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 The University is committed to addressing 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 .
Gwynedd Mercy University is a smoke / vape free campus , and therefore does not permit the smoking / vaping of medicallyprescribed cannabis or any other products . Likewise , under the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act , the University prohibits the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees . ‘ Illegal drugs ’ are controlled substances as defined by federal , state or local laws . Only those drugs which are properly prescribed , in the original container , for the person prescribed , and used in the manner prescribed are permitted .
Local , State and Federal Law
Cannabis or Marijuana While some individuals with specific illnesses or conditions who live in Pennsylvania may qualify for a medical cannabis card , cannabis is a federally-prohibited substance under the Controlled Substances Act ( CSA ). Therefore , Gwynedd Mercy University supports the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments . These Acts state , " as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program , an institution of higher education or state / local educational agency must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful manufacture , possession , use , or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students .”
Students should be aware that marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law . Using marijuana , even consistently with a state-certified medical marijuana program , can trigger a positive drug test for marijuana . Although use of certain controlled substances with a doctor ’ s prescription may be permissible , a state-medical marijuana card may NOT excuse a positive result . Therefore , students are advised to refrain from using marijuana . Similarly , students who may need to pass drug screens for clinical placement , employment or other opportunities are advised to refrain from using CBD products , whether or not lawful , as these too may trigger an unexcused positive result for marijuana .
Gwynedd Mercy University makes reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to have equal access to its programs . To make a request , students must contact Kelly Kiefer , Director of Accessibility Services , at accessibilityservices @ gmercyu . edu and provide medical information from their treating healthcare provider along with their requested specific accommodation , if known . Medical information submitted to Accessibility Services will be kept confidential except as needed to provide any appropriate accommodations . Requests for accommodations should be submitted as early as possible , as requests are not retroactive and will not excuse past behavior . A leave of absence to allow a student who is a user of medical marijuana to seek time to pursue alternative treatment may be considered a reasonable accommodation ; overlooking a positive drug screen is not .
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 and the like are also forbidden on campus . 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
27