Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy

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Policy Goal

CSUDH has a responsibility to maintain an educational environment conducive to academic achievement. The prohibition of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse helps to assure students, faculty and staff, visitors, and guests that the university is exercising this responsibility.

Policy Statement

The unlawful manufacture, distribution (by either sale or gift), dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited anywhere on the campus of CSU Dominguez Hills (except possession within the privacy of individual living units in University Housing for residents 21 years of age and older). Actions that will be taken against those who violate this prohibition are delineated elsewhere in this policy.

For the purpose of this policy, the term controlled substance has the meaning given such term in Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) and includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroin, "crack" cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, and substances typically known as "designer drugs" such as MDMA (commonly known as Molly or Ecstasy). Possession of paraphernalia associated with the illegal use, possession, or manufacture of a control substance is also prohibited. The illicit use or abuse of alcohol is also included in this policy.

Authority

The President has designated the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to act in all matters pertaining to the enforcement of this policy with regard to students; the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to act in all matters pertaining to the enforcement of this policy with regard to faculty; and the Vice President for Administration and Finance to act in all matters pertaining to the enforcement of this policy for all other employees. In all cases of alleged violations of this policy, the State University Police Chief will be contacted. The authority of the University President supersedes that of all other authorities, excluding the State University Police.

Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

Disciplinary action imposed by the university will not be in lieu of penalty, fines, or imprisonment imposed through the legal system.

Disciplinary action for students, which may include penalties up to and including expulsion, will comply with procedures established in CSU Executive Order 1098.

For employees, appropriate personnel action will be taken within 30 days, and may include penalties up to and including termination. Disciplinary action for employees will be conducted in accordance with current collective bargaining agreements and HEERA procedures.

Dissemination

Under this policy, there will be an annual distribution of the following information by Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Administration & Finance to each student and employee:

  1. A statement of standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, the use or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on CSUDH property;
  2. A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
  3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol;
  4. A description of drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs available to students and employees.
  5. This institution will impose sanctions on students and employees and a description of these sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations of the standards of conduct.
  6. The campus alcohol statement is available at the campus website www.csudh.edu.

All new employees will be notified of this policy at the time of employment as well as annually.

Evaluation

A biennial review of this policy and related programs will be conducted by the Office of Student Life; Procurements, Contracts, Logistical and Support Services; Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; Foundation; Student Union; the Campus Alcohol and Awareness Coordinating Team; State University Police; and University Housing to:

  1. Determine its effectiveness and implement changes to programs if they are needed; and
  2. Ensure that the policy and its disciplinary processes and sanctions required by paragraph IV are consistently enforced.