Preface

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, President John Brazil appointed a committee to conduct a biennial review of Trinity’s alcohol and other drug prevention program. The committee met to produce this report.  Committee members were:

• Mr. Rudolph Gonzalez, Director of Campus Safety

•  Dr. Richard Reams, Senior Staff Psychologist, Counseling Services

•  Dr. Diane Saphire, Director of Institutional Research and Associate Vice President for Information Resources

• Ms. Pamela Johnston, Director of Human Resources

• Dr. Edward Schumacher, Associate Professor of Health Care Administration

• Dr. Sarah Burke, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

•  Mr. David Tuttle, Dean of Students

• Mr. Andrew Coulton, Student Representative

•  Ms. Tammy Six, Graduate Student Representative

By law this document must be made available to the public upon request. It must be retained for three years after the fiscal year in which it was created.

For more information about Trinity University's response to the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs among students and employees, you may contact:

• Dr. Gary Neal, Director of Counseling and Health Services, (210) 999-7411

• Ms. Pamela Johnston, Director of Human Resources, (210) 999-7507

• Mr. Rudolph Gonzalez, Director of Campus Safety, (210) 999-8310

• Mr. David Tuttle, Dean of Students, (210) 999-8843

  Return To Top

  ---

Introduction

The committee charged with reviewing Trinity University’s alcohol and other drug prevention program feels an obligation to do more than simply assure that Trinity’s program met the minimal legal requirements. Part of the University’s mission states:

Through the entire Trinity experience, in and outside the classroom, the University prepares students for the lifelong quest for understanding themselves and their responsibilities in a changing world. Trinity believes this understanding to be the goal of a liberally educated person. … Furthermore, Trinity provides a supportive and challenging experience wherein students, faculty, and staff can realize the full potential of their abilities and exercise their responsibilities to society.

To best achieve the goal of liberal education and the exercise of our responsibilities to society, Trinity strives to educate the University community about effects of illicit drugs and alcohol. It is our conviction that this knowledge can contribute to a more responsible approach to drugs and alcohol and to a healthier and happier life.

The committee has examined Trinity’s compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and has made some recommendations (see page 9) for assuring our continued compliance.  We have also included in this document a summary of the larger efforts within the entire University community to assist all students and employees to develop an informed and responsible approach to alcohol and other drugs.

Return To Top

Documents Describing the University Policies

To describe our policies regarding the use of illicit drugs and alcohol, Trinity University distributes two different documents, one to students, and one to employees. These documents are included in Appendices I and IV.

The committee reviewed both documents and verified that they contain the following items as described in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act:

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.

• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.

• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students.

• A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State and Federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct.

The committee notes that the employee documents were not distributed in the 2003-2004 academic year and recommends that Human Resources assure that the information is distributed annually.

In addition to the two documents described above, Trinity also publicizes our drug and alcohol policies in other places. The student document also appears in each year’s Student Handbook. The employee document also appears in the Personnel Policy Manual for Classified Employees, and excerpts of the employee document appear in the Faculty and Contract Staff Handbook. Additionally, the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy is posted on the Trinity University website under Fiscal Affairs Policies and Procedures, and is linked to the Faculty and Contract Staff Handbook.

In 2002-2003 the Trinity University Alcohol Task Force did a complete revision of the alcohol policy. This revision was approved by the Health and Safety committee, the President of Trinity University, and the Standards Committee (students, faculty, and staff charged with reviewing, adding, removing, and amending policies). The Standards Committee made minor revisions to the policy for 2004-2005.

The revised policy includes a philosophical statement regarding alcohol as well as significant detail regarding the purpose of the policy. The Task Force felt that information related to state-law, healthy use of alcohol, and University resources was so important that it should become part of the policy. 

Return To Top

Distribution of Documents

For students, university policy states that since all Trinity University students are supplied an e-mail address that “Email is an official means of communication and will be utilized to conduct business and supply information to students, staff and faculty.” Each year, the University electronically sends the information on illicit drugs and alcohol policies to all students.  A copy of the policy and the email messages to students for 2002 and 2003 found in Appendices I, II, and III respectively.

