Drugs & Alcohol

Edgewood College, its students, faculty, and staff are subject to all laws of the State of Wisconsin regarding possession, consumption, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. All students are required to show proof of age when purchasing, or accepting alcoholic beverages on campus. Students who fail to provide this information, use false information, violate the law and/or college policy are liable for disciplinary action.

For those students who choose to use alcohol, Edgewood College encourages students to exercise a responsible use approach. Peer pressure to use alcohol is strongly discouraged, and we seek to foster an environment of low-risk use. This means that we are committed to providing educational programs on alcohol use, and that we have a policy that promotes these values.

The College's policies related to alcohol and other drugs are published in the Student Handbook.

Edgewood College ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE POLICY

In compliance with federal law, the Edgewood alcohol policy is included below for student and employee review. Please review the policy below which is also printed in the Edgewood College 2008/09 Student Handbook.

Preface

College culture nationwide exaggerates the connection between social fun and excess alcohol use. This misperception is especially strong in Madison even though well over 60%* of Edgewood students either abstain or drink in low risk manner. In other words, most Edgewood students figure out how to enjoy their social time without drinking in a risky way or without drinking at all. Low risk drinking is roughly defined as infrequent (1 time per week or less) alcohol use where a person’s Blood Alcohol Content is below .05 in a safe environment (about 3 drinks for 140# female; or 4 drinks for 170# male over 3 hours).

The Wisconsin drinking age is 21 years of age. Edgewood College, its students, faculty, and staff are subject to all laws of the State of Wisconsin regarding possession, consumption, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages or drugs. All students are required to show proof of age when purchasing, or accepting alcoholic beverages on campus. Students who fail to provide this information, use false information, violate the law and/or college policy are liable for disciplinary action.

Edgewood College expects students who choose to use alcohol, to drink in a safe manner. Excess drinking is strongly discouraged for its risk to the drinker and for its negative effects on the campus community. The campus is committed to providing educational programs to promote low-risk use or abstinence, to educate students about the risks of excess drinking, and to promoting alternatives to excess drinking.
(*From Edgewood CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey Spring 2008)

Seeking Assistance

At the discretion of the appropriate College authorities, assistance for problems with drug or alcohol may be offered in lieu of, or concurrently with, disciplinary action. An assessment and/or evidence of satisfactory progress toward elimination of the problem may be required as part of any such agreement. A conscientious effort to seek help will not, by itself, jeopardize an employee’s job or a student’s enrollment. Employees or students in need of help for an alcohol or drug problem are encouraged to utilize the Personal Counseling Service (John Boyne at 663-2281) or the Employee Assistance Program (Heitzinger and Associates 1-800-362-3902 Ext. 1310).

General Policies

Alcoholic beverages may be possessed, purchased and/or consumed only by persons of legal drinking age, and then only in areas designated by the college at college-sanctioned functions.
No person may procure, sell, dispense or give alcoholic beverages for or to an underage person.
Intoxication and/or alcohol abuse shall not be tolerated and will not be accepted as an excuse for unlawful behavior or misconduct.
Alcoholic beverages will be permitted at approved college events in accordance with the guidelines established by the college. (See guidelines below).
Alcoholic beverages are never to be used as a reward for achievement or given as a prize or award.
Using, possessing, manufacturing, selling, buying, or transferring drugs by students or employees of Edgewood College on any campus property or at any College-sponsored function is expressly forbidden.

Residence Hall Restrictions

No alcoholic beverages are allowed in Marshall, Regina or Marie Stephen Reges, and Dominican Halls.
When all of the residents of Rosewood, Siena, and Weber Apartments are of legal age, they may have alcohol in their apartment; however, they may not serve it to or consume it in the presence of minors. When transporting, alcohol containers must be sealed and covered. Kegs, defined as any containers requiring a tap to operate, are not permitted at any time.

