Student Handbook 2022-23 | Page 28

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

Affirmative Action Statement Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race , religion , age , gender , sexual orientation , gender identity , national origin , disability , color , marital status , veteran status , genetic characteristics , or any other characteristic protected by federal , state or local law (“ Protected Classes ”).

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and Procedures

“ In accordance with the mission of the University , the Student Services Division will provide quality programs and services for our students , and advocate for resources and facilities that enhance their experience as a student . We are committed to the creation of a safe environment where a holistic approach to student development is supported . Therefore , our programs will foster the academic , spiritual , physical , and emotional development of our students . Through collaboration with the University community , we seek to provide a foundation for students that enable them to become active , engaged citizens .”
Flowing from this mission is our commitment to address issues related to chemical use and abuse in ways that will enable students , faculty members , or staff members afflicted with chemical dependency or its effects to receive the help they need to be restored to health and dignity . We are committed to promoting standards of healthy living both through educational processes and maintenance of a climate conducive to personal growth and development in all areas of living . We recognize addiction as a disease which must be handled with both competence and compassion .
Gwynedd Mercy University conforms to Pennsylvania state law in its policies . Gwynedd Mercy University expects all students to adhere to all federal , state or local laws regarding the unlawful possession , use or distribution of alcohol , drugs , and illegal substances . The University is required by law to inform students of the sanctions which may be imposed on them for violations of those laws . In addition , Gwynedd Mercy University is required to inform students of the standards of conduct , university penalties , health risks , and counseling options as they pertain to substance abuse .

Local , State and Federal Law

Drugs or Narcotics State and federal law forbids the possession or consumption of illegal drugs or narcotics . Federal , and state law forbids the possession of illegal drugs or narcotics , such as cocaine , barbiturates , hallucinogens or other illegal , addictive substances . The sale , use , possession or manufacture of such illegal substances is strictly forbidden on campus . The sale , use or possession of drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers , bongs , pipes , vaporizers , vape pens , CBD oil and the like are also forbidden on campus . Additionally , the use of medical marijuana in any form is strictly prohibited on campus . Students with a prescription for medical marijuana must be off campus property to administer the drug . Infraction of these laws constitutes a major violation of campus policy .

A violation of Pennsylvania ’ s Controlled Substance , Drug Device , and Cosmetic Act calls for widely varying penalties depending on the nature of the offense ( e . g . sale versus possession ), the type of drug involved , the quantity of drugs involved and whether the individual ’ s offense is a first , second , third or subsequent offense . A violation of the several federal statutes governing the sale and possession of drugs also calls for widely varying penalties .

Alcoholic Beverages

Pennsylvania law states : “ Under Pennsylvania law , a person commits a summary offense if [ they ], being under 21 years of age , attempts to purchase , consume , possesses or knowingly and intentionally transport any liquor or malt or brewed beverage . A person convicted of violating PA law in this regard will have [ their ] operating privileges suspended by the PA Department of Transportation . The duration of suspension depends on whether the offense is a first , second , or third or greater offense . In addition to this penalty , a person convicted of violating PA law in this regard may also be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $ 500 for the second and each subsequent violation . It is also unlawful to knowingly represent to any person that a minor is of full age for the purpose of inducing that other person to sell or furnish any alcoholic beverages to that minor .
It is unlawful to hire or request any minor to purchase any alcoholic beverage from a duly licensed dealer . It is unlawful to intentionally manufacture or alter or secure an identification card that falsely represents the identity or birth or age of another person and it is unlawful to possess an identification card falsely identifying yourself by name , age , date of birth or photograph as being 21 years of age or older , or to obtain or attempt to obtain alcoholic beverages by using the identification card of another person .”

Definitions

Intoxication and / or drunk and disorderly conduct : A person who , having consumed alcoholic beverages regardless of age , experiences a loss of the normal use of their mental and / or physical faculties . This includes ( but is not limited to ) incomprehensible speech , loss of motor coordination , aggression , abusive behavior , or loss of consciousness .
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