To assure that all of our employees are informed about our alcohol and other drug prevention program, Human Resources sent a message, by email, including a link to the required information, to all employees who have Trinity University email addresses. The few who do not have email addresses were sent a paper copy of the material. A copy of the information sent can be found in Appendix IV.  The committee notes that this information was sent during the 2002-2003 academic year, but not during the 2003-2004 academic year.

Return To Top

Enforcing of Sanctions

The student discipline system for violations of the drug and alcohol policy involves several Student Affairs offices and the Student Court. The professional Residential Life Staff handles relatively simple cases of first offense alcohol possession originating in the residence halls unless the accused student wishes to take the case to Student Court. Such cases, and cases involving multiple charges or repeat offenses, are referred to Student Court. The Dean of Students handles cases involving felonious behavior, off-campus incidents, and/or violations by student organizations as well as cases adjudicated when Student Court is not in session.

The Department of Campus Safety works closely with the Dean of Students to provide a safe and secure campus. When campus peace officers detect criminal activities of a serious nature on campus, an arrest is made. For most minor offenses, such as possession of alcohol by a minor, the individuals are turned over to the Dean of Students and the Student Court. These offenses are still counted as arrests for statistical purposes as required by the Jeanne Clery Act (formerly known as the Campus Security Act).

The following statistics, provided in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, are calculated on a calendar year basis and include referrals/arrests that occurred on the Trinity University campus and on property owned/controlled by the university. 

Number of arrests/Referrals for specific violations and offenses

Reported in accordance with Uniform Crime Reporting procedures and the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

NOTES:

○         This number may also be reflected in the 160

►        This number may also be reflected in the 330

*          This number may also be reflected in the 157

☼        This number may also be reflected in the 22

In the late fall of 2003 the Student Affairs staff and Student Court saw a dramatic increase in alcohol violations, particularly related to the first year class. As a response the Court sent a notice to all students announcing harsher sanctions effective immediately. These sanctions were agreed upon by the Trinity Alcohol Coalition (which replaced the Alcohol Task Force), the Student Affairs staff, and the Student Court. (See Appendix III for a copy of the full document sent to students.)  During the spring semester of 2004 (not covered in this report) there was a 77% decrease in referrals.  The harsher sanctions were apparently successful in reducing the alcohol and drug violations.

According to the sanctions in effect through the fall of 2003, students found responsible for a first alcohol offense were given the option of paying a $50 fine or doing ten hours of community service. In addition they were placed on probation status specific to the drug and alcohol policy so that subsequent offenses are counted cumulatively for the remainder of their Trinity careers. Students found responsible for a second alcohol offense could choose to pay a fine not to exceed $100 or perform 20 hours of community service. In addition, these individuals were referred to Counseling Services for an alcohol use assessment. Third offense violators could choose either a $200 fine or 40 hours of community service. In addition they are referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs or Dean of Students for review of their citizenship records as Trinity students.

The new sanctions that went into effect in late fall of 2003 added an educational component in conjunction with limited probation for first offenses. Second offenses included general probation, an alcohol assessment, and parental notification. Third offense violators face suspension.

The educational sanction for first-time offenders was actually started in the fall of 2003. Students are required to pay a $25 fee to take the online web-based Alcohol.Edu course. A passing grade is 85% or higher.

During the past 2 years, only one incident involving suspected alcohol use by an employee has been brought to the attention of Human Resources.  They dealt with this incident in compliance with university policies.  The employee no longer works at Trinity University.

Return To Top

Ongoing Efforts

In addition to providing information describing our alcohol and other drug policies and consistently enforcing the disciplinary sanctions, Trinity University strives in many ways to educate the University community about alcohol and other drugs and raise awareness of their potential dangers.  The University also offers intervention efforts with individuals who are abusing or are at risk of abusing alcohol or other drugs.  Following is a description of efforts for education and intervention during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 academic years.

