ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS TASK FORCE

ALCOHOL

The sanctions for violation of the University's alcohol policy are:

First violation:

• $50 Alcohol Fine
• Probation*
• Reflection Paper
• Parent/guardian notification by Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students in cases of dependent student
• Community restitution (to be completed as specified by a designated University official)
• Meet with designated University staff member(s) as appropriate on an individual basis

Second violation:

• $100 Alcohol Fine, and $100 drug and alcohol program fee
• Probation*
• Reflection Paper
• Community restitution
• Parent/guardian notification by assistant vice president/dean of students in cases of dependent student
• Assessment/counseling with certified substance abuse counselor
• Loss of residence hall visitation privileges
• Meet with designated University staff member(s) as appropriate on an individual basis

Third violation:

• $200 Alcohol Fine, and $100 drug and alcohol program fee
•  Parent/guardian notification by assistant vice president/dean of students in cases of dependent student
• Suspension, dismissal, probated suspension, or probated dismissal from residence hall or University

Continued violations:

• Fine amount as determined by assistant vice president/dean of students
• Parent/guardian notification by assistant vice president/dean of students in cases of dependent student
• Suspension or dismissal from the University

Violation of any University policy or student conduct code constitutes a violation of probation.

In the event of an appeal of the sanction of eviction or suspension/dismissal, the student may be joined by parent(s) or guardian(s) in the appeals hearing. Each case will be heard on an individual basis; i.e., eviction or suspension/dismissal could occur on the first offense if violation so warrants.

OTHER DRUGS

The sanctions for violation of the University's other drug policy are: 

First violation:

• $50 Alcohol Fine
• Probation*
• Reflection Paper
• Parent/guardian notification by assistant vice president/dean of students in cases of dependent student
• Community restitution (to be completed as specified by a designated University official)
• Meet with designated University staff member(s) as appropriate on an individual basis

Second violation:

• $100 Alcohol Fine, and $100 drug and alcohol program fee
• Probation*
• Reflection Paper
• Community restitution
• Parent/guardian notification by assistant vice president/dean of students in cases of dependent student
• Assessment/counseling with certified substance abuse counselor
• Loss of residence hall visitation privileges
• Meet with designated University staff member(s) as appropriate on an individual basis

Third violation:

• $200 Alcohol Fine and $100 drug and alcohol program fee
•  Parent/guardian notification by assistant vice president/dean of students in cases of dependent student
• Suspension, dismissal, probated suspension, or probated dismissal from residence hall or University

Continued violations:

• Fine amount as determined by Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students
• Parent/guardian notification by Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students in cases of dependent student
• Suspension or dismissal from the University

Violation of any University policy or student conduct code constitutes a violation of probation.

In the event of an appeal of the sanction of eviction or suspension/dismissal, the student may be joined by parent(s) or guardian(s) in the appeals hearing. Each case will be heard on an individual basis; i.e., eviction or suspension/dismissal could occur on the first offense if violation so warrants. 

902.01: Morehead State University Tobacco Use Policy

This policy is in effect for all persons, at all times, who are attending classes, working, living, visiting, attending/participating in athletic events, programs, and all activities and programs on University owned, leased, or controlled property and in campus owned, leased, or rented vehicles.

Download UAR 902.01.pdf.

While Morehead State University remains committed to maintaining a healthy campus environment and encouraging members of the campus community to engage in healthy behaviors there are two designated tobacco use areas for the campus. This has become necessary as members of the University community have not respected private and city property adjacent to the campus, portraying a less than positive image of Morehead State University to our neighbors, visitors, and guests.

Download the MSU Tobacco Use Policy.pdf.

Parents and families are concerned by stories about excessive drinking on college campuses and have every right to be.
 
As a resource, advisor and advocate for the more than 32 million households with parents of current and future college students throughout the United States, College Parents of America (CPA) and Morehead State University (MSU) share this concern.

We advise parents and guardians to talk with their children about the impact of binge drinking on their lives and their responsibilities to themselves and as peers. CPA is negotiating insurance incentives for students signing pledges against binge drinking and drinking and driving. In addition, CPA is working to involve parents, guardians and other parties in individual campus and other local efforts to combat alcohol abuse on campus.

1. Set clear and realistic expectations regarding academic performance: Studies show partying excessively may contribute as much to a student’s decline in grades as the difficulty of his or her academic work. If students know their parents expect sound academic work, they are likely to be more devoted to their studies and have less time to get in trouble with alcohol.
2. Stress to students that alcohol is toxic and excessive consumption can be fatal: This is not a scare tactic; students die yearly from alcohol poisoning. Discourage dangerous drinking through participation in drinking games, fraternity hazing or in any other way. Parents should ask their students also to have the courage to intervene when they see someone putting their life at risk through participation in dangerous drinking.
3. Tell students to intervene when classmates are in trouble with school: Nothing is more tragic than an unconscious student being left to die while others either fail to recognize that the student is in jeopardy or fail to call for help due to fear of getting themselves or the student in trouble.
4. Tell students to stand up for their right to a safe academic environment: Students who do not drink can be affected by the behavior of those who do, ranging from interrupted study time to assault or unwanted sexual advances. Students can confront these problems directly by discussing them with the offender. If that fails, they should notify the housing director or other residence hall staff.
5. Know the alcohol scene on campus and talk to students about it: Students grossly exaggerate the use of alcohol and other drugs by their peers. A recent survey found that Morehead State University students believed 96% of their peers drink alcohol at least once a week when the actual rate was 35%. Students are highly influenced by peers and tend to drink an amount they perceive to be the norm. Confronting misperceptions about alcohol use is vital. The study showed that 65% of MSU students drink four or fewer drinks, and 24% did not drink in the last year.
6. Avoid tales of drinking exploits from your own college years: Entertaining students with stories of drinking back in “the good old days” normalizes what, even then, was abnormal behavior. It also creates the perception that parents approve of excessive alcohol consumption.
7. Encourage your student to perform volunteer work in the community: In addition to structuring free time, volunteerism provides students with opportunities to develop job-related skills and to gain valuable experience. Helping others also gives students a broader outlook and a healthier perspective on the opportunities they enjoy. Volunteer work on campus helps students further connect with their school, increasing the likelihood of staying in college.
8. Make it clear - Underage alcohol consumption and drinking and driving are against the law: Parents should make it clear that they do not condone breaking the law. Parents of college students should openly and clearly express disapproval of underage drinking and dangerous alcohol consumption. And, if parents themselves drink, they should be positive role models in the responsible use of alcohol. Drinking is also against MSU policy.