Substance-free Campus Policy

Introduction

Belmont University is commited self-control and respect for self and others, which enables all individuals to develop intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. Therefore, the university is committed to an environment free of the possession or use of alcohol and illegal drugs. The university makes no special provision for used or unused alcohol or drug paraphernalia and containers. These items are prohibited as well.

It shall be a violation of the Belmont's commitments and the Substance-free Campus policy to drink, possess, be in the presence of, distribute or be impaired as a result of drinking alcoholic beverages on campus or at any university sponsored activity on or off campus. Also, any involvement in illegal activities on or off campus, including the use, possession, distribution or impairment as a result of illegal drugs shall result in the imposition of one or more of the disciplinary actions set forth elsewhere in The Bruin Guide. Violations of these standards of conduct may result in university disciplinary action or severe criminal penalties under local, state and federal law. Federal legislation requires that those penalties be set forth in writing.

I. University Response to Violations
Belmont University reserves the right to exercise its discretion in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions for violations of this policy. The severity of the applicable sanction shall depend upon a number of factors including but not limited to the student's past history of disciplinary infraction, amount of alcohol or drugs involved, cooperativeness of the student during the investigation and disciplinary process. Any student found to be in violation of this alcohol and drug policy may be subject to disciplinary sanctions that are listed in The Bruin Guide including required participation in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program, institutional probation, suspension, expulsion and/or referral of the matter for criminal prosecution. (Students should be aware that underage possession of alcohol is a Class A Misdemeanor and, as such, may be reported to law enforcement authorities.) Additional disciplinary sanctions may also be imposed at the discretion of appropriate university personnel. The following conduct is specifically prohibited:
a. Possession, which may or may not include consumption of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs, including drug paraphernalia, on campus or at any university-sponsored activity
b. Distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs including drug paraphernalia on campus or at any university-sponsored activity - students may be held to a higher level of accountability if they are responsible for providing access to alcohol or drugs on campus by hosting an event or gathering at which alcohol is served
c. Intoxication/impairment on campus or at any university-sponsored activity that is the result of use of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs
d. Presence at incidents where violations of the university's alcohol and drug policies have occurred regardless of their level of participation (referred to as complicity)

II. Alcohol and Controlled Substances Notification Policy
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act permit educational institutions to disclose to the parents or legal guardians of a student, information regarding the student's violation of any federal, state or local law or any rule or policy of the institution regarding the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the student is under age 21 and the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.

In accordance with this provision and out of its commitment to supporting individual students' success and fostering a safe and effective learning community, Belmont University employs an Alcohol & Controlled Substances Notification Policy.

The purpose of Belmont University's Alcohol & Controlled Substances Notification Policy is to foster broader engagement of the influences that shape students' attitudes and choices regarding the use of alcohol and other controlled substances. While the university holds each student personally accountable for his or her conduct while enrolled, and addresses violations directly with him or her, it recognizes and seeks to support the pivotal role parents and guardians play in students' success by notifying them of incidents involving the use of alcohol or other controlled substances.

Parents or guardians of students under 21 years of age may be notified under the following circumstances:
a. The student has been found responsible for violation of a federal, state or local law related to alcohol or controlled substances, or
b. The student has been found responsible for violation of a university policy related to alcohol or other drugs at least one time previous to the current violation, or
c. The student is required to be transported to a medical facility and treated because of alcohol or other drug use, or
d. The student has caused harm to him/herself or others while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or
e. The student was responsible for vandalism or other destruction of property while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or
f. The information regarding the student is needed in connection with an emergency to protect the health or safety of the student or other individual, or
g. Other appropriate circumstances as determined by the Dean of Students or designee.
Please note: these guidelines do not preclude the university's contacting parents or guardians for other policy violations that may endanger the health and well-being of a student or other individuals in the community.

III. Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Drug Use
Narcotics such as opium, morphine and heroin can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respirator depression, constricted pupils and nausea. The symptoms of an overdose of narcotics are slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possible death. Persons experiencing withdrawal from addiction to narcotics can experience watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills and sweating.

Depression such as barbiturates and Quaaludes can cause slurred speech, disorientation and drunken behavior. An overdose of a depressant may result in shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions and possible death.

Stimulants such as cocaine and crack can cause increased alertness or euphoria, and increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia and loss of appetite. An overdose of stimulants results in agitation, an increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms include apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression and disorientation. Hallucinogens such as LSD and amphetamines cause delusions and hallucinations, and poor perceptions of time and distance. The effects of an overdose include psychosis and possible death.

Marijuana and hashish can cause euphoria, increased appetite, relaxed inhibitions and disoriented behavior. The effects of an overdose include fatigue, paranoia and possible psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, hyperactivity and decreased appetite.

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, include spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory distress and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

IV. Alcohol and Drug Treatment Information
Following is a list of resources of treatment options. Belmont University does not have a contractual relationship with any of the resources listed below. They are simply listed as a courtesy to students. Students should determine for themselves whether they feel the agency will meet their needs.

Alcoholics Anonymous 615-831-1050
Narcotics Anonymous 1-800-677-1462
Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment 1-800-284-2216
Cumberland Heights Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center 615-356-2700
Tennessee Christian Medical Center 615-865-0300
Vanderbilt Addiction Center 615-936-3555

V. Criminal Sanctions
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville/Davidson County prohibits the following acts and prescribes the corresponding penalties:
•   It is unlawful to possess a hypodermic needle, syringe or other item used with an illicit drug or controlled substance that has traces of a controlled substance upon it.
•   It is illegal to sell or give certain types of glue or plastic cement to anyone under 21 years of age. Being under the influence of one of these substances in public is also prohibited.
•   It is unlawful for any person under the age of 19: a) to be present in an automobile on any public street when alcoholic beverages are being consumed in the automobile and b) to be present in any public park and be a companion of or otherwise associated with any person who is consuming alcoholic beverages who is not his or her parent or guardian or who has not secured written consent from the parent or guardian for the child to be present.
•   It shall be a violation for any person, while on a public street or in a place generally open to the public (and not licensed for the on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages) to have in their possession any alcoholic beverage for the purpose of consumption in a container unless the container be commercially sealed.
Each of these offenses is punishable by a fine up to $500.