• Alcohol 101. Nearly all first year students have been introduced to alcohol issues for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 years through Alcohol 101. The University of Illinois and the Century Council created this interactive CD-ROM program. All Mentors guide their Mentor groups through this program in the early fall. Most Trinity University students have gone through this popular program.
• Alcohol.edu is a web-based education course designed as a sanction for those who have been found responsible for violating the alcohol policy.
• Alcohol Poisoning Wallet Card. The two-sided wallet card includes signs of alcohol poisoning and a recommended procedure for responding when another person appears to be in danger.   The cards are distributed to First Year students during New Student Orientation and to students through Greek clubs. They are also provided to RAs.
• Alcohol/Rape Wallet Card. One side of the card briefly summarizes campus policy and Texas laws regarding alcohol as well as providing a social norms message.  The card is distributed to First Year students during New Student Orientation.
• Alcohol Use Consultations. A psychologist at Counseling Services provides confidential assessment and feedback to students.  Most of them are referred by Student Court following their second violation of the University’s alcohol policy. Some seek a consultation on their own initiative.
• AOD Web Page. Counseling Services maintains this online resource that promotes its AOD services to students and contains links to information.
• Brochures. Counseling Services and Health Services provide brochures within their offices and also make them available periodically at other locations on campus via special displays, bulletin boards, etc.
• E-Chug (Electronic Check-Up to Go). This online instrument provides a drinking profile and feedback. It is linked to the Student Affairs and Counseling Services web pages and is promoted through the campus newspaper, the daily online newsletter LeeRoy, the bimonthly Student Affairs newsletter TigerBytes, and banners in the dining hall.
• Fitness Fair. Each fair includes tables staffed by representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
• Great American Smoke-out. Health Services promotes this annual event.
• Information to Parents. Incoming first year students are sent brochures in the summer that contain information about alcohol use and abuse. The Residential Life Office hopes that parents and students will review this material together before students move to campus. Parents have received information related to alcohol through the Trinity Parent newsletter and the Trinitonian newspaper.
• Margaritas on the Rocks and Shiner Bocks: Making Decisions about Alcohol. This educational multimedia presentation was made for First Year students during New Student Orientation in 2003.
• Parental Notification. Upon two alcohol violations students are required to have their parents contact the Dean of Students.  Working in partnership with parents to help these students has been extremely successful. Since third offenses may result in suspension it is critical that parents understand the precarious position in which students find themselves.
• Resident Mentor Programs. A new position called "Resident Mentor" has been created in the Residential Life Office. This position has lead to 22 staff members who have done extended transitional programming for first year students. The series of programs includes one specific to alcohol use and the discussion is lead by the Resident Mentors. The program outline is included in Appendix V.
• Responsible Party Guidelines. The Greek Council, with support from the Alcohol Task Force, has developed voluntary guidelines for unofficial, non-University-related, off-campus parties. These guidelines provide a blueprint for social clubs to create a safe and controlled party environment.
• Tigers’ Den Pub. While it may seem counter-intuitive, in 2003 the Trinity campus re-opened its campus pub. The pub was opened to create a social space on campus for members of the University community to gather where those of legal drinking age can consume alcohol safely and in compliance with the University’s policy guidelines.  The Trinity Alcohol Coalition supported the opening of the pub as a venue where responsible, legal drinking can occur.  The Coalition believes that the pub provides a venue for modeling responsible alcohol consumption while countering the common misperception among students that the administration is “anti-alcohol,” a misperception that harms other efforts to address drinking issues.  Background material on the pub can be found in Appendix VI.
• Tiger Rides. Students spent a great deal of time and energy developing a safe-ride program for the campus. Ultimately exorbitant insurance cost projections rendered the program unfeasible.
• Trinity Alcohol Coalition: In 2002-2003 the Alcohol Task Force successfully revised the alcohol policy. The Task Force felt that its work was not complete and was granted on-going status as a Coalition for the future. The Coalition is made up of faculty, staff, and students representing a cross-section of the campus.

In 2003-2004 the Coalition turned its attention to reviewing the new policy and suggesting adjustments for 2004-2005. In addition, the Coalition made important recommendations regarding the campus pub, Greek policies, social norms information, and alcohol violation sanctions.

• 21^st Birthday Greeting. The Vice President for Student Affairs sends a birthday greeting to students turning 21 that includes a caution about excessive drinking.

A Look Ahead

 In the next biennial review, look for information on a new alcohol and other drug web-page, a campus-wide educational campaign, and the creation of an Alcohol Coalition internship position.

