Herzing University Online 2008 Student Disclosure - Drug Policy

Herzing University Online/Madison Campus Student Disclosure

DRUG FREE CAMPUS STATEMENT

In recognition of the problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse in society today, Herzing University is providing all students and employees with the following information:

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or in connection with any school activity is strictly prohibited. This prohibition applies to all students and all employees. Violation of these provisions by a student may lead to the imposition of a disciplinary sanction, up to and including suspension or expulsion. Herzing University employees are also subject to disciplinary sanctions for violation of these provisions occurring on university property or the worksite during work time, up to and including termination from employment.

The following legal sanctions are applicable for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol:

LOCAL & STATE

The laws of Wisconsin prohibit drug possession and delivery through the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Wisconsin Statute 961 mandates stiff penalties that include up to 30 years of prison and fines up to $1,000,000. A person with a first-time conviction of possession of a controlled substance can be sentenced up to one year of prison and fined up to $5.000, Secs. 961.41 (1) and (1m) Stats. The penalties vary according to the amount of drug confiscated, the type of drug found, the number of previous offenses by the individual and whether the individual intended to manufacture the drug, sell the drug or use the drug. (See Wisconsin Statutes 961.41.) In addition to the stringent penalties for possession or delivery, the sentences can be doubled when exacerbating factors are present such as when a person distributes a controlled substance to a minor, Wisconsin Statutes 961.46(1).

Substantial restrictions against alcohol abuse also exist in Wisconsin. It is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone who has not reached the legal drinking age of 21 and there is a concurrent duty on the part of an adult to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on his/her premises. Violation of this statute can result in a $500 fine. It is against the law for an underage person to attempt to buy an alcoholic beverage; falsely represent his/her age, or enter licensed premises. Violators of this law can be fined $500, ordered to participate in a supervised work program, and have their drivers license suspended, Wisconsin Statutes 125.07(4). Harsher penalties exist for the retailers of alcoholic beverages who violate it including up to 90 days in jail and revocation of their retail liquor permit. For additional details about Wisconsin Illicit Drug laws, visit the following web site and enter statute number 961.41.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/stats.html

FEDERAL

Penalties for unlawful manufacturing, distribution and dispensing of controlled substances are provided under the Federal Controlled Substance Act. The penalties are determined by the nature of the drug or other substance involved, and the number of offenses. Under federal guidelines, courts can sentence a person up to six years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, including the distribution of a small amount (less than 250 grams) of marijuana; a sentence of life imprisonment can result from a conviction of possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury; and, possession of more than 5 grams of cocaine can trigger an intent to distribute penalty of 10-16 years in prison.
Other sanctions can include forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance, forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance, and denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses (up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent offenses).

HEALTH RISKS

There are various health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Some of the more common problems are cited below:

• Marijuana – Use can lead to an increase of heart rate of up to 50%, a sense of euphoria, acute anxiety and tremendous mood swings. There is potential for long term physical and psychological damage.
• Cocaine – Use can affect the brain in seconds and result in heart or respiratory failure.
• Crack – Use can lead to an intense high within seconds, deep depression and intense dependency in a short time.
• Amphetamines – Use increases heart and breathing rates, raises blood pressure while often causing blurred vision, dizziness, lack of sleep and anxiety. Body chemistry is upset which can lead to long term physical problems.
• Alcohol – Use can lead to a feeling of confidence and control. With excessive use, liver, brain, heart and stomach destruction can occur without apparent symptoms. Excessive use for a prolonged period of time can cause dependency and may be fatal.

The following chart provides a more comprehensive overview of the possible effects and effects of overdosing.