parking lots and roads    
    5. All areas of Housing except Osprey Village
    
    3. Sale of Alcoholic Beverages

    Only those groups holding the appropriate state license for the sale of alcoholic beverages may sell alcoholic beverages. Individuals and University groups that sponsor events where alcoholic beverages are served are prohibited from charging for the beverages either directly or indirectly without the proper state license. The University controller must approve the obtaining of a license in advance.

    4.  Approval

    The sponsor of any event where alcoholic beverages will be served or consumed must have the event registered and approved in advance and will be held responsible for the event.

    • a. The approval authorities are as follows:
    • 1. Faculty Association and faculty-sponsored events are approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
    • 2. University Support Personnel Association, and Administrative and Professional Association events are approved by the Vice President for Administration and Finance.
    • 3. Alumni Association and Foundation Board events are approved by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
    • 4. Osprey Club and Student Government and other student- sponsored events or student organization events are approved by the Vice President for Student and International Affairs.
    • 5. Off-campus groups using University facilities are approved by the UNF sponsor and the appropriate Vice President.
    • 6. Other groups or individuals are approved by the appropriate Vice President.  
    • 7. The President or designee also has the right to approve any area.

    5.  Responsibility

    If alcoholic beverages are served for any University function, party, or event, the group or individual responsible for the event must adhere to the following:

    • a. Precautionary measures such as checking I.D.s must be made to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not served to persons who are under 21 years of age or to persons who appear intoxicated.
    • b. A person or persons must be designated as the server(s) and the alcoholic beverage(s) must be placed in such a manner and location that access to it is restricted except through the designated server(s). Server(s) must receive training to be made aware of their responsibilities and the legal consequences for violating these responsibilities and specific server actions to limit the use of alcohol.
    • c. The only alcoholic beverages that may be possessed or consumed at campus events are those served at the event. All such alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the facility or space designated for the event.
    • d. Nonalcoholic beverages must be available.
    • e. Food must be served concurrently with the serving of alcoholic beverages. Adequate portions will be considered as criteria for event approval.
    • f. An effort should be made to ensure that the amount of alcohol approved for any event must be proportionate to the expected attendance and duration of that event.
    • g. Advertising (including flyers, ads, notices, posters, banners, etc.)  must note the availability of nonalcoholic beverages and food as prominently as the alcohol being served.
    • h. Promotional material for any University function, party or event (including those to be held off campus) shall not make reference to the amount of alcoholic beverage available at the event nor feature the alcoholic beverage as the predominant aspect of the event.
    • i. Appropriate measures for adequate cleanup of the facility used are required.
    • j. The faculty/staff adviser (or his/her designee) of a student organization must be present throughout the duration of the activity to ensure that the above guidelines are observed and must be made aware of his/her responsibilities and the legal consequences of violating these responsibilities.

    6.  Violation of Rules

    Violation of these rules will result in disciplinary sanctions.  The University sanctions imposed range from written warnings to expulsion from the University (including expulsion from enrollment for students and termination of employment for faculty, administrators, and staff, if appropriate).  Disciplinary action against an employee or student by the University does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges against that individual.

    7.  Reference

    If any member of the University community has questions regarding this policy or its application, these questions may be addressed to the Office of the Vice President for Student and International Affairs.

    B.  Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention Services

    As part of the educational process, the University, via the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center (CADIC), will provide on a regular basis, a wide range of activities for the University community to increase their understanding of the harmful effects and addictive potential caused by inappropriate use of alcohol and other drugs.  These activities are centered on primary prevention (i.e., education), secondary prevention (i.e., intervention) and tertiary prevention (i.e., support and coping). 

