Student Handbook 2023-24 | Page 28

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 .
Open Container on University Grounds : Possession of an open container with alcohol is prohibited in all areas of campus including University grounds except at University approved functions . Students found in violation of this policy regardless of their age , will be required by agents of the University to dispose of the alcohol and may be subject to disciplinary consequences .
Alcohol / Drug / Mood Altering Substance : Alcohol , drugs , narcotics and / or other health endangering compounds which include but are not limited to : alcohol , alcoholic beverages , tranquilizers , amphetamines , synthetic opiates , cannabis , LSD and other hallucinogens , glue solvent-containing substances , “ look-alike ” drugs , and all controlled substances identified in the following laws :
• Public Law 91-513 — Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 [ Federal Law ]
• The Controlled Substance Drug , Device and Cosmetic Act of April 14 1972 [ P . L . 233 , No . 64 ] and Amendments
University Jurisdiction : University premises or any university-sponsored activity .
Constructively Possess : Knowingly to have joint control and access with other persons to any alcohol , drug or mood-altering illegal substance .
Drug Paraphernalia : All equipment , products , and materials of any kind which are used , intended for use , or designed for use in planting , propagating , cultivating , growing , harvesting , manufacturing , compounding , converting , producing , processing , preparing , testing , analyzing , packaging , repackaging , storing , containing , concealing , injecting , ingesting , inhaling , or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of the law .
Possession : To hold or to have an illegal substance on your person or property without attempting to distribute . University Policy
In alignment with our Catholic and Mercy identity , Gwynedd Mercy University promotes the educational mission of developing students ’ intellectual , moral and spiritual lives as they prepare for active roles in personal and professional service to society . As such , we expect our students to demonstrate a level of behavior and personal deportment consistent with those educational objectives . The University seeks to encourage a social life that is guided by the care and concern for each individual and the welfare of other students . Gwynedd Mercy University expects all students to adhere to local , state and federal laws regarding the possession , use or distribution of alcohol , cannabis , drugs and illegal substances . The following university policies have been developed to promote these ideals .
Cannabis Consistent with federal law , despite recreational or medicinal use , cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act ( CSA ; 21 U . S . C . § 801 et seq .), and therefore , the sale , use , possession , manufacture or distribution of cannabis or cannabis-related paraphernalia , including the misuse and / or unauthorized possession and / or distribution of prescribed cannabis is strictly forbidden both on and off campus . Infraction of these laws constitutes a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and shall be addressed through the University ’ s student conduct process .
Other Drugs Consistent with local , state and federal law , the sale , use , possession , manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia , including the misuse and / or unauthorized possession and / or distribution of prescribed drugs is strictly forbidden both on
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