Return To Top

Recommendations

After having compiled and carefully reviewed the material in this report, the committee makes the following recommendations:

• Human Resources should assure that the required information is distributed to all employees annually.
• Counseling Services and Institutional Research should conduct another follow-up to the alcohol surveys that were done in the past to assess changes since the last survey.
• The documents sent annually to faculty and staff should be reviewed and revised as needed.
• The policy pertaining to alcohol consumption at events involving students and either faculty or staff members should be reviewed and revised as needed.  The revised policy should be appropriately communicated to the campus community.
• A new alcohol and other drug website should be created.  We understand that this is already in progress.
• We support the recently created position for an Alcohol Coalition intern and recommend its continuation.
• A campus-wide educational campaign should be conducted.  We understand that this is already in the planning stages.

  Return To Top

  ---

APPENDIX I

Policy Distributed to Students

MAJOR UNIVERSITY POLICIES RELATED TO STUDENT CONDUCT

Some of the offenses described below are crimes in Texas and may be prosecuted independent of any disciplinary action taken by Trinity University. Neither intoxication nor the use of any other drug by the accused student shall serve as a defense or mitigate the seriousness of an offense. In some situations where a number of persons are present at the time a University rule is violated, all persons present will be charged with the offense and the appropriate judicial body will determine who is responsible for the offense. All student organizations are subject to these same regulations as those which apply to individuals. Violation of these policies will subject the organization and/or individuals involved to appropriate discipline.

Alcohol

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Philosophy Underlying Alcohol Policy - Trinity University values the freedom of those who live and work here to make our own choices, and it values the education that equips us to exercise that freedom responsibly. Choices regarding alcohol, in particular, are a matter of individual and community interest because poor decisions can negatively impact our personal health and our public environment. Trinity respects the choices of those who consume alcohol within reasonable, legal bounds, and those who avoid it altogether. However, because the consumption of alcohol can impair an individual’s judgment and lead to devastating damage and loss, this policy aims to limit those negative consequences. It calls us to be mutually accountable for sustaining a positive, livable, learning environment on our campus. Finally, this policy intentionally promotes awareness regarding the physical, emotional, mental and legal ramifications of alcohol misuse because educated freedom relies not only on rules but, most importantly, on informed thinking.

B. Objectives of the Alcohol Policy

1. To encourage students to obey the laws of Texas regarding the use, possession and con­sumption of alcohol;

2. To encourage students’ responsibility for their behavior regarding the consumption of alcohol and while under its influence;

3. To establish appropriate disciplinary mechanisms and penalties for students and organiza­tions that violate University Alcohol policies;

4. To encourage intervention, treatment and support for students who are at risk from the misuse of alcohol; and

5. To encourage programs that educate students concerning the responsible use of alcohol.

II. STATE AND UNIVERSITY STANDARDS

A. Summary of Texas State Law Regarding Alcohol

1. Minors and Alcohol

a. The legal drinking age is 21, and it is illegal for a minor to possess, purchase, and attempt to purchase, or consume alcohol. A first offense results in an alcohol awareness course, community service, a 30-day suspension of driver’s license, and up to a $500 fine. Repeat offenses may result in automatic suspension of driver’s license and up to a $2000 fine and 180 days in jail. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of the judge.

b. Possession of false identification results in up to a $200 fine.

c. Making alcohol available to a minor results in up to a $4000 fine and/or one year in jail.

d. A parent must appear in court for any alcohol charges filed against a minor under 21 years of age.

2. Driving While Intoxicated

a. For anyone under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). A first offense results in up to a $500 fine, 40 community service hours, alcohol awareness course, and 60-day suspension of driver’s license. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of the judge.

b. The legal limit for intoxication is .08 BAC. However, drivers may be cited for impaired driving due to alcohol regardless of BAC. Refusal to take a blood or breath test to measure BAC can result in a 180-day driver’s license suspension.

c. A first offense results in up to a $2000 fine, 180 days in jail and driver’s license suspen­sion up to one year. Repeat offenses may result in up to a $10,000 fine, 10 years in penitentiary and 2 years driver’s license suspension.

