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CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
For
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (U.S. Public Law 101-226) and the
Drug-Free Workplace Act require annual distribution of certain information to all students and
employees. This booklet is being provided in compliance with these requirements.

State System of Higher Education Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Statement
As required by the federal “Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988,” the State System of Higher Education,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, hereby declares as its policy that the unlawful manufacture,
distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at any workplace

under the authority of the Board of Governors. Any employee violating the policy will be referred to the
commonwealth's employee assistance program and/or disciplined, in an appropriate manner, up to and
including termination. Discipline, when appropriate, shall be taken under relevant provisions of
collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Policy, or other Personnel Policies adopted by the Board
of Governors.
NOTE: The above policy was adopted by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education
on April 20, 1989. Clarion University of PA is a member of the State System.

i.

ii.

iii.

To comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (DFSCA) and
subsequent amendments, students and employees of Clarion University are informed
that strictly enforced policies are in place which prohibit the possession, use or
distribution of any illicit drugs, including alcohol, on Clarion University property or
as part of any Clarion University-sponsored activity unless event-specific permission
is given for of-age students to consume alcohol moderately. Students and employees
are also subject to all applicable legal sanctions under local, state and federal law for
any offenses involving illicit drugs on Clarion University property or at Clarion
University-sponsored events.
Clarion University affirms that illegal drug use is unlawful and harmful. The use of
illegal drugs and alcohol abuse by students and employees could result in cognitive
deficits, loss of productivity, and other health risks. These risks include an increased
risk of accidents, which may result in death or permanent injury. Free, confidential
counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse issues is available to students and
employees through Clarion University Counseling Services, Health Services, and the
employee assistance program. Other resources may include assessment, individual
counseling, educational programs, materials, and referral and case management
through community agencies, all of which might include a fee.
Students exhibiting signs of excessive alcohol consumption will be transported via
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the student’s expense for medical
attention. Refusal to cooperate with EMS personnel may result in arrest in order to
ensure the student’s health and safety and/or a conduct complaint for disorderly
conduct and/or failure to comply.

CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG POLICIES
I. Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
II. General Requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act: Amendments of 1989
III. Drug Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996
IV. Health Risks Associated with the Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs
V. Federal, State and University Legal Sanctions Concerning Drugs and Alcohol
*Please note that this does not contain complete recitations of applicable laws and therefore
should be used for general reference only. Direct inquiries to the Center for Wellness in 256 Becht Hall,
(814)-393-2121.
I. Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
Purpose: To comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §8101, et seq.; 22

C.F.R. Part 513; 48 C.F.R. Part 23.504; 48 C.F.R. Part 52.223-6; and other portions of the Code of Federal
Regulations applicable to federal contractors).
Coverage: All Clarion University of Pennsylvania employees, including faculty, classified and nonclassified staff, administrators, full-time and part-time students and student employees.
Prohibitions: (a) The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled
substance is prohibited in the workplace; (b) Reporting for work under the influence of a controlled
substance is prohibited.
II. General Requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act: Amendments of 1989
Purpose: To comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C.
§1011i; 34 C.F.R. Part 86).
Coverage: All Clarion University of Pennsylvania employees, including faculty, classified and nonclassified staff, administrators, full-time and part-time students and student employees.
Prohibitions: Employees and students in violation of Clarion University of Pennsylvania standards
concerning drugs and alcohol.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require an institution of higher
education, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal
program, to certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession,
use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.
III. Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996
Purpose: To comply with the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996 (21
U.S.C. §841(b) (7) (A-B); see also 21 U.S.C. §801).
Coverage: All Clarion University of Pennsylvania employees, including faculty, classified and nonclassified staff, administrators, full-time and part-time students and student employees.
Prohibitions: It is unlawful to distribute a controlled substance to an individual without that individual’s
knowledge with intent to commit a crime of violence, including rape. “Without that individual’s
knowledge” means that the individual is unaware that a substance with the ability to alter that
individual’s ability to appraise conduct or to decline participation in or communicate unwillingness to
participate in conduct is administered to the individual.
IV. Health Risks Associated with the Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs
Substance abuse and drug dependency are problems of staggering proportions in our society
today. They are the leading causes of preventable illness, disability, and death in the United States.
Alcohol/chemical dependency is a disease that affects not only individuals, but every component of the
family system, workplace, and the community. Chemical abuse not only includes alcohol and illegal
drugs, but also prescription drugs such as tranquilizers, pain killers, sleeping pills, etc.

A. Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Alcoholism and other drug dependencies are diseases with identifiable symptoms. These
symptoms include changes in alcohol/drug tolerance, blackouts (permanent, chemically induced
memory loss), denial (refusal to admit that chemical use is a problem), mood swings, behavior changes,
and loss of control (inability to stop and/or limit chemical consumption). The disease injures the person
economically, socially, physically, psychologically, and spiritually; relationships break down, work
performance is impaired, depression often occurs and behavior often goes against values. Persons who
suffer from chemical dependency are victims of a progressive, fatal disease. Alcoholism/addiction
affects people of all ages, economic levels, and races.
Alcoholism is a disorder that has profound psychological and biological patterns: (1) regular daily
intoxication, (2) drinking large amounts of alcohol at specific times, and (3) periods of sobriety
interspersed with periods of heavy daily drinking. The course of the disorder is usually progressive and
physical dependence can develop. If this happens, serious symptoms, sometimes life threatening, can
develop when alcohol is withdrawn. Short-term effects of alcohol use can include depression, gastritis,
liver disease and automobile accidents, and domestic violence. Chronic alcohol abuse can produce
irreversible changes, including dementia, sexual impotence, cirrhosis of the liver, and heart disease.
Death can occur either as a complication of one of these chronic problems, or acutely, secondary to
alcohol intoxication by poisoning or aspiration of vomitus or as the result of an automobile accident
while driving intoxicated.
B. Impact on Families and Friends
Families are gravely affected by a chemical abusing member. Some of the effects on the family
include: feelings of insecurity, guilt, fear, isolation, anger, and resentment. As the chemically dependent
person’s disease progresses, the effects on the family worsen. As a very direct, physiological
consequence, the infants of alcohol and cocaine abusing mothers often have low birth weight and may
suffer from malformations and a variety of developmental problems. Children are often the most
vulnerable to the effects of chemical dependency. Growing up in families where their developmental
needs are not met, children may face a variety of problems; low self-esteem, inability to trust others,
teenage pregnancy, and high risks for chemical use/abuse/dependency.
The lifestyle of the abuser often affects the economic well-being of their families due to their
inability to hold down a job. In some cases, the abuser will steal from relatives, which reduces the
family’s financial means and stability. In many cases, substance abuse leads to violence at home.
There is an obvious emotional toll of substance abuse on the functioning of individual members
and the family as a whole. Family members may actively deny the problem, may become symptomatic in
an effort to deflect attention from the substance abusing member, or may assume the abuser’s
responsibilities at home and even at work.
Chemical dependency is treatable. With an understanding of the disease and its impact on lives,
family members and friends can take steps to help reduce enabling behaviors. Very often, the family’s
intervention with the user and his or her problem is an essential step which encourages the abusing
member to seek treatment. Support groups for family members, such as Al-Anon, as well as family
therapy can provide needed assistance to families as they grapple with the destructive effects of the
user’s addiction.

