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Ramapo College is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all members and maximizes the academic and social development of students. The College believes that a student’s development is negatively affected by the use of illegal drugs and the irresponsible consumption of alcohol and cannabis. All students have the right to engage in curricular and co-curricular activities without interference from others who are under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drugs. In addition, the unlawful and abusive use of alcohol interferes with the College’s goals aligned with teaching and learning. Substance use disorders may lead to criminal activity, property damage, and other risky behaviors. The purpose for the Alcohol, Cannabis, Other Drug and Good Samaritan is to define and communicate, to all members of the College, acceptable and unacceptable behavior with regards to alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drugs and the sanctions for policy violations.
A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol can be found within the following online publication: “The Public Safety Department Policies and Practices Campus Crime and Fire Statistics.”
The above mentioned publication also includes a description of how to explore free, confidential counseling resources on campus. Counseling Services are available to students through the Center for Health and Counseling Services, D-216, (201) 684-7522.
Alcohol Laws
The purchase and consumption of alcohol is a right extended by the State of New Jersey. The legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in the State of New Jersey is twenty-one. New Jersey state law prohibits the sale, possession, or consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 years of age. Ramapo College is a public institution governed by Federal, State, and local laws, and by College regulations. The College complies with municipal and other law enforcement authorities in enforcing these laws.
Alcoholic Beverages at Campus Events
The Alcoholic Beverages at Campus Events policy applies to all members of the community and to those who rent or otherwise use space at the College. Sections A-O (see below) detail the policies and procedures used when a sponsoring group wishes to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol in College Residence Areas (Living Units)
To help students understand what is and what is not permitted under the Alcohol in College Residence Areas, the following examples are given as guidelines. This is not an exhaustive list and only provides examples.
Persons under the age of twenty-one MAY NOT:
● Be in possession of or in the presence of alcohol in any living unit or anyplace on campus..
● Permit persons to bring in or consume alcohol in their living unit.
● Carry opened or unopened alcoholic beverage containers any place on campus.
● Provide alcohol to any persons on campus.
● Possess alcohol displays made up of empty alcoholic beverage containers.
● Be present on campus or attend college sponsored events while under the influence of alcohol. Public intoxication/drunkenness is not an acceptable condition for anyone on campus, whether the drinking which led to it took place on or off campus.
Persons twenty-one and older MAY NOT:
● Consume alcohol outside of a living unit (lobby, hallways, stairwells, grounds, etc.)
● Consume alcohol, as a guest, in an alcohol allowed living unit when a legal age resident is not present.
● Provide alcohol to others under the age of twenty-one.
● Charge in any way for alcohol consumption by others.
● Possess kegs, beer balls or paraphernalia that promotes large consumption of alcohol.
● Permit underage persons to possess or be in the presence of alcohol in their living unit.
● Possess alcohol or alcohol displays within Pine, Bischoff Hall, Mackin Hall, The Overlook, The College Park Apartments, assigned alcohol prohibited living units in Laurel Hall and the Village, or any other designated alcohol prohibited living units.
● Engage in high risk drinking behaviors such as smoking alcohol, binge drinking, or taking numerous shots of alcohol.
● Participate in any kind of drinking contest or drinking game, or any activity that may lead to the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol.
● Be present on campus or attend college sponsored events while under the influence of alcohol. Public intoxication/drunkenness is not an acceptable condition for anyone on campus, whether the drinking which led to it took place on or off campus.
Persons twenty-one and older MAY:
● Consume alcohol in their living unit when the living unit is designated as alcohol allowed.
● Consume alcohol in another alcohol allowed living unit if a host is twenty-one or older and is present.
● Carry unopened alcoholic beverage containers on campus (must be sealed and out of plain view.)
● Provide alcohol in their alcohol allowed living unit to others aged twenty-one or older and within the guidelines of all relevant College Policies.
● Possess alcohol displays made up of alcoholic beverage containers if all residents are over the age of twenty-one and the living unit is designated as “Alcohol Allowed” (window decorations are prohibited in ALL living units).
