DRUG POLICY

COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

All matters relating to drugs are governed by municipal ordinances and related state and federal laws. It is the policy of the College to adhere to all municipal, state, and federal laws, including those governing the use of drugs.

When such activity occurs, the College shall initiate appropriate measures that may include disciplinary action. Violators will be subject to penalties that may include separation from the College. In addition, the College may report such matters to the appropriate enforcement agencies for criminal disposition.

1.     Use or possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia (including, but not limited to, pipes, bowls, hookahs, bongs, clips, rolling papers) is prohibited.  In addition, Mercyhurst College prohibits the medically unsupervised use or possession of prescription drugs or related paraphernalia.

Unlawful Possession or Use of a Controlled Substance

First Offense

$250.00 Fine and 50 Hours of Community Restitution

Disciplinary Probation  

Parental Notification

Drug Education Class

Possible Removal from College Housing

Possible Suspension

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

Second Offense

Suspension

Possible Expulsion

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia

First Offense

$150.00 Fine and 30 Hours of Community Restitution

Disciplinary Probation  

Parental Notification 

Drug Education Class

Possible Removal from College Housing

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

Second Offense

Suspension

Possible Expulsion

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

2.     The sale, manufacture, or distribution of drugs is prohibited.  In situations involving large quantities of drugs, distribution-related paraphernalia (e.g. scales, etc.),  and/or manufacturing-related paraphernalia, the student will be considered as intending to distribute controlled substances and will be charged accordingly.

Intent to Sell or Distribute a Controlled Substance

Expulsion

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

3.     Possession of any drug classified as a “date rape” drug is prohibited.  If a student is found in possession of a “date rape” drug, it will be assumed that the student possessed the drug with the intent to commit a crime against another person by diminishing that person’s ability to object to sexual or other inappropriate acts.

Possession or Use of a “date rape” Drug

Expulsion

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

4.     Facilitating the possession or use of controlled substance is prohibited.

Facilitating the Possession or Use of a Controlled Substance

$250.00 Fine and 50 Hours of Community Restitution

Disciplinary Probation

Drug Education Class

Possible Parental Notification

Possible Removal from College Housing

Possible Suspension

Possible Arrest and Prosecution

1.        Any violation of the Drug Policy will result in the confiscation of all related paraphernalia.

The use of drugs shall in no way limit the responsibility of students for the consequences of their actions.

Any violations where drugs play a significant role may result in a mandatory counseling assessment.

In situations involving controlled substances or where it is believed a student has been using controlled substances, but use cannot be verified due to a student’s failure to comply or fleeing the scene, it will be presumed that the student has violated the College’s Drug Policy and will be charged accordingly.