C. Support and Treatment Centers
Clarion University of Pennsylvania

1. Center for Wellness (Health Services; Counseling Services): (814) 393-2121
2. State Employee Assistance Program: (800) 692-7459
Clarion Borough Community Mental Health Agencies

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Primary Health Network: (814) 223-9914
Clarion Family Therapy: (800) 253-4906
Family Psychological Services: (814) 226-4912
SAFE: (800) 992-3039
Passages: (800) 793-3620
Clarion Hospital: (814) 226-9500
UPMC Northwest: (814) 676-7600
Adagio Health
a. Clarion (814) 226-7500
b. Venango: (814) 676-1811
9. Clarion County Counseling: (814) 226-6252
Venango College-Clarion University

1. Turning Point Treatment Center: (888) 272-8922
2. Department of Counseling Services: (814) 676-6591, ext. 1281
Pittsburgh

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

UPMC Mercy: (412) 232-8111
Pyramid Healthcare: (412) 241-5341
Greenbriar-Robinson Township: (412) 788-6292
Allied Addiction Recovery, LLC: (412) 246-8965
Onala Recovery Center: (412) 471-8797

This list of treatment facilities and services is not intended to be exhaustive; it is merely a helpful list of
some contacts in areas convenient to Clarion University of Pennsylvania campus. Clarion University of
Pennsylvania is not affiliated with and does not accept liability for any services, treatment, or counseling
provided by these third-parties or their employees for any acts of misfeasance, nonfeasance, or
malfeasance by same. The individual and his or her family should conduct reviews of these facilities
before accepting their services.
V. Federal, State and University Drug Laws and Penalties
Federal law penalizes the knowing and intentional manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or
possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance or a counterfeit
substance. 21 U.S.C. §841(a) (1-2). Listed below are the offenses and penalties for violation of the
Controlled Substances Act.
A. §841(b) Offenses and Penalties
Any person who manufactures, distributes, dispenses, or possesses with intent to
manufacture, distribute, or dispense the following controlled substances in the amounts listed:












1 kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;
5 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of coca
leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and
derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed; cocaine, its salts, optical and
geometric isomers, and salts of isomers; ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and
salts of isomers; or 280 grams or more of a mixture or substance described previously
which contains cocaine base;
100 grams or more of phencyclidine (PCP) or 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or
substance containing a detectable amount of phencyclidine (PCP);
10 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of lysergic
acid diethylamide (LSD);
400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of NphenylN[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide or 100 grams or more of a mixture or
substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N- [1-(2phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide;
1000 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of
marihuana, or 1,000 or more marihuana plants regardless of weight; or
50 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or 500
grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of
methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers.

Shall be penalized as detailed below:



Sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 10 years or more than
life and if death or serious bodily injury results from the use of such substance shall be
not less than 20 years or more than life, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized
in accordance with the provisions of title 18, United States Code, or $10,000,000 if the
defendant is an individual or $50,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual, or
both.



If any person commits such a violation after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense
has become final, such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may
not be less than 20 years and not more than life imprisonment and if death or serious
bodily injury results from the use of such substance shall be sentenced to life
imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of twice that authorized in accordance with
the provisions of title 18, United States Code, or $20,000,000 if the defendant is an
individual or $75,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual, or both.



If any person commits a violation of this subparagraph or of section 409, 418, 419, or 420
[21 U.S.C. §849, 859, 860, or 861] after two or more prior convictions for a felony drug
offense have become final, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of life
imprisonment without release and fined in accordance with the preceding sentence.

Any person who manufactures, distributes, dispenses, or possesses with intent to manufacture,
distribute, or dispense the following controlled substances in the amounts listed:



100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;



500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of coca
leaves, except coca leaves and extracts of coca leaves from which cocaine, ecgonine, and
derivatives of ecgonine or their salts have been removed; cocaine, its salts, optical and
geometric isomers, and salts of isomers; ecgonine, its derivatives, their salts, isomers, and
salts of isomers; or 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance described in clause (ii)
which contains cocaine base;



10 grams or more of phencyclidine (PCP) or 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance
containing a detectable amount of phencyclidine (PCP);



1 gram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of lysergic acid
diethylamide (LSD);



40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of NphenylN-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide or 10 grams or more of a
mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N- [1(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide;



100 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of
marihuana, or 100 or more marihuana plants regardless of weight; or



5 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or 50
grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of
methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers.

