Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited on the grounds of Westminster College. Employees, students, and visitors are not permitted to possess or use alcohol, regardless of age, while on College property.
Students found to be in possession of alcohol on campus will face disciplinary action through the Student Code of Conduct and could face criminal prosecution as well. Sanctions fall anywhere between a warning and expulsion, depending on the nature of the violation. Student-athletes who violate College, local, or state laws related to alcohol are also subject to discipline outlined in the Westminster College Department of Athletics Policies on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. All students must comply with alcohol policies found in the Fraternity & Sorority Regulations as well.
Under Pennsylvania law, criminal prosecution for alcohol violations could range between a summary offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree depending on the circumstances of the case. Penalties range from a simple fine and 90-day driver’s license suspension to incarceration for a maximum of 2 years.
Students may seek professional counseling for substance abuse problems through the Counseling Services Office. Students sanctioned through the Student Code of Conduct may be required to successfully complete a rehabilitation program as a condition of retention or reinstatement as a student at Westminster.
Any recognized student organization that sponsors a social event, whether in a campus facility, fraternity house, or other off-campus facility, should be aware of the following policies and responsibilities:
For the sake of reasonable administration, and in order to create the best possible living and educational atmosphere, there shall be no use, possession, sale, or serving of alcoholic beverages by any student while on or in College property (including College- owned or rented vehicles). Students are encouraged to follow state laws, College policies, and good common sense by drinking at all if under the legal drinking age, or drinking excessively if over the legal age. In fairness to our students, the same policy applies to guests and visitors to our campus.
Counseling services are available to students who would like to discuss any problems related to alcohol. In all cases of student involvement in alcohol abuse, the College will offer the services of the counseling staff. All counseling conferences are confidential.
Illicit Drugs
Westminster College observes and strictly enforces all local, state and federal laws related to possession, use, sale, manufacturing or distribution of controlled or illegal substances. Individuals who are involved in any drug-related violation are subject to criminal action, as the College may report these individuals to the legal authorities. Students convicted of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance may also be deemed ineligible to receive financial aid. The use of illegal drugs and/or misuse of prescription or over the counter drugs is not in keeping with the mission of Westminster College. All policies are in effect on campus, on fraternity property, or at College-sponsored or College-supervised activities.
Students found to be in violation of this Policy will face disciplinary action through the Student Code of Conduct and could face criminal prosecution as well. Sanctions fall anywhere between probation and expulsion, depending on the nature of the violation.
Student-athletes who violate College Policy, local, state, or federal laws related to drugs are also subject to discipline as outlined in the Westminster College Department of Athletics Policies on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. All students must comply with drug-related policies found in the Fraternity & Sorority Regulations as well.
Under Pennsylvania law, criminal prosecution for drug law violations can range from a misdemeanor of the third degree to a felony of the first degree. Penalties range from a fine to a maximum of 15 years incarceration.
Counseling services are available to students who would like to discuss any problems related to drugs. In all cases of student involvement in drug abuse, the College will offer the services of the counseling staff. All counseling conferences are confidential. Students sanctioned through the Student Code of Conduct may be required to successfully complete a substance use disorder treatment program as a condition of retention or reinstatement as a student at Westminster.
Any recognized student organization that sponsors a social event, whether in a campus facility, fraternity house, or other off-campus facility, should be aware of this policy and their responsibilities.
Medical Marijuana
Westminster College prohibits distribution, possession, or use of all marijuana, including medical marijuana, on College property or at College-sponsored events.
In April of 2016, Pennsylvania legalized the use of medical marijuana. However, because the Federal government has not legalized marijuana, it remains a banned substance under federal law and requires colleges and universities to prohibit marijuana, under any circumstances, in order to continue to receive federal funding, such as student financial aid.
If you are prescribed medical marijuana, it is important that you promptly disclose that information so that we can discuss how to proceed. Students with a medical marijuana prescription must first meet with the Office of Disability Resources and provide documentation of medical conditions as well as prescription information to discuss possible accommodations. A list of guidelines will be provided to the student as a part of this discussion. Information shared with the Office of Disability Resources is protected and treated as confidential under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Students found in possession, and/or using, and/or distributing marijuana while on campus, even with a medical marijuana prescription card, will be subject to student disciplinary action and may have additional legal consequences.
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