    Specific primary prevention activities will include:

    • - Education efforts by the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center
    • - Participation in national, state, and regional alcohol and other drug prevention events
    • - Regular dissemination of alcohol and other drug educational literature to the University community
    • - Presentations on alcohol and other drugs information to residence halls, academic classes, and faculty and staff
    • - The maintenance of a computerized drug and alcohol information database
      
      Specific secondary prevention activities (i.e., intervention) will include:
    • - Intervention counseling and education
    • - Confidential referrals to treatment and counseling centers

    Specific tertiary prevention activities (i.e., support and coping) will include:

    • - Sponsorship of Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon meetings and/or other substance-related support groups

    Specific efforts in the areas of evaluation and research shall focus on each tier of prevention (i.e., primary, secondary, tertiary) and shall be conducted regularly.

    The Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center promotes prevention and  education to better enable students, faculty and staff to engage in informed, responsible and healthy decisions regarding the role of alcohol and other drugs in their lives.  To assist with this prevention and educational mission, specific information about the most commonly used drugs is presented in Table 1.

    C. Evaluation

    The purpose of the evaluation component is to ensure the successful achievement of the policy/program objectives.  The evaluation component will consist of process and outcome evaluations. 

    • 1. Process Evaluation

    The purpose of the Process Evaluation is to monitor the progress of the policy and program implementation to indicate whether or not revisions are necessary in either the policy or program in order to meet stated objectives.  Process evaluation data will include: (1) the number and type of prevention activities provided by various campus departments/units to the University community (2) the number and type of disciplinary sanctions levied on students and campus employees and (3) the number of students and campus employees provided with a written description of the alcohol and other drug policy and prevention programs.  These data will be documented in the appropriate campus department and units assigned with the responsibility for implementing the respective alcohol and drug policy and prevention program components.
                     
    2. Outcome Evaluation

    The purpose of the Outcome Evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of the campus alcohol and other drug policy and prevention program components, and to determine alcohol and other drug-related trends to provide suggestions for enhancing the efficacy of policy and programming.  Outcome evaluation data will include: (1) annual survey of alcohol and other drug-related habits, beliefs, consequences, and perceptions of alcohol and illicit drug use, (2) quarterly campus police reports of alcohol and other drug-related infractions on campus and (3) follow-up measures on sanctions levied against students.

    A final aspect of the evaluation process will include the regular convening of the University of North Florida President’s Council on Substance Abuse, and the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center Advisory Board.  The purpose of the President’s Council on Substance Abuse is to make recommendations to the President concerning policy and prevention; the purpose of the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center Advisory Board is to review alcohol and other drug prevention programs and make recommendations to the Vice President for Student and International Affairs on prevention programming. The President’s Council on Substance Abuse, and the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center Advisory Board, therefore serves as a feedback mechanism ensuring the continual assessment and, when necessary, revision and improvement of the campus alcohol and other drug policy and prevention programs.

    D.  Rehabilitation

    Notwithstanding the promulgation of rules governing the use of alcohol and other drugs on campus, it is recognized that there will be individuals who may have  more extensive alcohol or other drug abuse or dependency problems.  Thus, this policy encourages and allows these individuals to obtain help from a number of internal (i.e., on-campus) and external (i.e., off-campus) sources.  Every effort will be made to protect the individual’s confidentiality, according to applicable laws, and to foster successful pursuit of academic and/or professional goals in accordance with the University’s mission.

          1.  Students 

    The Counseling Center, Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center (CADIC) and Student Medical Center are the primary facilities available to students who have alcohol or other drug abuse or dependency problems.  These students are identified through:
                a.  self-referrals
                b.  faculty and staff referrals
                c.  student conduct system referrals
    Once identification is made, an assessment of the student’s condition is made through the appropriate campus resource (i.e., Counseling Center, The Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center, or Student Medical Center) to determine the level of intervention and treatment necessary to ameliorate the situation.  If this assessment reveals that the scope of the problem is beyond the capability of these centers, the student will be referred to the appropriate community agency.

