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The University of Mary Hardin Baylor

Drug and Alcohol Policies

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Statement on Alcohol and Other Drugs

The use/abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs by members of the University community is incompatible with the goals of an academic institution. Substance abuse programs have been developed at UMHB in order to ensure alcohol and illegal drugs do not interfere with the goals of the student or the University. These programs apply to the University as both an educational institution and a workplace. They are designed to:

  • establish and enforce clear policies for employees and students that promote an educational environment free from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs;
  • educate all members of the campus community about the health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other dugs;
  • provide confidential, effective, and redemptive assistance to employees and students who seek help for substance abuse problems; and
  • create a campus environment that promotes and reinforces healthy lifestyles and responsible decision-making.

In accordance with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's substance abuse programs and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is informing you about the University's policy on alcohol and other drugs and about the health risks associated with the illicit use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's policy on alcohol and other drugs appears in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Student Handbook.

As a first step toward reaching that goal, the University makes every effort to seek full compliance with University policy and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; to discourage by every means possible the use of alcohol; to promote sobriety; to provide social and recreational alternatives to the use of alcohol and other drugs; and to offer confidential, effective, and redemptive assistance to employees and students who seek help for substance-abuse problems, while focusing on the development of a comprehensive program of non-residential services.

Because the University is committed to a caring relationship among its students, faculties, administrators, and trustees--a caring that is characterized by understanding, forgiveness, and respect for individuality--its disciplinary procedures are intended to be constructive and redemptive. For students who seek help for substance-abuse problems, complete confidentiality will be strictly observed to the limit of the law. Insofar as federal and state statutes and professional ethical standards permit, no professional on the UMHB counseling or medical staff will in any way notify the administration of the name of a specific student who comes for assistance for substance abuse or any other type problem, and no records will be forwarded to the administration regarding the services or the problem.

A student or employee found guilty of violating any local, state, or federal laws concerning alcohol and other drugs will receive significant sanctions. State and local laws as well as University sanctions are summarized in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor student handbook.

Alcohol and Drug Counseling and Treatment Resources

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is committed to educating the entire campus community in the areas of alcohol and drug use/abuse. The Student Life Division coordinates education and resources on substance use and abuse. If students have questions concerning the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs, they are encouraged to contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 295-4696. In addition, the UMHB Counseling Center can provide the following services for students seeking help for their substance abuse problems:

  • assessment
  • referral
  • individual therapy
  • group therapy
  • psycho-educational groups

Students may obtain these services on a confidential basis by calling the Counseling Center at 295-4696 for an appointment.

Every student should read and become familiar with the policies on alcohol and other drugs that are discussed in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's student handbook. In addition, more information is available on the health risks associated with drugs in the Student Development Office. If you have any questions concerning regulations or health risks associated with alcohol and other drugs, please contact the following offices:

Campus Police 295-4587
Counseling Center 295-4696
Associate Dean for Student Services 295-4591
Vice President for Student Life 295-4496

University policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances in University workplaces. University employees who violate this prohibition are subject to disciplinary action, including termination and criminal prosecution. Employees should refer to "Chapter 7 - Section K" in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Personnel Policy Manual. The following is a description of several drugs and their associated health risks.

Alcohol

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 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 depression 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.

Other Drugs

Narcotics such as opium, morphine, and heroin can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory 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.

Depressants such as barbiturates and Quaaludes can cause slurred speech, disorientation, and drunken behavior. An overdose of a depressant results 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 of euphoria, and increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite. An overdose of stimulants results in agitation, and increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms include apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, and/or disorientation.

Hallucinogens such as LSD and amphetamines cause illusions and hallucinations and poor perception 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.

Prescription Drugs

These drugs are not illicit if they are used in accordance with a physician's prescription. However, sharing prescription medication with someone else is illegal and could be very harmful. Using prescription drugs in any manner other than the prescribed method can also be harmful.

The University reserves the right to disclose to a parent or legal guardian of a student, information regarding any violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol, abuse of prescription medication, or a controlled substance, regardless of whether that information is contained in the student's records, if the student is under the age of 21 and the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such abuse/use or possession.

In addition to disciplinary sanctions imposed by the University for violation of alcohol and drug laws, students and employees may also be prosecuted under State and Federal laws.

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