1. PURPOSE
   Regent University recognizes that one of its most valuable assets is its employees, and its most important responsibility is to the students whom it serves. The purpose of this policy is to promote the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and students by striving to eliminate the negative effects of substance use and abuse from the workplace, and to assist those employees and students who have a drug-related or alcohol-related problem with rehabilitation. In furtherance of this purpose, any employee or student who has a drug-related or alcohol-related problem is encouraged, for his or her own benefit, as well as the benefit of fellow employees and students, to voluntarily seek treatment for such problems through a treatment program of his or her choice.
2. APPLICABILITY
   This policy shall be applicable to all faculty, staff, and students of Regent University, full-time and part-time, regular and temporary, and to any applicant for employment who has been offered and has accepted an available position
3. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
   1. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, as amended, it is the policy of Regent University that as a condition of employment, an employee will notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.
   2. Regent University employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and Christ-like manner at all times and are expected to live by exemplary standards. Regent University requires that members of the Regent community--faculty, staff and students--refrain from the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of addictive substances controlled by law. Regent University also forbids the use of alcohol and tobacco on campus and prohibits the abuse of these substances. The Apostle Paul exhorted the body of Christ that, if they truly loved their fellow man, they would set aside their personal freedom by refraining from behaviour that might be a stumbling block to their weaker brother. Regent University encourages members of the Regent community to exercise their personal responsibility and, guided by Paul's admonition, appropriately set aside their personal freedom and refrain from the use of alcohol and tobacco.
   3. In addition to complying with Section III.2. above, Regent University employees are also prohibited from engaging in the following activities:
      1. Using, purchasing, selling, possessing, distributing, or accepting illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia while on or off the job and on or off campus;
      2. Using, purchasing, selling, or distributing alcohol while on campus;
      3. Using, purchasing, selling, or distributing alcohol at university-related activities off-campus;
      4. Showing up for work or being on the job while impaired by illegal drugs and/or alcohol;
      5. Transporting illegal drugs, drug-related paraphernalia, and/or alcoholic beverages in a university-owned, leased, or hired vehicle.
         For purposes of this subsection, "on the job" shall be deemed to include meal periods, breaks, stand-by duty, and any time that an employee is acting in his or her capacity as a Regent University employee, whether on or off university property.
   4. Although the medically-authorized use of prescription drug(s)/medication(s) is not prohibited, any employee who is taking prescription or nonprescription drug(s)/medication(s) and has reason to believe, based on information provided by his or her physician, pharmacist, or the drug/medication label, that the drug/medication may impair the ability to safely and effectively perform the duties and responsibilities required of his or her position, shall promptly advise his or her immediate supervisor of the use of such drug(s)/medication(s).
4. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
   1. In order to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, as amended, Regent University has developed the following guidelines in conjunction with the Personal Standards of Conduct:
      1. Regent University requires that members of the Regent community--faculty, staff and students--refrain from the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of addictive substances controlled by law.
      2. Under no circumstances are the above to be used, possessed, sold, or distributed on or away from campus.
      3. Regent University also forbids the use of alcohol and tobacco on campus and prohibits the abuse of these substances. The Apostle Paul exhorted the body of Christ that, if they truly loved their fellow man, they would set aside their personal freedom by refraining from behaviour that might be a stumbling block to their weaker brother. Regent University encourages members of the Regent community to exercise their personal responsibility and, guided by Paul's admonition, appropriately set aside their personal freedom and refrain from the use of alcohol and tobacco.