Shall be penalized as detailed below:



Sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 5 years and not more
than 40 years and if death or serious bodily injury results from the use of such substance
shall be not less than 20 years or more than life, a fine not to exceed the greater of that
authorized in accordance with the provisions of title 18, United States Code, or
$5,000,000 if the defendant is an individual or $25,000,000 if the defendant is other than
an individual, or both.



If any person commits such a violation after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense
has become final, such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may
not be less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment and if death or serious
bodily injury results from the use of such substance shall be sentenced to life
imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of twice that authorized in accordance with

the provisions of title 18, United States Code, or $8,000,000 if the defendant is an
individual or $50,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual, or both.
For further explanation and more specific offenses and penalties, see 21 U.S.C. §841, available at
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/841.
B. 21 U.S.C. §844(a)—Federal Possession Laws
21 U.S.C. §844(a) penalizes the simple possession of controlled substances: It shall be unlawful
for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance unless such substance was
obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order, from a practitioner, while acting in the
course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by this title or title III. It shall be
unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess any list I chemical obtained pursuant to or
under authority of a registration issued to that person under section 303 of this title [21 USCS §823] or
section 1008 of title III [21 USCS
§958] if that registration has been revoked or suspended, if that registration has expired, or if the
registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. It shall be unlawful
for any person to knowingly or intentionally purchase at retail during a 30 day period more than 9 grams
of ephedrine base, pseudoephedrine base, or phenylpropanolamine base in a scheduled listed chemical
product, except that, of such 9 grams, not more than 7.5 grams may be imported by means of shipping
through any private or commercial carrier or the Postal
Service. Any person who violates this subsection may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than 1 year, and shall be fined a minimum of $1,000, or both, except that if he commits such
offense after a prior conviction under this title or title III, or a prior conviction for any drug, narcotic, or
chemical offense chargeable under the law of any State, has become final, he shall be sentenced to a
term of imprisonment for not less than 15 days but not more than 2 years, and shall be fined a minimum
of $2,500, except, further, that if he commits such offense after two or more prior convictions under this
title or title III, or two or more prior convictions for any drug, narcotic, or chemical offense chargeable
under the law of any State, or a combination of two or more such offenses have become final, he shall
be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than 90 days but not more than 3 years, and shall
be fined a minimum of $5,000. Notwithstanding any penalty provided in this subsection, any person
convicted under this subsection for the possession of flunitrazepam shall be imprisoned for not more
than 3 years, shall be fined as otherwise provided in this section, or both. The imposition or execution of
a minimum sentence required to be imposed under this subsection shall not be suspended or deferred.
Further, upon conviction, a person who violates this subsection shall be fined the reasonable costs of
the investigation and prosecution of the offense, including the costs of prosecution of an offense as
defined in sections 1918 and 1920 of title 28, United
States Code, except that this sentence shall not apply and a fine under this section need not be imposed
if the court determines under the provision of title 18 that the defendant lacks the ability to pay.
For further explanation, see 21 U.S.C. §844, available at:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/844a.
C. State of Pennsylvania Laws Regarding the Unlawful Possession, Use, or
Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol Offenses