College Guidelines for Serving Alcohol at College-Sponsored Events

Students at events where alcohol might be served are responsible for legal and safe use of alcohol.
In order to serve alcoholic beverages at a college sponsored event, approval must be obtained from the Director of Dining Services at least one month in advance. This procedure is governed by the Event and Conference Committee. Please see guidelines below.
A faculty or staff member is required to be present at the entire event. The staff or faculty chaperone assumes the responsibility of adhering to the Edgewood College guidelines and state law and insuring that appropriate behavior is maintained at all times. The staff or faculty chaperone is required to meet with the Director of Dining Services prior to the start of the event to review the regulations and responsibilities of the chaperone. The event may be cancelled if the review session is not scheduled or attended.
All events must terminate by 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and by 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Alcohol must be purchased through the Edgewood College Dining Service. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to provide compensation to the bartender(s). Bartenders will be arranged by the Edgewood College Dining Service.
Alcoholic beverages are to be consumed only in the designated room(s) approved for the event. The rooms designated include: Washburn Heritage Room in Regina Hall, Lake Room in Regina Hall, President’s Dining Room in Regina Hall, Nona McGreal Room in Predolin Humanities Center, Commons in Predolin Humanities Center, Gallery in DeRicci Hall, and the Todd Wehr Edgedome.
The Edgewood College alcohol license must be displayed at all times during the event.
Proof of legal drinking age will be required.
No person may purchase alcohol for another person unless the person is present at the time of purchase, regardless of whether they are of legal drinking age.
Only those beverages sold and provided by the sponsoring organization of an event are to be consumed. No one is to bring his/her own beverages to or from an event.
Soft drinks and food must be made available for the duration of any activity where alcoholic beverages are served.
No alcohol will be given away for free or as a prize.
Drinking games will not be allowed at campus events.
No person will be served alcohol if they are already visibly intoxicated.
Performers from entertainment acts will also be subject to the Edgewood College alcohol policy and state regulations on alcohol consumption.
Edgewood College sponsored events that include alcohol and are held off campus must have a staff or faculty chaperone, have students fill out a liability waiver, and are subject to the laws of Wisconsin.

Chaperones need to make efforts to ensure that students can drink legally and maintain low risk use during the off campus event. (Low-risk excludes driving under the influence of any alcohol and is under 2 drinks for most women and under 3 for most men).

Chaperones need to plan to ensure these conditions and clearly communicate these expectations to their student participants.

Educational and Disciplinary Sanctions

Individuals found in violation of any of these policies will be subject to the appropriate sanctions. Please refer to the section entitled “Sanctions in Disciplinary Cases” on page 27 of the Student Handbook.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Employees or students who engage in any of the prohibited conduct above are subject to disciplinary action which, depending on the type and seriousness of the violation, may include: verbal or written warnings, probation, revocation of privileges, community service time, financial restitution, suspension, termination, or referral to legal authorities for prosecution. Edgewood College reserves the right to contact parents or guardians of students who violate the Policy on Alcohol and Other Drug Use, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The full copy of the alcohol policy, including descriptions of hazards of various drugs and legal consequences, can be seen in the 2007/08 Student Handbook available online and in the Dean of Students Office in Predolin 215; 663-2212.
Questions or comments can be directed to John Boyne, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor, 663-3383; jboyne@edgewood.edu.

Health Risks

Alcohol Individuals over 21 years of age have the right to choose to consume alcohol. Edgewood College urges those individuals to exercise sound judgment and responsibility in making that decision. Edgewood College does not condone underage drinking of alcohol.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Initially it may appear to stimulate a person and reduce inhibitions. Greater amounts of alcohol will depress deeper parts of the brain, leading to loss of judgment and impaired sensory perception and motor skills.

Risks from excessive drinking, even if only occasional, include: physical and sexual assault, fights, injuries, and diminished academic performance. Brain damage from alcohol abuse is permanent and recent studies suggest that the brain development continues into a person’s early 20’s making that damage more significant.

Abuse of alcohol can pose a number of other health risks, both physical and psychological such as impaired ability to reason; damage to the heart and liver; irritation of the stomach lining, possibly leading to ulcers; and depression of brain centers, causing poor coordination, confusion, disorientation, stupor, anesthesia, coma, and death.

Marijuana produces an intoxicating effect that slows reasoning abilities. Concentration and problem-solving abilities are impaired. Slowed reflexes and reaction time, poor peripheral vision may also result.

Marijuana has multiple adverse effects on the body including increased heart rate, lung damage, increased cancer risk, diminished immune systems and risk of memory impairment. Long term use has also been linked to increases in anxiety, depression and lower academic performance.

Important psychological and emotional developmental tasks (such as career establishment or developing emotional intimacy) can be delayed or stalled with heavy use of marijuana.