      4. Students violating this policy will be subject to university disciplinary procedures up to and including the possibility of dismissal and referral for prosecution. For the purposes of this subsection, "student" shall be deemed to include anyone taking one or more classes for any type of academic credit, regardless of the length of the student's program of study. Also included are the students in the university's programs in a foreign country and off-campus in the United States.
   2. Students who feel they have a problem with alcohol or drug use may contact the University Student Services Counseling Center for non-punitive, confidential guidance in confronting the issue.
5. ILLICIT DRUGS AND HEALTH RISKS
   Illicit drugs and the health risks involved in using them include, but are not necessarily limited to:
   1. Cannabis (Marijuana)
      Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis.
   2. Inhalants (Gases or Volatile Liquids)
      Immediate negative effects may include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose bleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays may also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces. Long term use may result in hepatitis or brain damage.
   3. Cocaine
      Use causes the immediate effects of dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and elevated body temperature. Chronic use can cause ulceration of the mucous membrane in the nose and produce psychological dependency. Crack or freebase rock, a concentrated form of cocaine, produces effects within ten seconds of administration. In addition to the above, additional effects include loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. Cocaine in any form may lead to death through disruption of the brain's control of heart and respiration.
   4. Other Stimulants
      These include amphetamines and methamphetamines. Users may perspire, experience headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause physical collapse, very high fever, stroke, or heart failure.
   5. Depressants
      Included are barbituates, methaqualone, and tranquilizers. Effects can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can be devastating. Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs. Some show birth defects and/or behavioral problems.
   6. Hallucinogens
      Effects of hallucinogens vary depending upon the type of drug. Chronic users may experience mood disorders, paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, panic, confusion, loss of control, and death.
   7. Narcotics (including heroin)
      Overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and death. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly, and dependence is likely. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants.
   8. Designer Drugs
      These drugs have had their molecular structure changed chemically to produce analogs such as synthetic heroin and hallucinogens. These analogs can be hundreds of times stronger than the original drug which they are designed to imitate. One dose can cause uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage.
6. LEGAL CONSEQUENCES REGARDING THE ILLEGAL USE AND/OR POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL
   Employees and students should be aware that under Virginia law, a conviction for the use, possession, or distribution of illicit or unlawful drugs may result in the following criminal sanctions.
   1. Marijuana
      1. Possession (under 1/2 ounce for personal use - misdemeanor)
         • Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500
         • For a second or subsequent violation - up to one year in jail and/or fine up to $1,000
      2. Possession with intent to sell or distribute (based on weight)
         • 1/2 ounce (misdemeanor) - up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
         • 1/2 ounce to 5 pounds (felony) - from one to ten years in jail and/or fine up to $1,000
         • 5 pounds or more (felony) - from five to 30 years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000
         • A person 18 years old or older selling to someone under 18 and three years their junior (felony) - from ten to 50 years in jail and/or fine up to $50,000
      3. Manufacturing (felony - growing, producing, processing, etc.)
         • -from five to 30 years in jail and/or fine up to $10,000
   2. Drug Related Material (Drug Paraphernalia)
      1. Possession (misdemeanor)
         • up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
      2. Providing to minors (felony)
         • from one to ten years in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
      3. Providing to adults (misdemeanor)
         • up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
   3. Controlled Substances (marijuana, cocaine, narcotics, and hallucinogens)
      1. Possession (dependent upon the classification of the substance)
         • misdemeanor offenses - up to one year in jail and/or fine up to $1,000
         • felony offenses - from one to ten years in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
      2. Distribution/Manufacturing (dependent upon the classification of the substance)
         • misdemeanor offenses - up to one year in jail and/or fine up to $1,000
         • felony offenses - from five years to life in jail and/or a fine up to $100,000

