ºÚÁÏÍø adheres to and complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which requires an institution of higher education to implement programs to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and its employees. Under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the university is also required to publish and disseminate to students and employees an annual notice regarding drug and alcohol policies and related information.
This notice is sent to you by Healthy Kent, Kent State’s Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force, which fosters campus and community collaboration aimed at reducing the negative impact of alcohol and other drug use in our community. This group makes recommendations for policy and program changes, serves as the lead campus group to collaborate with community resources to reduce alcohol and other drug-related problems, coordinates the institutional alcohol and other drugs biennial review and supports efforts of the community to reduce high-risk alcohol and other drug-related negative behavior on and off campus.
Included within this annual notice are the following:
- Relevant polices from the university—policy register;
- A description of applicable legal sanctions/disciplinary actions resulting from usage of alcohol and other illicit drugs under federal, state or local law and campus policy;
- A description of the health risks associated with alcohol and other drug use; and
- A list of available substance-abuse treatment and prevention programs.
The university is committed to maintaining a drug-free campus. Given this objective, the university prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs on its property or as part of any of its activities. This prohibition is reflected in Policy 6-22.1 and 6-01 for employees, and 4-02 for students. Any student, faculty or staff member found to be in violation of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension/expulsion (students) or immediate termination (faculty/staff) by the university. Furthermore, certain legal sanctions may be imposed (i.e., imprisonment, fines and assigned community service) by federal, state and local authorities.
Additionally, Kent State is committed to the reduction of alcohol and other drug abuse by students and employees. Policy 4-02, the Code of Student Conduct and the Hallways Handbook delineate expectations for students pertaining to alcohol and other drugs.
Students should also be aware that the university will notify parents of students who are under 21 years of age who have been found responsible for an alcohol or controlled substance violation.
Employees are prohibited by policy 6-01 from performing work responsibilities while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol consumption may also be regulated by any applicable collective bargaining agreement, work rules or external regulations specific to an employee’s position. The illegal use, possession or distribution of alcohol is prohibited by law. pertains to liquor and imposes penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Kent State also provides a summary of criminal and university sanctions regarding the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs.
Health Risks
Extensive medical research has identified various health risks associated with the use, misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability or death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest with cocaine use or more subtle and long-term, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. In addition to health-related problems, other substance abuse concerns include the following:
- Individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs often have erratic lifestyles, which interfere with work and family responsibilities, sleep, nutrition and exercise.
- Alcohol and substance abuse may lead to financial difficulties, domestic violence, deterioration of the family structure, motor vehicle accident injuries and reduced job performance.
- Repeated use, misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs can lead to various forms of dependence.
For more detailed descriptions of commonly-abused drugs, including specific health effects and treatment options, refer to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Support Systems and Resources for Students and Employees
University Health Services addresses a variety of needs related to alcohol and drug issues involving the Kent Campus. Psychological Services and the Office of Health Promotion, under the purview of University Health Services, provide court diversion programs, assessments, individual counseling and prevention education. Students experiencing problems associated with the use of alcohol or other drugs may obtain more information or schedule an appointment by contacting:
Psychological Services
University Health Services
DeWeese Health Center
1500 Eastway Drive
Kent, Ohio 44242
330-672-2487
www.kent.edu/uhs/psych/index.cfm
Office Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Students enrolled in the College of Podiatric Medicine who are experiencing similar concerns as noted above may contact Case Western Reserve University’s Counseling Services.
Employees may make use of the IMPACT Program, Kent State’s employee assistance program that can be contacted directly at 1-800-227-6007, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In addition, employees may access the IMPACT website to explore Web-based work/life resources. Employees may also contact the Human Resources Benefits Office with any questions pertaining to the university-provided Employee Assistance and Work/Life Program.
Should you have any questions about this notice or the work of the task force, you may contact the co-chairs for Healthy Kent: Alcohol and Other Drugs Task Force. Task force co-chairs are Todd Kamenash, director of student conduct, 330-672-4054 or tkamenas@kent.edu; and Shay Little, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, 330-672-4050 or sdlittle@kent.edu.
Additional Community Resources
- , helping individuals of all ages, from providing life’s basic needs – food, clothing, shelter – to counseling and mentoring
- , advancing the health, wellness and recovery of our community
- , providing mental health and rehabilitation services
- Healthy References: Campus and Community Resources