The State of Tennessee prohibits the following acts and prescribes the corresponding penalties:
•   Persuading, enticing, or sending a person under 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages or buying an alcoholic beverage for one under the age of 21 is punishable by up to 200 hours of community service and revocation of driving privileges.
•   It is illegal to be intoxicated in public. Such behavior can result in up to 30 days in jail and/or a $50 fine.
•   Consuming or possessing alcohol on the premises of an elementary, junior high or high school is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $50 fine.
•   Driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug is punishable by a jail term of up to 7 days, up to a $1500 fine and loss of driving privileges for one year for the first offence: a jail term of 11 months and 29 days, up to a $3,500 fine and loss of driving privileges for two year for the second offense; and a jail term of 11 months 29 days, up to a $10,000 fine and the loss of driving privileges for up to 10 years for the third offense. In addition, a court may order inpatient treatment at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.
•   Killing another person while driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in up to a 30 year sentence, a fine of up to $10,000 and the loss of one’s license for up to 10 years.
•   Being intoxicated and, as a result of intoxication, recklessly causing serious bodily injury to another while operating a motor vehicle is punishable by two to 12 years in prison, the loss of driving privileges for one year per offence with a maximum loss of 5 years and a fine up to $5,000.
•   Consuming or possessing in an open container any alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle may result a fine up to $50.
•   It is illegal to possess with the intent to manufacture, deliver or sell an illicit drug or controlled substance. Depending on the type of substance and its quantity, such fines will be at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, is subject to a jail term of up to 11 months and 29 days and a $2,500 fine.
•   If two or more prior convictions are present, the possible sentence increases to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine. In addition, a court may order enrollment in a drug offender school and/or community service at a drug treatment facility.
•   The casual exchange of even small amounts of an illicit drug or controlled substance with a minor can result in a penalty of up to life in prison and a $500,000 fine.
•   Inhaling, selling, giving or possessing glue, paint, gas aerosol or gas for an unlawful purpose is punishable by a jail term of 11 months and 29 days to six years and a fine of up to $3,000.
•   It is illegal to sell or buy any item that is represented to be an illicit drug or controlled substance. Such an act is punishable by up to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine.
•   It is illegal to sell, deliver or possess the seeds of jimsonweed on the premises of any elementary, junior high or high school. The penalty for such an act is 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.
•   It is unlawful to possess with the intent to manufacture or deliver an anabolic steroid. This act is punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

FEDERAL TRAFFICKING PENALTIES
DRUG/SCHEDULE	QUANTITY	PENALTIES	QUANTITY	PENALTIES
Cocaine (Schedule II)	500-4999 gms mixture	First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs, and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $2 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual	5 kgs or more mixture	First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $20 million if not an individual. 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life Imprisonment
Cocaine Base (Schedule II)	5-49 gms mixture		50 gms or more mixture
Fentanyl (Schedule II)	40-399 gms mixture		400 gms or more mixture
Fentanyl Analogue (Schedule I)	10-99 gms mixture		100 gms or more mixture
Heroin (Schedule I)	100-999 gms mixture		1 kg or more mixture
LSD (Schedule I)	1-9 gms mixture		10 gms or more mixture
Methamphetamine (Schedule II)	5-49 gms pure or 50-499 gms mixture		50 gms or more pure or 500 gms or more mixture
PCP (Schedule II)	10-99 gms pure or 100-999 gms mixture		100 gm or more pure or 1 kg or more mixture

DRUG/SCHEDULE	QUANTITY	PENALTIES
Other Schedule I & II drugs (and any drug product containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 yrs, or more than Life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than life. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	1 gm or more
Other Schedule III drugs	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	30 to 999 mgs
All Other Schedule IV drugs	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 3 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 6 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	Less than 30 mgs

All Schedule V drugs	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 1 yr. Fine not more than $100,000 if an individual, $250,000 if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 2 yrs. Fine not more than $200,000 if an individual, $500,000 if not an individual.

FEDERAL TRAFFICKING PENALTIES- MARIJUANA
DRUG/SCHEDULE	QUANTITY	1st OFFENSE	2nd OFFENSE
Marijuana	1,000 kg or more mixture; or 1,000 or more plants	Not less than 10 years, not more than life If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life *Fine not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual	Not less than 20 years, not more than life. If death or serious injury, mandatory life *Fine not more than $8 million if an individual, $20 million if other than an individual
Marijuana	100 kg to 999 kg mixture; or 100 to 999 plants	Not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life *Fine not more than $2 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual	Not less than 10 years, not more than life If death or serious injury, mandatory life *Fine not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual
Marijuana	More than 10 kgs hashish; 50 to 99 kg mixture More than 1 kg of hashish oil; 50 to 99 plants	Not more than 20 years If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life *Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual	Not more than 30 years If death or serious injury, mandatory life *Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if other than individual
Marijuana	1 to 49 plants; less than 50 kg mixture	Not more than 5 years Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if other than individual	Not more than 10 years Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than an individual
Hashish	10 kg or less
Hashish Oil	1 kg or less

PENALTIES
Other Schedule I & II drugs (and any drug product containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)	Any Amount	First Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 yrs, or more than Life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than life. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	1 gm or more
Other Schedule III drugs	Any Amount	First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual Second Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	30 to 999 mgs