B. General University policies related to alcohol

1. On campus, beer and wine are permitted only in designated residential areas by those of legal age. Beer and wine may be served in the Tigers’ Den to any students, faculty, staff and their guests of legal age.

2. Persons or organizations that furnish alcoholic beverages to underage students or visitors will be subject to Trinity adjudicative action and/or criminal prosecution for violation of state laws.

3. Any act that causes others to involuntarily or unknowingly consume alcohol is prohibited.

4. Public intoxication is prohibited.

5. Students who contact University officials or other helping professionals out of concern for their own or another student’s health and safety will not be considered for alcohol policy violations for that specific incident. (Note that when hazing may have occurred, state law requires that such incidents be reported to law enforcement officials).

6. The Board of Campus Publications has the authority to determine policy regarding alcohol advertising in the Trinitonian

C. Regulations on Alcohol Use within the Residence Halls

1. To respect legal use: All students 21 years or older and their guests of legal age may possess and consume beer and wine in any upperclass residence hall room where at least one of the assigned residents of the room is present and is of legal age.

2. To respect those who are under the legal drinking age and/or choose not to consume alcohol:

a. No open containers of alcohol may be possessed or consumed in the following locations: balconies, corridors, public areas, and designated substance-free floors.

b. The possession or consumption of alcohol and the possession of alcohol containers (including kegs) are prohibited in all first year halls and all upperclass rooms where neither resident is of legal age.

3. To expect responsibility among those who choose to consume alcohol:

a. No alcohol in the residence halls may be provided from common source containers, including but not limited to kegs.

b. Students who consume alcohol are accountable to University conduct policies, including but not limited to disorderly conduct, destruction of property, and excessive noise.

4. To promote mutual accountability for all students to abide by Texas law and University policy: Those who are present at a party but do not unlawfully consume alcohol may be found responsible for passive participation in others’ violation of University policy.

D. Regulations on University Authorized Use of Alcohol

1. On-campus events

a. In the Tigers’ Den only, Trinity University organizations or groups (including departments, offices, and student organizations) may permit alcoholic beverages for those of legal age, even with underage persons present.

b. Groups meeting on the campus whose constituency is entirely 21 years of age or above may appeal to the associate vice president for Fiscal Affairs for permission to serve wine and/or beer at scheduled social events in on-campus locations other than the Tigers’ Den only if that event has been scheduled following established procedures.

c. Off-campus organizations and individuals are not permitted to serve any alcoholic beverages on the University campus unless the event is catered by ARAMARK and permission to serve beer or wine has been received from the associate vice president for Fiscal Affairs.

d. Except for the Tigers’ Den, there will be no place on the Trinity University campus where alcoholic beverages are sold.

2. Off-campus events

a. Trinity student organizations and groups may apply to the director of Coates University Center & Student Activities or designee for permission to hold an off-campus event at which alcoholic beverages are served to those of legal age, even with underage persons present.

b. An approved event must be held in a licensed business establishment accustomed to and organized for checking IDs.

III. ENFORCEMENT, EDUCATION AND SERVICES

A. University Enforcement of the Alcohol Policy

1. Students are personally responsible for complying with state and local laws and the University Alcohol Policy. Trinity University respects students’ privacy and autonomy, assumes that they will behave legally and responsibly, and will not closely monitor the activities of individual students or members of student organizations.

2. Resident Assistants and the Department of Campus Safety will respond to any observed Alcohol Policy violations and submit incident reports to the dean of students and/or Student Conduct Board.

3. Alcohol policy violations will be handled through normal campus conduct procedures as described in the Trinity University Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students. Sanctions may range from no action up to expulsion.

4. On an annual basis, the Alcohol Task Force will review the range of sanctions for Alcohol Policy violations

B. The Effects of Alcohol Consumption

1. The University encourages students who drink to do so in moderation because risks to the health and safety of self and others increase as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases. Both episodic and chronic heavy drinking is associated with academic, social, and health problems. Potential academic problems include class absenteeism and substandard perfor­mance. Potential social problems include disrupted relationships, sexual victimization, argu­ments, and fights. Potential health problems include accidental injury and the consequences of unprotected sex. Additionally, because alcohol is toxic to the body, chronic heavy drinking causes a multitude of physical problems, especially in the brain and digestive system.

2. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that, in a low dosage (BAC under .06), produces positive feelings by reducing inhibition and anxiety while producing a mildly stimulating “buzz” and mildly impairing judgment.

3. The negative depressant effects of alcohol intensify as BAC rises above .06 and produce fatigue, impairment of coordination, and increased impairment of judgment while simultane­ously erasing the positive, low-dosage effects. (Not surprisingly, intoxication is involved in a majority of violent student behaviors, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, and fights, as well as about half of vehicular accidents.)

4. If BAC rises above .15, the drinker can pass out and/or experience a memory loss (blackout) the next day. While passed out, a drinker can die from choking on his or her vomit. Breathing will slow as the central nervous system becomes increasingly anesthetized.

5. If BAC rises above .30, the drinker is at risk of alcohol poisoning from respiratory failure. An intoxicated person is at risk for death from alcohol poisoning if s/he

a. Is passed out and cannot be awakened, or

b. Has cold, clammy, bluish or unusually pale skin, or

c. Breathes slowly (less than 8 times per minute) or irregularly (more than 10 seconds between breaths), or

d. Vomits while asleep/passed out and does not awaken.

As a member of the University community, anyone who recognizes that a student is in danger of alcohol poisoning should call 911 to request the assistance of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If the call is placed from campus, students should call the Department of Campus Safety emergency line (x7000). Officers can direct EMS to the proper location as quickly as possible.

6. About 5-10% of Americans develop alcohol dependence, a brain disease that can lead to death. Although some drinkers, especially those with a genetic predisposition, are at greater risk for alcohol dependence than others, no drinker is exempt from the potential to develop an alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the University encourages all students who drink to periodically seek an “alcohol check-up” and provides resources for doing so through Counseling Services.

C. University Services

1. Counseling Services (www.trinity.edu/counseling) offers a variety of services and resources to students, including:

a. Anonymous, online alcohol use assessment and feedback through its web site for those who desire an “alcohol check-up” or are concerned about their alcohol use;

b. Confidential consultations with a counselor for those who desire an “alcohol check-up” or who are concerned about their own alcohol use or that of a friend or family member;

c. Confidential counseling concerning alcohol use;

d. Referrals to off-campus specialists and support groups for the treatment of alcohol dependence;

e. Educational materials;

f. Educational programs for classes and other student groups.

2. Residential Life staff address residents’ concerns and make appropriate referrals related to the nega­tive effects of alcohol use, including interpersonal conflicts, vandalism, and health concerns

3. Health Services (www.trinity.edu/departments/health_services/index.htm) treats injuries and illnesses associated with alcohol use and refers students who may have problems related to alcohol use to Counseling Services or an off-campus specialist for assessment and treatment, if needed.

4. The dean of students coordinates the Alcohol Task Force that periodically reviews University policy, sanctions, educational initiatives, and treatment efforts.

Return To Top

APPENDIX II

2002 Email to Students

Dear Trinity Student,

There is no question that alcohol, and the consequences related to alcohol abuse, pose significant problems for college students across the country as well as on our own campus. 

The Alcohol Task Force is reviewing all aspects of alcohol use at Trinity University.  This group of students, faculty, and staff is considering ways the University communicates messages, the nature of those messages, policies, and education and prevention efforts.

You will learn more about recommendations from this group later this semester.  In the meantime, Trinity University annually distributes information about alcohol and drugs, physical and psychological effects, laws, policies, and resources.  Please review the attached, and consider the role alcohol plays in your life and in the lives of those close to you.

http://www.trinity.edu/departments/res_life/Drug_Alc_policy.htm

David Tuttle

Dean of Students

Diane Saphire

Director of Institutional Research

Return To Top

APPENDIX III

2003 Email to Students

December 2, 2003

Dear Fellow Students,

During the fall semester of 2002 the Student Court heard 17 alcohol and drug cases involving 74 students. There were no suspensions over that time period. This semester the 2003 Court has heard nearly 50 alcohol and drugs cases involving over 200 students. The Student Court has suspended four students so far for drug and alcohol violations this fall.