Persons who are present, within college housing, where alcohol is being consumed by those over or under the age of 21 will be presumed to have been drinking or in possession of alcohol if Public Safety Officers, On-Call Administrators or Resident Assistants are called to the scene.
The rationale for having a policy against underage individuals being “in the presence of” alcohol is because it is not possible to distinguish who is actually consuming or possessing alcohol on an individual basis where a number of persons are present and without the use of specialized testing equipment used to determine an individual’s blood alcohol content. Furthermore, staff members are not qualified to operate such equipment.
A. ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS
Distribution and/or the sale of alcohol to underage persons will be viewed as an aggravating factor in sanctioning.
Empty Alcohol Containers (including Display and Paraphernalia)
The presence of empty alcohol containers in a living unit, use of empty alcohol containers in a decorative manner or the presence of alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited in housing areas where alcohol is not permitted.
1st violation – Official Written Warning
2nd violation – $50 fine
Subsequent violations for Empty Alcohol Containers (including Display and Paraphernalia), will be subjected to the sanctions for Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol.
Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol
1st violation – one of the following will be issued:
$100 fine and completion of an online education program.
This will be issued when a student is present where an alcohol violation is taking place, even if not actually in possession of or consuming alcoholic beverages at the time of the incident.
-OR-
$200 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (online or in-person) and possible Parental Notification.
2nd violation – $400 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (in-person), Probation, possible Parental Notification and possible Suspension of Activities Privileges.
3rd violation – $800 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (in-person), Disciplinary Probation, Suspension of Activities Privileges, possible Suspension of Residence Privileges, possible Parental Notification and possible Suspension from the College.
4th violation – possible Suspension of Residence Privileges or possible Suspension from the College and possible Parental Notification.
Consumption of Alcohol: Intoxicated Students (Transported to the Hospital)
1st violation – $200 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (in-person), Probation, possible Parental Notification and possible Suspension of Activities Privileges.
2nd violation – $400 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (in-person), Suspension of Activities Privileges, Disciplinary Probation, Suspension of Residence Privileges, possible Parental Notification and possible Suspension from the College.
3rd violation – Suspension or Expulsion from the College.
Sanctions for Hosting a Gathering with Alcohol
1st violation – $500 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (in-person), Suspension of Residence Privileges, possible Parental Notification and possible Suspension of Activities Privileges.
2nd violation – $1,000 fine, participation in an alcohol education program (in-person), Suspension of Activities Privileges, Suspension of Residence Privileges (permanent), possible suspension from the College and possible Parental Notification.
Below are some conditions that the college regards as an inappropriate gathering with alcohol. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list:
The host(s) may be Interim Suspended if any of the above conditions exist or if it is deemed necessary by the responding college official.
Although New Jersey state law permits the recreational use by persons over 21 years of age and the medical use of cannabis as prescribed by a medical professional, the College prohibits being in the presence of cannabis or the use, possession, and or distribution of cannabis for any use.
Violations of the Code of Conduct and/or Federal, State, or local statutes related to the possession, use, or distribution of cannabis are treated as very serious matters. Students found responsible, through the College’s disciplinary process, for the possession, use, or distribution of cannabis on campus or at College-related events can expect serious consequences including loss of housing privileges, suspension, or expulsion from the College. In certain cases, a student’s financial aid or scholarship funds may be negatively affected as called for by law or college policies. College officials may inform local or other law enforcement authorities about suspected or known cannabis violations.
Persons who are present, within college housing or on campus grounds, where cannabis is being consumed or commonly known cannabis paraphernalia is present, will be presumed to have been consuming or in possession of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia if Public Safety Officers, On-Call Administrators or Resident Assistants are called to the scene. The rationale for having a policy against individuals being “in the presence of other cannabis is because it is not possible to distinguish who is actually consuming or possessing cannabis or using or possessing paraphernalia on an individual basis where more than one person is present.