Misrepresentation of age to secure liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
Penalty: first offense–summary violation, up to $300 fine and 30 days in jail; second offense–
misdemeanor, up to $4,500 fine and jail. Operator’s license will be suspended.*
Purchase, consumption, possession, or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
Penalty: first offense–up to $300 fine and 30 days in jail; second offense–up to $500 fine and jail.
Operator’s license will be suspended.*
Representing that minor is of age.
Penalty: misdemeanor, fine of not less than $300.
Inducement of minors to buy liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
Penalty: misdemeanor, fine of not less than $300.
Selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors.
Penalty: misdemeanor, fine of not less than $1,000 for the first violation and $2,500 for each
subsequent violation. *Operator’s License Suspensions:
First offense–90 days
Second offense–1 year
Third offense–2 years
Subsequent offenses–2 years
Manufacture or sale of false identification card.
Penalty: misdemeanor, fine of not less than $1,000 for first violation and not less than $2,500 for each
subsequent violation.
Carrying a false identification card.
Penalty: summary offenses first violation, fine up to $300 and up to 30 days in jail; misdemeanor for
subsequent violations, fine up to $500 and jail. Operator's license will be suspended.*
Restrictions on alcoholic beverages.
The driver of any vehicle may not consume any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug.
Penalty: summary, fine up to $300 and up to 30 days in jail.
Driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance.
Penalty: misdemeanor, fine of not less than $300, jail for not less than 48 hours; not less than 30 days in
jail for second violation; not less than 90 days in jail for third violation; not less than one year for fourth
offense.
Homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.
Penalty: Felony, not less than three years imprisonment, fine, revocation of operating privileges.
Other violations include bringing alcoholic beverages into the state without paying Pennsylvania taxes
and selling or offering for sale alcoholic beverages without a liquor license. Violations of these laws can
result in fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of vehicles.

Under legislation enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the following is now law:
Any individual under 21 years of age convicted of attempting to purchase, purchasing, consuming,
possessing, or transporting alcoholic beverages, or possessing an identification card falsely identifying
the individual as 21 years of age, shall be subject to a fine up to $300, plus court costs, and 90 days
suspension of driver’s license. Subsequent violations may result in fines of $500 and suspension of
driver’s license for two years.

Illicit Drugs Offenses
Possession of controlled or counterfeit substance.
Penalty: misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, fine of up to $5,000.
Purchase of controlled substance.
Penalty: misdemeanor, up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
Manufacture, delivery, or possession by an unauthorized person.
Penalty: narcotic drugs–felony, up to 15 years imprisonment and fine of up to $250,000.
*Methamphetamine–cocoa leaves, marijuana (in excess of 1,000 pounds)–felony, imprisonment up to
10 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
*Opiates–hallucinogenic substances, marijuana–felony, up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up
to $15,000.
*Barbiturates–felony, up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
*Codeine, morphine, atropine–misdemeanor, up to one year imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000.
Possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use
(30 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish).
Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to 30 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $500.
Use or delivery of drug paraphernalia.
Penalty: misdemeanor, up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500.
Possession or distribution of “look alike drugs” having a depressing or stimulating effect.
Penalty: felony, up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
Manufacture, sale or delivery, holding, offering for sale, or possession of any controlled substance
that is altered or misbranded.
Penalty: misdemeanor, up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
Trafficking drugs to minors.
Penalty: at least one year confinement, two years imprisonment if within 1,000 feet of a school, college,
or university.
D. Clarion University of Pennsylvania Alcohol and Illicit Drug Policy
I. Alcohol Policy

The following sections describe Clarion University policy regarding the sale, service, distribution, and
consumption of alcoholic beverages on University property or at University-sponsored events in
accordance with federal, state and local laws.
Basic Guidelines
Students who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to possess and consume alcohol in their personal
bedroom at Reinhard Villages. Students who are of legal drinking age may not share or provide alcohol
to any students, employees or guests who are under 21 years of age. Those under the minimum legal
drinking age of 21 years are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol anywhere on University property
or at University-sponsored events. Drinking games, and simulated drinking games (e.g. water pong) are
prohibited on campus.
The Office of the President reserves the right to have designated events where alcohol may be present.
Parental Notification
Clarion University is concerned about students who improperly use alcohol and other drugs and the
effects such use may have on their health, academic success, interpersonal relationships and, ultimately,
their future.
Clarion University alcohol policy expressly forbids possession and/or consumption of alcohol by students,
employees or guests who are under the minimum legal drinking age of 21 years. Possession of drug
paraphernalia and the use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, whether on or off campus,
by any student is also prohibited.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Director of Judicial Affairs
(or designee) reserves the right to notify the parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age, and the
parents/guardians of dependent students, regardless of age, of any incident in which the student is found
responsible for violating the Clarion University alcohol and drug policy.
Examples of Violations of the Clarion University Alcohol Policy
● Purchasing alcohol by a person under the age of 21.
● Selling or providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
● Possessing either full or empty alcohol containers by a person under the age of 21.
● Consuming alcohol by a person under the age of 21.
● Showing physical or mental impairment following or resulting from alcohol use.
● Possessing empty alcohol containers for decorative purposes.
● Using or possessing common sources of alcohol including, but not limited to kegs, party balls,
punch bowls, wine boxes, etc.
● Participating in or being present during the occurrence of any drinking game.
● Possession of beer bongs, beer pong tables, and other devices used or manipulated for use in any
drinking game.
● Possessing an open container of alcohol in a common area including, but not limited, to
bathrooms, hallways, lounges, elevators, lobbies or outdoor spaces.
● Driving under the influence of alcohol.
● Violations of Clarion Borough Ordinance related to open containers.
● Public Intoxication.
● Over Intoxication in a University Housing building or other campus building.

