Metropolitan State University alcohol and drug policy
Metropolitan State prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution or sale of any alcoholic beverage in the workplace, on the campus or at any university sponsored activities. The illegal or unauthorized use, possession, distribution, manufacture or sale of any controlled substances or drugs is prohibited in the workplace, on the campus or at any university sponsored activities. Penalties for violation of this policy are indicated below.
University Policy #1060 - Drug Abuse Prevention Program
Disciplinary sanctions
Students or employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. The severity of the sanctions will be appropriate to the violation. Sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- official reprimand
- restitution
- completion of a rehabilitation program
- community service
- suspension
- expulsion and/or reporting to local police
Sanctions will be imposed on students who violate the preceding standards of conduct. Sanctions, consistent with existing collective bargaining agreements or employee plans, up to and including termination of employment, will be imposed on employees who violate the preceding standards of conduct.
Legal sanctions
Federal and state sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances range from up to one year imprisonment and $100,000 in fines for a first offense, to three years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines for repeat offenders. Additional penalties include forfeiture of personal property and the denial of federal student aid benefits.
Under federal laws, trafficking in drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, may result in sanctions up to and including life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 gm or more. Fines for such an offense can reach $8 million. First offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 gm, may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $4 million.
A first offense for trafficking in marijuana may result in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 for an offense involving less than 50 kg. and up to life imprisonment and fines up to $8 million for an offense involving 1,000 kg. or more.
The State of Minnesota may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol related violations. For example, driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content of .08 or more) may result in a $700 fine, 90 days in jail, and/or revocation of driver's license for 30 days. Possession of alcohol under age 21 or use of false identification to purchase alcohol results in $100 fine. Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment.
Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
Employee policies
The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S. Code §§701 et seq.) requires that any employer receiving Federal funding certify that it will maintain a drug-free workplace. Among other things, the act requires that this policy be published notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of controlled substances is prohibited in the workplace. It also requires that certain actions be taken if this policy is violated.
Student policies
As a condition of receiving Federal funds, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 requires Metropolitan State University, and other institutions of higher education throughout the country, to adopt and implement a drug and alcohol prevention program. This program is implemented to prevent the unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on institutional premises or as part of any of its activities. This notice is published pursuant to the requirement of the act. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition to established campus policies, students are subject to all Minnesota State and Federal laws concerning the use and possession of alcohol and other drugs. Students are expected to observe the laws of the state of Minnesota or face legal prosecution.
- Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
- Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34CFR Part 86)
- The Campus Security Act
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Parental notification
The university reserves the right as permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to notify parents/guardians if their student, under 21 years of age, has been determined to have violated the university's Alcohol and Drug Policy.