Paraphernalia
Cannabis paraphernalia is defined as “ …all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used or intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled dangerous substance… including… roach clips… bongs… pipes…”
Cannabis Laws
Ramapo College complies with municipal and other law enforcement authorities in enforcing Federal, State, and local laws.
Federal Laws
The Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 841) makes it a federal crime: (a) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or (b) to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense a counterfeit substance.
Classification of Controlled Substances
The U.S. Code establishes, and authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to revise as needed, classifications of controlled substances. The drugs are each classified in five “schedules,” Schedule I being comprised essentially of “street drugs” and Schedule V being comprised of drugs with a “low potential for abuse” when compared with drugs in Schedules I-IV. Examples of Schedule I drugs are; heroin, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and designer labeled bath salts. Cocaine and codeine are Schedule II drugs. Amphetamines and anabolic steroids are Schedule III drugs, while Barbital is a Schedule IV drug. An example of a Schedule V drug would be a prescription medication with no more than 200 mg. of codeine per 100 grams.
Penalties for Violations of Federal Drug Laws
Under US federal law, a first offense of illegal possession of a controlled substance can be punished by jail terms of up to twenty years and minimum fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Federal possession and trafficking convictions can also lead to the forfeiture of property (e.g. your car), the denial of federal benefits such as student loans and grants, and a criminal record which may prevent an individual from entering certain career fields.
Suspension of Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
Section 484(r) of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act provides that a student’s eligibility for federal student aid be suspended if that student is convicted under federal or state law of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance (not including alcohol or tobacco). The suspension of eligibility ranges from as much as one year to an indefinite period of time, depending upon the number and type of convictions. A student may regain eligibility early if the conviction is overturned or if he or she completes a drug rehabilitation program that meets certain statutory and regulatory requirements.
B. CANNABIS & OTHER DRUG POLICY VIOLATIONS
Recommended Sanctions for Cannabis Policy Violations
Possession and/or Consumption of Cannabis or Cannabis Paraphernalia
1st violation – One of the following sanctions will be issued:
$100 fine, completion of an online education program.
This will be issued when a student is present where a cannabis policy violation is taking place, even if not actually in possession of or consuming cannabis or the use or possession of cannabis paraphernalia.
-OR-
$200 fine, Probation, participation in a cannabis education program (online or in person), possible Suspension of Activities Privileges, possible Suspension of Residence Privileges and possible Suspension from the College.
2nd violation –$400 fine, participation in a cannabis education program (online or in person), Probation, Parental Notification, and possible Suspension of Activities Privileges.
3rd violation –$800 fine, participation in a cannabis education program (online or in person), Disciplinary Probation, Suspension of Activities Privileges, Suspension of Residence Privileges, possible Parental Notification, and possible Suspension from the College.
4th violation – Suspension from the College and possible Parental Notification.
Distribution of Cannabis
1st violation – Suspension from the College or possible Expulsion, and Parental Notification.
2nd violation – Expulsion and Parental Notification.
Violations of the Code of Conduct and/or Federal, State, or local laws related to the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs/substances are treated as very serious matters. Students found responsible, through the College’s disciplinary process, for the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or substances on campus or at College-related events can expect serious consequences including loss of housing privileges, suspension, or expulsion from the College. In certain cases, a student’s financial aid or scholarship funds may be negatively affected as called for by law. College officials may inform local or other law enforcement authorities about suspected or known drug violations.
Persons who are present, within college housing or on campus grounds, where other drugs are being consumed or other drug paraphernalia is present, will be presumed to have been consuming or in possession of other drugs or other drug paraphernalia if Public Safety Officers, On-Call Administrators or Resident Assistants are called to the scene. The rationale for having a policy against individuals being “in the presence of other drugs is because it is not possible to distinguish who is actually consuming or possessing other drugs or using or possessing paraphernalia on an individual basis where more than one person is present.
Other Drug Laws
Ramapo College complies with municipal and other law enforcement authorities in enforcing Federal, State, and local laws.
