Mar 29, 2024  
Handbooks 
    
Handbooks

Article VII. Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco



Section 7.01 Alcohol, Drug, & Substance Abuse Policy

One of the fundamental purposes of Doane University is to maintain an environment that supports and encourages the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. All members of the University community, students, faculty and staff members share the responsibility for protecting that environment and all are expected to exemplify standards of professional and personal conduct. The illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol by members of the University community adversely affects the educational environment. Therefore, Doane University is committed to having a campus that is free of illegal drug use and alcohol abuse.

In keeping with its primary purpose, Doane University will utilize educational strategies as its major approach to this area. Any member of the University community who uses, distributes, or abuses any drug, including alcohol, may be subject to prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities and to disciplinary proceedings by the University. Trafficking illegal drugs is particularly offensive and the penalties reflect this judgment. Doane University’s interest in resolving the problem is not punitive, but rather to establish clear boundaries of conduct. Misuse and abuse of alcoholic beverages is a serious problem often resulting in loss of human potential and irresponsible behavior that may be dangerous to the individual(s) involved, threaten the lives of others, infringe on the rights of others, and/or cause destruction of property. Alcohol poisoning is a significant and rising social problem that causes multiple deaths every year on college campuses across the nation. Drinking games promote mass consumption and binge drinking. Doane University respects the rights of individuals to consume alcohol in a legal and responsible manner. The university expects all students to participate in educational programming and discussion about the effects of alcohol use and abuse. The university prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages by minors on campus and university policies are in compliance with state and federal laws regarding alcohol use, possession and distribution. Violations of the university alcohol policy are grounds for disciplinary action.

Pertinent statutes include:

  1. Neb. Rev. Stat. 53-103.23: Defines a minor as any person less than 21 years.
  2. Neb. Rev. Stat. 53-180: Prohibits the sale, giving away, exchange or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a minor. Procurement to a minor at Doane University will be turned over to local law enforcement and the student(s) responsible will receive campus sanctions including, but not limited to, a $500 fine.

Doane University is dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and expects all members of the academic community to behave in a manner conductive to that end. Faculty, staff and students must maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. Illegal or abusive use of drugs by members of the University community adversely affects the mission of the University and is prohibited. The University, through its Board of Trustees, adopts the following policy consistent with the State of Nebraska on illegal drugs. The policy is intended to accomplish the following:

  1. Prevent drug abuse through a strong educational effort outside the classroom.
  2. Encourage and facilitate the development and use of rehabilitation services and programs.
  3. Discipline those members of the University community who engage in illegal drug-related behavior.

In addition to these, and all state laws, the following regulations also apply at Doane University:

  1. Consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages is permitted by a person of legal age in their private room, suite or quad area under the following conditions:
    1. All residents of the room, suite or quad must be 21 years of age
    2. Residents of the room or suite have been approved and registered their living environment as an alcohol tolerant room with Residential Life and Education.
    3. An Alcohol Tolerant Room Certificate is posted in plain site for a University official to observe upon entering the room.  This document is inspectable by the Public Safety Office or Residential Life and Education staff upon request.
    4. Minors cannot be present in alcohol tolerant rooms when alcohol is visibly present, and/or being consumed.  This includes empty alcohol containers if they are visibly present and this includes trash or recycling receptacles.  If it is discovered that underage drinking is occurring in an alcohol tolerant room, all residents will be referred to the Judicial Affairs.  If no residents are present, while underage drinking/possession is occurring, all residents will be referred to the Judicial Affairs for further follow-up, which could include the alcohol tolerant room certificate being revoked.
  2. Students in rooms that are not alcohol tolerant (whether they are of age or not) cannot have alcohol or alcoholic containers present at any time.
  3. In all residence halls, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the hallways, lounges, or any other public areas in or around the residence halls, including the balcony and outdoor areas.
  4. Except when authorized by university officials, kegs and other multi-liter containers, empty or full, are prohibited on University property.  University officials have the authority to request and supervise the immediate removal and disposal of prohibited items.
  5. The University prohibits using University or student organization funds for the purchase of alcoholic beverages for any student function.
  6. Campus organizations may not use alcoholic beverages at membership recruitment functions.
  7. References to and/or pictures of alcoholic beverages may not be used directly or indirectly in the advertisement of any University organization function.
  8. Hard alcohol (examples: whiskey, rum, tequila, vodka), including but not limited to mixes, brews or alcohol punches is not permitted in campus residence halls or other campus facilities unless approved by administration and provided by a third party vendor.
  9. No drinking games (with or without alcohol) are permitted on the Doane University’s campus.  Drinking games are also not permitted by the University’s residential policies.  Even if not in use, drinking game equipment (examples: tables used for beer pong) can be confiscated by the University.

Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages on University property, except where permitted under these regulations, is subject to disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to, fines, community service, drug and alcohol evaluations (at the student’s expense), probation, suspension or expulsion from the University.