Employees and students should also be aware that, under the provisions of the United States Code, conviction for the use, possession, or distribution of illicit or unlawful drugs may result in the following criminal sanctions.

1. Prohibited/Unlawful Acts
   • To manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance
   • To create, distribute, dispense, or possess with the intent to distribute or dispense a counterfeit substance
2. Penalties (dependent upon substance and number of violations)
   • Narcotic Drugs
     • First offense - up to 15 years in jail and/or a fine up to $25,000
     • Second offense - up to 30 years in jail and/or a fine up to $50,000
   • Other controlled substances
     • First offense - from up to one year to five years in jail and/or a fine up to $15,000
     • Second offense - from one to ten years in jail and/or a fine up to $30,000

Under Virginia law, a conviction for the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of alcohol may result in the following criminal sanctions.

1. Underage Possession and/or Transportation (misdemeanor)
   • up to 12 months in jail
   • fines up to $1,000
   • loss of drivers license for up to one year
2. Using a False Drivers License (misdemeanor)
   • fines up to $100
   • loss of drivers license for up to one year
3. Buying for a Minor (Misdemeanor)
   • up to 12 months in jail
   • fines up to $1,000
   • loss of drivers license for up to one year
4. Selling to Minors or Intoxicated Persons (misdemeanor)
   • up to 12 months in jail
   • fines up to $100
5. Drunk in Public (misdemeanor)
   • fines up to $100
6. Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor)
   • up to 12 months in jail
   • fines up to $1,000
7. Abusive Language (misdemeanor)
   • fines up to $1,000
8. Driving Under the Influence (misdemeanor)
   • loss of drivers license for six months (first offense) TO loss of drivers license for up to three years (second offense)
   • fines from $200 to $1,000
9. Unlicensed Sale (misdemeanor)
   • up to 12 months in jail
   • fines from $100 to $1,000
10. Drinking in Public (misdemeanor)
    • fines up to $100

VII. COUNSELING, TREATMENT, AND/OR REHABILITATION

Any employee or student who believes he/she has a problem with drug and/or alcohol abuse is urged to seek counseling and treatment at a clinic of his or her choice. A list of some of the available clinics which provide counseling and/or treatment in this area are listed in Appendix A which is attached to this policy statement. All counseling and treatment sessions, as well as referrals, will be handled in a confidential manner.

VIII. POLICY ON SANCTIONS

1. In applying sanctions as provided by the employee handbook or student handbook, it will be the policy of Regent University to concentrate upon the work results and performance of its employees and the academic performance of its students.
2. Any employee or student who voluntarily admits, in the absence of reasonable suspicion or of any conduct which alone would subject the employee or student to discipline, that he or she has a drug-related or alcohol-related problem may be referred to one of the clinics listed in Appendix A, and shall not be disciplined solely as a result of the admission.
3. Any employee or student found to be in violation of Section III of this policy and/or who has received a final conviction in local, state, or federal court will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

IX. POLICY DISTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYEES

This policy will be reviewed by the Vice President for Human Resources at least every two years to ensure that it is effective and that it is applied consistently on the Regent University campus. This policy will be distributed annually to all employees, as follows:

1. A memo will be delivered to each employee annually giving detailed instructions for electronic access via the World Wide Web. Each employee who accesses the policy will sign a statement verifying receipt and review of the policy. The signed verification will be placed in the employee's personnel file. Employees who are unable to electronically access the policy will be given a paper copy by the Human Resource Department and will be required to sign a receipt/review form to be placed in the employee's personnel file.
2. New employees will be given a copy of the policy at orientation.

X. POLICY DISTRIBUTION TO STUDENTS

This policy will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Services at least every two years to ensure that it is effective and is applied consistently to the Regent University student body. The policy will be distributed annually to all students, as follows:

1. New students will be given a copy of the policy during the New Student Orientation session for the school they are attending.
2. Returning students will be given a copy of the policy during the Final Registration process.

APPENDIX A

Resource List as of September 21, 2006

The Hampton Roads area has several qualified clinics and therapists who work with addictive behaviors. Some are listed in this appendix, but the university does not recommend any particular clinic or therapist. Additional information may be obtained from the Human Resources Office or from the Office of Student Services.

Chesapeake Community Services Board
547.9334

Christian Psychotherapy Services
490.0377 - Virginia Beach
312.8002 - Chesapeake

Covenant Counseling Services
547.7877

Eden Counseling Services
431.3600

Hampton Newport News Community
Services Board 826.6714

Maryview Behavioral Medicine
Portsmouth, Va.
757.398.2400
Intensive Out-  Patient Substance Abuse Program (IOP)

Norfolk Community Services Board
441.5300

Norfolk Psychiatric Center
627.5433

Portsmouth Substance Abuse Treatment
Center 393.8311

Portsmouth Community Services Board
393.8618

Regent University Psychological Services Center
352.4488

Regent University Student Services
352.4103

Resource Guidance Services
463.9600

Restoration Counseling Services
497.5608

SENTARA Mental Health Management
Employee Assistance Program
363.6777
1.800.899.8174

Shepherd's Staff Counseling Center
499.7722

Virginia Beach Community Services Board
437.6150

Additional Organizations:

AL-ANON World Service Office
499.1443 Southside
875.9429 Peninsula

Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline
490.3980 Southside
592.1212 Peninsula
253.1234 Williamsburg

Cocaine Hotline
1.800.COCAINE

Drug Information -- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)
(for Confidential Referral)
1.800.622.HELP

Lawyers Helping Lawyers
804.644.3212
877.545.4682
www.valhl.org
State-wide service available to all members of Virginia's legal community and their families.

Narcotics Anonymous
1.800.777.1515