Paraphernalia
Other Drug paraphernalia is defined as “ …all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used or intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled dangerous substance… including… roach clips… bongs… pipes…”
Federal Laws
The Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 841) makes it a federal crime: (a) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or (b) to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense a counterfeit substance.
Classification of Controlled Substances
The U.S. Code establishes, and authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to revise as needed, classifications of controlled substances. The drugs are each classified in five “schedules,” Schedule I being comprised essentially of “street drugs” and Schedule V being comprised of drugs with a “low potential for abuse” when compared with drugs in Schedules I-IV. Examples of Schedule I drugs are; heroin, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and designer labeled bath salts. Cocaine and codeine are Schedule II drugs. Amphetamines and anabolic steroids are Schedule III drugs, while Barbital is a Schedule IV drug. An example of a Schedule V drug would be a prescription medication with no more than 200 mg. of codeine per 100 grams.
Penalties for Violations of Federal Drug Laws
Under US federal law, a first offense of illegal possession of a controlled substance can be punished by jail terms of up to twenty years and minimum fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Federal possession and trafficking convictions can also lead to the forfeiture of property (e.g. your car), the denial of federal benefits such as student loans and grants, and a criminal record which may prevent an individual from entering certain career fields.
Suspension of Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
Section 484(r) of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act provides that a student’s eligibility for federal student aid be suspended if that student is convicted under federal or state law of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance (not including alcohol or tobacco). The suspension of eligibility ranges from as much as one year to an indefinite period of time, depending upon the number and type of convictions. A student may regain eligibility early if the conviction is overturned or if he or she completes a drug rehabilitation program that meets certain statutory and regulatory requirements.
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS FOR OTHER DRUG POLICY VIOLATIONS
Other Drug Possession/Possession of Other Drug Paraphernalia
1st violation – One of the following sanctions will be issued:
$150 fine, referral to CheckPoint.
This will be issued when a student is present where a drug policy violation is taking place, even if not actually in possession of or consuming drugs or the use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Evidence must be found that it was more likely than not that a student was not possessing drug paraphernalia or possessing/consuming other drugs.
-OR-
$300 fine, Disciplinary Probation, referral to CheckPoint, Parental Notification, possible Suspension of Activities Privileges, possible Suspension of Residence Privileges and possible Suspension from the College.
This will be issued when a student is present where a drug policy violation is taking place, even if not actually in possession of or consuming drugs or the use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Evidence must be found that it was more likely than not that a student was possessing drug paraphernalia or possessing/consuming other drugs.
2nd violation – Suspension of Residence Privilege, possible Suspension from the College or possible Expulsion, Parental Notification.
3rd violation – Suspension from the College or possible Expulsion.
Distribution of Other Drugs
1st violation – Suspension from the College or possible Expulsion, and Parental Notification.
2nd violation – Expulsion and Parental Notification.
Objective: To save lives and acknowledge that student health and welfare are essential.
Philosophy Statement: The health and safety of students as it relates to critical incidents regarding alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use, misuse, and abuse are of paramount concern; especially when an individual is in need of timely medical assistance. Individuals must never hesitate to contact authorities when they suspect they themselves, another student, or a non-student is in need of urgent medical care stemming from their use of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs because they are concerned that the incident may lead to disciplinary actions for themselves or others.
In case of emergency students must call the Public Safety Department, (201) 684-6666, a Resident Assistant, or dial 911 from a cell phone.
Full Amnesty: Violations of the Code of Conduct that fall under this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct but not issued any formal sanctions or actions. A student conduct hearing will be scheduled with the involved student(s) to discuss the incident and the Code of Conduct. The Hearing Officer may make recommendations to the student(s) that include education and/or intervention through the Center for Health and Counseling Services. In cases where the student is transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation, an alcohol and/or other drug assessment with the Center for Health and Counseling Services will be strongly encouraged and the student may expect a counselor to follow up with them depending on the results of the assessment.
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