  1. Minor in Possession: Anyone under the age of 21 that possesses or is in the presence of alcohol. Examples of a MIP:
    1. Any minor present in a room that is alcohol tolerant where the alcohol is in plain sight.
    2. Any minor in a non-alcohol tolerant room where alcohol is anywhere within the room.
    3. Possession of unopened or open alcohol containers.
    4. Alcohol found in a minor’s room during room checks.  This includes alcohol that is found in shared lounges, bathrooms or trash cans.
  2. Procuring for a Minor: Serving and/or making alcohol available for students under legal age is a crime and the University will not tolerate or condone such practices.  This also includes providing an environment where minors can drink.  If minors have alcohol in their possession in a room, it will be assumed that residents registered to the room provided the alcohol for minor. The residents of the room are required at all times to be diligent in ensuring others are not drinking in their room or suite.  The University’s judicial system is designed to handle such infractions of the law and penalties are severe.  In addition, these cases may be turned over to the local law enforcement.
  3. Alcohol Consumption in Public Places/Open Container: Alcohol is only permitted in the room or shared living space of students who are 21 years of age or older, have completed any required training and have properly displayed their alcohol tolerant room certificate. Alcohol is only allowed in the room, suite or quad that is alcohol tolerant or designated areas on campus during special events.

The goal of these regulations is legal and responsible alcohol use. Irresponsible use of alcohol that infringes on the rights of others (i.e. excessive noise, physical or emotional abuse, assault, or unsafe conduct) or results in the destruction of property will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, even if the students in question are of legal drinking age.  Based on behavioral concern reports and/or incident reports, the administration reserves the right to require that a student submit themselves for an alcohol or drug evaluation at their own expense. Subsequently, the student will be expected to abide by the recommendations of the evaluation. The university does reserve the right to turn any and all violations of law over to local authorities.

Good Samaritan Policy

The Doane community values the health and safety of its members and supports an environment that encourages students to come to the assistance of one another. To that end, the Good Samaritan policy was enacted to ensure that responsible action is taken when a student is medically endangered due to the consumption of alcohol.

Students for whom medical assistance is summoned for alcohol intoxication will be granted amnesty from University disciplinary action. The student who summons the Public Safety Office or Residential Life and Education staff members or EMS on behalf of an intoxicated student as soon as the emergency situation is apparent will likewise be granted such amnesty.  This is contingent upon the reporter remaining with the intoxicated student(s) until help arrives and is cooperative with University, medical and law enforcement personnel. Students involved in an alcohol-related incident for which amnesty is granted will be provided appropriate educational or developmental interventions which may include assessment and counseling. Amnesty applies only to alcohol violations and does not apply to other violations of the student conduct code such as assault, property damage, hazing or the presence of other illicit substances.

Section 7.02 Rehabilitation Services

 

Students who have concerns about their pattern of substance use or are seeking assistance to overcome a drug or alcohol related problem have up access to up to five (5) free and confidential counseling services at Blue Valley Behavioral Health in Crete, Nebraska.  Additionally, counselors are available to make referrals for students to receive Alcohol and Drug Assessments and Evaluations through outside agencies located in Crete and neighboring areas.  Students may request an appointment with one of the on campus counselors by contacting Student Health Services at 402-826-8265 or visiting the Student Health office.  More information about counseling services is available at https://web.doane.edu/offices-services/student-services/student-health/counseling

Section 7.03 Federal Trafficking Penalties

 

Students, faculty members and other staff are responsible, as citizens, for knowing about and complying with the provisions of Nebraska law that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver or manufacture those drugs designated collectively as controlled substances. Any member of the University community who violates any of those laws is subject to both prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities and disciplinary proceedings by the University. Trafficking in illegal drugs and/or the illegal possession of drugs taken very seriously and will be addressed in a similar fashion.  If such conduct occurs, or is alleged by law enforcement to have occurred and criminal charges are filed, the involved students will be subject to immediate suspension and additional disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion. The penalties to be imposed by the University may range from written warnings with probationary status to expulsions and complete separation from enrollment and/or discharges from employment. A federal drug conviction will result in the loss of federal student aid eligibility and the loss of all Doane University institutional funding.  Check out more information on Federal Trafficking Penalties

Section 7.04 Smoking Policy

 

In order to provide a safe and healthy work/study environment for all employees and students and to comply with the Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act, the University has adopted the following tobacco policy.

The following forms of tobacco products are prohibited:

  • In all campus buildings and University vehicles: smoking through the use of pipes, cigars and cigarettes.
  • In all campus buildings and University vehicles:  smoking in any form through the use of tobacco products (pipes, cigars and cigarettes) or “vaping” with E-cigarettes.  Chewing or snorting smokeless tobacco is also prohibited.

The use of smokeless tobacco and E-cigarettes is not permitted in the residence halls.  Smoking tobacco in any form and smokeless tobacco will be permitted outdoors in designated smoking areas at least 20 feet away from building entrances. All members of the campus community share responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy, and have responsibility for bringing it to the attention of visitors. 

Section 7.05 Beverage Container Policy

 

Beverage containers of any type are not allowed into any Doane-sponsored public event, including events at the Haddix Center, Butler Gym, Fuhrer Fieldhouse, etc. The general public and Doane University students are encouraged to purchase refreshments sold at the concession stand. Anyone attempting to bring in a beverage container will be asked to dispose of it.