As stated in Section 4 of the Student Code of Conduct, “failure to comply with the reasonable directives of
University officials or law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties and/or failure to
identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so”, is considered unacceptable behavior for a
University student. An example of such behavior includes refusing to submit to a breath test when
requested by a police officer, whether on or off-campus, which is considered a violation of the University
Student Code of Conduct and may result in conduct sanctions.
Examples of Clarion University alcohol policy violations and their sanctions is listed below. Sanctions are
dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: hearing officer discretion, the nature
and severity of the incident, a student’s conduct history and a student’s cooperation throughout the
conduct process.
a) Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol Policy Violations:
1. First Offense—Possible sanctions and institutional actions include, but are not limited
to:


Participation in an alcohol education activity (BASICS), at the student’s
expense and as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee);



Online Judicial Educator Module(s);



Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students and those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years;



Reprimand up through suspension or expulsion from housing and/or the
University; and/or



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

2. Second Offense— Possible sanctions and institutional actions include, but are not
limited to:


Mandated substance abuse assessment by an approved agency and required
compliance with the assessing counselor’s evaluation;



Judicial Mentoring Program mandated meetings;



Authorship of a research/reflection essay;



Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students and those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years;



Reprimand up through suspension or expulsion from housing and/or the
University; and/or



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

3. Third and Subsequent Offenses— Possible sanctions and institutional actions include,
but are not limited to:


Suspension or expulsion from University housing and/or the University;



Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students or those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years; and/or



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

b) Purchasing, Selling or Providing Alcohol to Minors:
1. First Offense— Possible sanctions and institutional actions include, but are not limited
to:


Judicial Mentoring Program mandated meetings;



Mandated substance abuse assessment by an approved agency and required
compliance with the assessing counselor’s evaluation;



Participation in an alcohol education activity (BASICS), at the student’s
expense and as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee);



Authorship of a research/reflection essay;



Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students or those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years;



Notification of law enforcement authorities;



Eligibility restrictions;



Reprimand up through suspension or expulsion from housing and/or the
University;



Community service hours to be performed at a specific location as
determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee); and/or



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

2. Second and Subsequent Offenses— Possible sanctions and institutional actions
include, but are not limited to:

● Suspension or expulsion from the University;

● Notification of law enforcement authorities;
● Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students or those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years; and/or

● Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).
c) Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated: Clarion University is concerned about
students who violate state and local laws regarding consumption of alcohol and the operation
of motor vehicles. In accordance with state law, the University abides by the legal definition
of intoxicated as “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of
introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of
two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body” or 0.08 Breath or
Blood Alcohol Concentration. In addition, students under the legal minimum drinking age of
21 years who are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems will be
considered driving under the influence of alcohol and subject to penalties under that offense.
1. First Offense— Possible sanctions and institutional actions include, but are not limited
to:


Loss of driving and/or parking privileges on campus for a specified period of
time;



Participation in an alcohol education activity (BASICS), at the student’s
expense and as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee);



Community services hours to be performed at a specific location as
determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee);