Club Drugs Club drugs refer to a large group of drugs often used at raves or dance parties and other settings that, as a group, have a wide variety of effects and risks. Some of the drugs in this informal grouping include: ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, LSD, Rohypnol. Ecstasy is the most common of these drugs and it’s taken for euphoric effects, heightened energy and emotional warmth it produces in some users. The risks of this drug are serious for even occasional use. Risks include: increased heart rate, nausea, dizziness, muscle tensions, teeth clenching, dangerously high body temperature, depression, and anxiety. Long term use can lead to memory problems and depression. Pills sold as ecstasy often include other substances that create even more serious health risks.

Stimulants (Amphetamines, Cocaine) Drugs that stimulate the central nervous system have a high potential for abuse because continuous use can result in severe dependence. Low doses of stimulants cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Sleeplessness and anxiety may also result. Higher doses cause irritability and excitability. Users may also experience feelings of paranoia and illusions or hallucinations. Abuse of these substances causes increased risk of heart failure, malnutrition, and a weakening of the body’s immune system.

Depressants (Barbiturates, Narcotics, Hypnotics, Tranquilizers) Use of substances which depress the central nervous system can produce habituation and physical dependence. Depressants slow the bodily functions, causing sleepiness or grogginess, impaired motor skills, poor memory, and faulty judgment. Larger doses may cause unconsciousness or death. Taken over a period of time, these substances result in a physical dependency. Withdrawal from physical dependency must be medically supervised. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause delirium and convulsions.

The use of central nervous system depressants in combination with alcohol significantly increases the risk of death. The most common form of unintentional overdose results from the combination of barbiturates and alcohol.

Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, Mescaline) Hallucinogens can cause habituation or psychological dependence. There are no withdrawal symptoms when regular use of the drug is stopped. Unpleasant psychological reactions are common, however. Risks include breaks from reality, flashbacks, emotional breakdown, and memory lapse. More severe reactions can include convulsions, partial paralysis, delusion, hysteria, and outbreaks of violence.

Legal Sanctions: Alcohol and Other Drug Regulations The following is a summary of the laws of the state of Wisconsin and of Madison ordinances pertaining to alcohol and other drugs.

Madison Ordinances

In addition to the state laws around alcohol, Madison enforces several local ordinances around alcohol as follows:
It is prohibited in Madison to have an open container of alcohol on public property or public streets (except for events with permits). Violations are subject to a $200 fine. Madison also prohibits the dispensing of alcohol for sale without a permit (such as at house parties). Fines for this violation start at $660

Age Requirements The legal drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. Procuring or attempting to procure alcohol before age 21, or attempting to enter premises where alcohol is served and admission is limited to those over 21 years of age, is unlawful and may be punished by a fine, suspension, or revocation of motor vehicle operating privileges, or compelled participation in a supervised work program, or any combination of these penalties. Selling alcohol to an underage person, or procuring alcohol for an underage person, is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $500 Wis. 125.07. If death or serious injury results from the sale or procurement of alcohol for an underage person, the person responsible for that sale or procurement could be guilty of a Class G or H felony. Wis. Stat. 125.075. An underage person, who uses a false identification card to obtain or to try to obtain alcohol, or to be in a tavern illegally, may be subject to fines up to $500, suspension or revocation of his or her driver’s license, and compelled participation in a supervised work program, or a combination of the above penalties. Wis. Stat. sec. 48.344, 125.07(4) (a) and (b), 125.08(3) (b), 12S.09(2). A person who makes or falsifies ID cards could be subject to fines up to $1250 and/or 30 days in jail. Wis. Stat. 125.075

Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under Wisconsin law, no person may legally operate a motor vehicle when that person’s blood alcohol concentration is greater than 0.08%. A person whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds this level may be convicted of driving while intoxicated. A person under the age of 21 who operates a motor vehicle while that person’s blood alcohol level is more than 0.0% but not more than 0.08% may be punished by suspension of motor vehicle operating privileges. If the person refuses to take a test for intoxication, his or her driver’s license may be revoked for up to six months. Wis. Stat. sec. 346.63(2m) and 346.65 (2q).

A first offense for driving while intoxicated is punishable by a fine of up to $300 and suspension of operating privileges for not less than six months nor more than nine months.