The Court is extremely concerned about the emotional and physical health of Trinity students, the social environment on campus, and the ability of all students to sleep, study, and learn in our academic community. We urge all students to make healthy choices: to avoid illegal drugs, abide by the alcohol policy, drink responsibly, respect others, not drink and drive, and choose a safe ride home after consuming alcohol. 

We write to remind students of University policies on alcohol and drugs. For a detailed description of these policies please refer to your Student Handbook (pages 113 to 119) or to the electronic version through the following link.

http://www.trinity.edu/departments/res_life/media/StudentHandbook%2003-04.pdf

Please note that the Student Court will now treat a student present in a room where a drug or alcohol violation has occurred as being in possession, and thus in violation of University drug or alcohol policies. This will be done because of the extreme difficulty in accurately identifying those who were consuming alcohol or using drugs.

We also wish to inform students of the revised consequences for violating policies related to alcohol, drugs, and the hosting of events where there are alcohol or drug violations. Please be aware that the following guidelines have been endorsed by the Trinity University Alcohol Coalition (a group of students, faculty, and staff), the Student Court, and the Student Affairs Office, and will usually be imposed upon students who are found responsible for violating policies. (The Student Court and the Student Affairs staff have discretion to adjust sanctions in consideration of specific situations.)

• First alcohol violation

- Participation in Alcohol.edu (with a $20 fee)

- Probation limited to alcohol offenses for the time remaining at Trinity University

- Parental notification if alcohol infraction is coupled with other simultaneous violations of policy including, but not limited to, hosting, parties, disorderly conduct, or excessive noise

• Second alcohol violation

- Alcohol use consultation

- General probation for the time remaining at Trinity University (any violation while on general probation may result in suspension)

- Parental notification

• Third alcohol violation

Suspension for at least one semester

• First drug violation

- General probation; suspension, when the violation is sufficiently serious, or when the drug infraction is coupled with other simultaneous violations of policy including, but not limited to hosting, parties, disorderly conduct, or excessive noise

- Parental notification

• Second drug violation

Suspension or expulsion

• Hosting

General probation for the time remaining at Trinity University (any violation while on general probation may result in suspension)

Parental notification

Please contact us at StudentCourt@Trinity.edu if you have any questions. Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and successful conclusion to your semester.

Laura E. Woods

Student Court Chief Justice

On behalf of the Student Court

Return To Top

APPENDIX IV

Documents from the Office of University Personnel Services

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Trinity University recognizes its responsibility to provide a healthy environment within which faculty and staff may work in a drug and alcohol free workplace. If an employee is found in violation of University or state alcohol and drug abuse policies, the circumstances accompanying each individual case are considered when determining the consequences. Educational interventions are emphasized; however, when indicated, counseling or other therapeutic activities may be required.

Purpose: Based on its commitment to assure the safety and health of its employees, the University seeks to maintain work and learning environments free of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possess or use of a controlled substance or the abuse of alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse effects the responsible conduct of business, teaching and learning, and therefore will not be tolerated.

This policy is based on the following objectives:

1.    To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students and employees;

2.    To maintain the good reputation of the University and its employees within the community;

3.    To minimize accidental injuries to persons or property;

4.    To keep absenteeism and tardiness at a minimum and to improve the effective performance of job duties and productivity of all employees;

5.    In appropriate circumstances, to assist employees in securing alcohol or substance abuse rehabilitation;

6.    To comply with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, and other applicable legislation, and,

7.        To adopt and implement a program to prevent use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by employees.

Definitions: As used in this policy, the following definitions apply.

1.    “Drugs or other controlled substances” means any substance, including alcohol, capable of altering an individual’s mood, perception, pain level or judgment.

2.    A “prescribed drug” is any substance prescribed for individual consumption by a licensed medical or dental practitioner. It includes prescribed drugs and over-the-counter drugs which have been legally obtained and are being used for the purpose for which they were prescribed or manufactured.

3.    An “illicit drug” or chemical substance is: (a) any drug or chemical substance, the use, sale, or possession of which is illegal under any state or federal law, or (b) one which is legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained. The term includes prescribed drugs not legally obtained and prescribed drugs not being used for prescribed purposes.