Authorship of a research/reflection essay;



Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students or those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years;




Eligibility restrictions; and/or
Reprimand up through suspension or expulsion from the University;



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

2. Second and Subsequent Offenses — Possible sanctions and institutional actions
include, but are not limited to:


Suspension or expulsion from the University;



Notification of law enforcement authorities;



Notification of parents/guardians of dependent students and those under the
minimum legal drinking age of 21 years; and/or



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

II. Illicit Drug Policy
Clarion University prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of illegal drugs on or
off Clarion University property or at Clarion University-sponsored events, programs, or activities.
The following sections describe Clarion University’s policy regarding the sale, manufacture, distribution,
possession and use of illegal drugs on or off Clarion University property or at Clarion University-sponsored
events in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Examples of violations include:
● Misuse of over-the-counter drugs.
● Misuse or sharing of prescription drugs.
● Possessing, using, being under the influence of, distributing, or manufacturing any form of illegal
drug.
● Possessing paraphernalia (i.e., rolling papers, pipes, bongs, etc.) for intended or implied use of
any form of illegal drug.
● Possessing paraphernalia that contains or appears to contain illegal drug residue.
● Purchasing or passing illegal drugs from one person to another.
● Using mail services to purchase, pass, or distribute illegal drugs.
This policy provides flexibility for Clarion University in addressing drug-related offenses which occur onor off-campus. Moreover, it permits Clarion University to address its fundamental mission of holistic
education and the development of human potential. While recognizing that there is a need to address
violations related to the use or possession of controlled substances, Clarion University must address the
education and well-being of all its students and employees. In addition to Clarion University-imposed
sanctions, students and employees are subject to all legal sanctions under federal, state and local law for
any offenses involving illegal drugs on Clarion University property or at Clarion University events.[1]
Safe Harbor
Clarion University has a Safe Harbor policy for students. Clarion University believes that students who
have a drug and/or addiction problem deserve help. If any Clarion University student brings their own
use, addiction or dependency to the attention of Clarion University officials outside the threat of drug
tests or imposition of the conduct process and seeks assistance, a conduct complaint will not be
pursued. A written action plan may be used to track cooperation with the Safe Harbor program by the
student. Failure to follow the action plan will nullify the Safe Harbor protection and the campus conduct
process will be initiated.

Violations of Clarion University Illegal Drug Policy
Examples of Clarion University drug policy violations and their subsequent sanctions include the following.
[1]

Drug Offenses: Maximum Fines and terms of Imprisonment for Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act
and Related Laws: https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30722.pdf.

a) Manufacture, Sale or Distribution of Illegal Drugs:
1. First Offense—Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:

● Expulsion or suspension from Clarion University;
● Notification of parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age and older
dependent students;

● Notification of law enforcement authorities; and/or
● Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).
b) For the Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Synthetic Substances and/or Illegal
Drugs: Drug paraphernalia (e.g. bongs), illegal drugs, and synthetic substances (e.g. K2, Spice,
Bath Salts, and the like) whose common purpose is to replicate the effects of illegal substances
are prohibited on campus.
1. First Offense—Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:

● Suspension or expulsion from Clarion University housing;
● Expulsion or suspension from Clarion University. A suspension may be for a
period of not less than the remainder of the semester in which the infraction
occurred;

● Participation in a drug education activity (CASICS), at the student’s expense
and as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee);

● Mandated substance abuse assessment by an approved agency and required
compliance with the assessing counselor’s evaluation;

● Judicial Educator Modules;
● Authorship of a research/reflection essay;
● Notification of parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age and older
dependent students;

● Notification of law enforcement authorities; and/or
● Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).
2. Second Offense— Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:



Expulsion or suspension from Clarion University;

● Notification of parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age and older
dependent students;


Notification of law enforcement authorities; and/or



Other sanctions as determined by the Director of Judicial Affairs (or
designee).

Jim McGee, Director for Wellness
Clarion University
Center for Wellness
Clarion, PA, 16214
814-393-1949