4.176 University Advancement & Student Affairs
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND CAMPUSES DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM
Date Adopted/Most Recent Revision: 5/12/95

  1. General
    In accordance with Drug Free Schools and Campuses Drug Prevention Program Certification, MSU has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by its students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities. MSU recognizes the importance of information about drug and alcohol abuse. Therefore, provided here for the benefit of each student and employee, are standards of conduct, and legal and disciplinary sanctions for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse.

  2. Counseling
    Drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral are available in the MSU Counseling Center. Additional information both on the effects of specific drugs and alcohol and drug counseling resources in Wichita Falls and surrounding areas are available in the Counseling Center, the Dean of Students Office and the Vinson Health Center.

  3. Legal Sanctions

    1. Students or employees found in violation of any university rule or any local, state or federal law regarding the use, possession or distribution of alcohol or other drugs (as defined by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481, Texas Controlled Substances Act; and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Chapter 1) will be subject to legal penalty in addition to any appropriate university personnel or disciplinary action. Additional information for students about the university disciplinary process is available in the Student Handbook. The most common state law violations and their consequences are:

      Alcohol
      Type of Offense
      		 Penalty
      Consumption or possession by a minor (Secs. 106.04 and 106.05)
      Misdemeanor
      1st Violation $25 to $200 fine
      2nd Violation Not less than $500 but not more than $1,000
      Purchasing for or furnishing alcohol to a minor (Sec 106.06) Misdemeanor $100 to $500 fine
      Public Intoxication (Texas Penal Code. Sec. 49.02) Class C Misdemeanor Up to $500.00 fine
      Drug Possession Varies According to the placement of the drug on schedules Up to $10,000 fine and 5-99 years in prison


    2. Penalties for drug possession are governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481, Texas Controlled substances Act. Specific penalties may vary depending on the type and amount of drug.

  4. Disciplinary Process/Responses

    1. All students and employees are expected and required to obey the law, to comply with Midwestern State University institutional rules and directives issued by an MSU administrative official in the course of his/her authorized duties. Any student or employee who engages in conduct that is prohibited by MSU rules or by federal, state, or local law is subject to either discipline or appropriate personnel action.
    2. Guidelines and procedures regarding the MSU judicial system and disciplinary sanctions are included in the MSU Student Handbook.
  5. Health Risks
    Drug and alcohol use, misuse, and abuse are complex behaviors with many determinants at both the cultural and the individual levels. Awareness of the deleterious effects of any drug/alcohol is imperative for an individual's well-being and survival.

  6. Negative Consequences
    Negative consequences of drug and alcohol abuse may be exhibited through:

    1. Physical Dependence(the body's learned requirement of a drug for functioning).
      Abuse of any drug or alcohol whether licit or illicit may result in marginal to marked and temporary to permanent physical and/or psychological damage, even death. Since many of the illicit drugs are manufactured and sold illegally, their content varies and may contain especially harmful ingredients or amounts.

    2. Psychological Dependence (the experience of persistent craving for the drug and/or a feeling that the drug or alcohol is a requirement for functioning).

      1. Regardless of the type of drug or alcohol utilized, a perceived need for the continued use is likely to ensue, resulting in dependence.
      2. Dependence on drugs and /or alcohol alters the user's psychological functioning. The acquisition of drugs and alcohol becomes the primary focus of the drug dependent individual and often results in reduced job performance, and jeopardized family and other interpersonal relationships. Criminal behavior is frequently the means for financing a drug habit. Behavior patterns often include violence and assault as the individual becomes increasingly drug/alcohol dependent. Social and psychological alienation and medical problems increase as the abuser becomes entrapped in drug/alcohol dependence.