Two convictions in a five-year period will result in a fine of between $300 and $1,000 and imprisonment from five days to six months and revocation of operating privileges for not less than one year nor more than 18 months. Three convictions in a five-year period will result in a fine of from $600 to $2,000 and imprisonment from 30 days to one year in the county jail and revocation of driving privileges for not less than two years nor more than three years. Wis. Stat. sec. 346.65(3).

In addition, the court may order a person convicted of driving while intoxicated to perform community service work in lieu of part of the fine imposed. The offender may also be ordered to pay restitution, and a driver improvement surcharge in the amount of $250 will be assessed. Wis. Stat. secs. 346.65(3) and 346.655(1).

A person who causes injury to another person by the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated will be subject to a fine of from $300 to $2,000 and may be imprisoned for 30 days to one year in the county jail. Wis. Stat. secs. 346.63 (2) and 346.65 (3). A person who causes the death of another person by the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated is guilty of a Class D felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment up to five years, or both. Wis. Stat. secs. 940.09(1) and 939.50(3).

Drinking or Possession of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle An underage person who knowingly possesses, transports, or has under his or her control any alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle may be subject to fines from $20 to $400.Wis. Stat. sec. 346.95(2).

No person may drink alcohol in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is on a highway. No person in a motor vehicle on a highway may have on his or her person an opened bottle or container of alcohol. No owner or driver of a motor vehicle may keep an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, while the vehicle in on a highway. A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of up to $100.Wis. Stat. sec. 346.935.

Controlled Substances Federal and state law prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and cannabis or marijuana.

Activities in violation of state and federal law are classified and punishable as follows:

Administering Dangerous Drugs
A person who administers to, or causes another person to take, a poisonous, stupefying, narcotic, or anesthetic substance with the intent to facilitate the commission of a crime, is guilty of a Class C felony. Such behavior is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 10 years, or both. Wis. Stat. secs. 941.32, 939.50(3).

Manufacture Delivery and Possession of Controlled Substances, Wis. Stat. sec. 161.41.

Schedule I or II Drugs Substances with no or severely restricted acceptable medical uses, which have a high potential for abuse, and which may lead to severe psycholgical or physical dependence. Examples: Cocaine, Opium, Heroin, LSD, Morphine, Methadone, Mescaline, Psilocybin. See http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/scheduling.html for complete listing of scheduled drugs.

Manufacture or delivery of narcotics is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and up to 30 years imprisonment. Manufacture or delivery of Heroin, PCP, or Cocaine is punishable by a fine of from $1,000 to $1 million and/or imprisonment up to 30 years. Manufacture or delivery of non-narcotics is punishable by a fine of up to $30,000 and up to 10 years imprisonment.

Possession of these substances is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

Schedule III Drugs Substances having an accepted medical use, but which have a potential for abuse, and which may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Examples: Codeine, Hydrocodone, Ketamine.

Manufacture or delivery of Schedule III substances is punishable by a fine of up to $30,000 or imprisonment up to 10 years, or both.

Possession of these substances is punishable by a fine of $250 to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years in the county jail.

Schedule IV Drugs Substances which may cause limited physical or psychological dependence in relation to Schedule III drugs. Examples: Chloral Hydrate, Tranquilizers, some Barbiturates, and some Amphetamines.

Manufacture or delivery of Schedule IV substances is punishable by a fine of up to $20,000 and imprisonment up to 6 years. Possession of these substances is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500, or up to two years imprisonment, or both.

Schedule V Drugs Substances which have limited physical or psychological dependence in relation to Schedule IV drugs. Examples: Some codeine preparations.

Illicit manufacture or delivery of Schedule V substances is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment up to two years, or both.

Illicit possession of these substances is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and up to a year imprisonment.

Marijuana Possession of marijuana in a public place is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100.

Possession of marijuana with intent to manufacture or sell is punishable under Wisconsin law by a fine of from $500 to $25,000 and imprisonment up to 3 years.

Distribution to Minors
Any person 18 years of age or over who is convicted of distributing a controlled substance, including marijuana, to a person under 18 years of age may be subject to a doubling of applicable fines and periods of imprisonment. Wis. Stat. sec. 161.46.

Compliance with Applicable Federal, State and Local Laws
This policy is subject to amendment. Edgewood College reserves the right to amend, add, delete, or modify this policy, and any others, for any purpose including compliance with local, state, or federal law.

This policy has been instituted in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226).