          2.  Employees

    Since the Counseling Center, Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center (CADIC), and Student Medical Center are primarily for students, employees are treated in these facilities only on an emergency basis.  Employees with a chemical dependency may be identified through:
                a.  self-referrals
                b.  supervisors
                c.  involvement in the criminal justice system
    They will be required to either take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), made available through the Office of Human Resources, or to seek help from community agencies.  A comprehensive list of these agencies, including names and telephone numbers, is available through the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center.  The employee may choose to use one of these agencies rather than the EAP. Rehabilitation is the preferred goal for employees or students who exhibit chemical dependency problems, and every effort will be made to assist with rehabilitation.  However, if any subsequent work performance or disruptive behavior adversely affects the overall well being of the University community, then sanctions may be applied as explained under section IV. F. Sanctions.

    E.  Parental Notification Policy

    This policy is for alcohol offenses committed by students under the age of 21.

    1. Minor Alcohol Offenses

    Minor alcohol offenses include but are not limited to) underage possession and or consumption: open container of alcohol in public; hosting a party involving the illegal use of alcohol; dispensing alcohol to a minor; intoxication (to be determined by physical observation or BAC test, if available).

    a.  Sanctions for Minor Alcohol Violations

    01.  First offense sanctions include: mandatory alcohol education program through CADIC; possible disciplinary probation up to one year; community service. Does not result in parental notification for students under the age of 21.

    02.  Second Offense sanctions include: mandatory participation in a comprehensive substance abuse assessment and educational program; possible disciplinary probation throughout University stay; community service. Will consistently result in parental notification for students under the age of 21.

    03. Third Offense sanctions include: suspension from the University, either immediately or at the close of the current semester, for a minimum of one subsequent semester (not to include summer terms); disciplinary probation throughout University stay; permanent removal from residence halls at the time of suspension. Will consistently result in parental notification for students under the age of 21.

    2. Serious Alcohol Offenses

    Serious alcohol offenses are those determined to be life threatening to the student, threatening to the community, or involving other significant violations of the Student Code of Conduct or the law (i.e. felony violations of the law involving alcohol).

    a. Sanctions for Serious Alcohol Violations

    01. Any Offense will consistently result in suspension from the University; either immediately or at the close of the current semester; disciplinary probation upon return; removal from Housing; possible expulsion from the University. If permitted to return to the University, the student may be required to complete a variety of educational programs.

    Note: Notification will be handled according to State and Federal laws governing confidentiality of student records.

    F. Sanctions

    The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of an illicit drug, or prescription drug regulated under the provisions of Chapter 893, Florida Statues, or the unlawful use or possession of alcohol is wrong, harmful, and prohibited in and on UNF owned and controlled property or as part of any of its activities. No employee or student is to report to work, class or any University function while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  Violation of this policy will subject the individual not only to University sanctions but also to potential criminal prosecution by the appropriate authorities.  Additionally, a violation of this policy may result in a referral for evaluation and possible treatment for a substance related disorder, or referral for prosecution consistent with local, state, and federal law.

    Disciplinary action against an employee or student by the University does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges against that individual.  The filing of criminal charges similarly does not preclude action by the University.

          1.  Penalties 

    The penalties imposed for violating this policy range from written warnings with probationary status to expulsion from enrollment and termination of employment.  The choice of sanction will depend on the individual circumstances of the case, including any extenuating circumstances.  Specific penalties for faculty, administration, staff, and students can be found within the areas responsible for each constituency:
                a.  For faculty:  The Office of Academic Affairs
                b.  For administrators and staff:  The Office of Human Resources
                c.  For students:  The Office of the Vice President for Student and International Affairs / Student Conduct Office

  • 2.  Suspension Pending Final Disposition

    The University reserves the right to suspend a faculty member, administrator, staff or student between the time of the initial charges and the impending hearing.  This suspension action will be subject to the applicable personnel rules and will be invoked only if in the opinion of campus administrators the continued presence of this individual poses a clear and immediate danger to himself/herself and/or other members of the University community.  Under such circumstances a formal hearing must be held within a requisite number of school/working days, determined by the areas responsible for each constituency, to lift the suspension or impose more severe sanctions.