Updated VCU policy cracks down on drugs & alcohol
Students or VCU employees caught on university property illegally using, selling, distributing or manufacturing alcohol or drugs might be subject to severe penalties, states a policy update released Tuesday.
Penalties for students can be as unforgiving as expulsion, but the policy also allows room for the university to refer offending students to rehabilitation programs or to force students to participate in community service.
Students or VCU employees caught on university property illegally using, selling, distributing or manufacturing alcohol or drugs might be subject to severe penalties, states a policy update released Tuesday.
Penalties for students can be as unforgiving as expulsion, but the policy also allows room for the university to refer offending students to rehabilitation programs or to force students to participate in community service.
Betty Reppert is the chair of the University Substance Abuse committee, which authored the policy.
“The administration wanted to get across the point that ‘Hey, we have a policy,’ ” Reppert said. “(The policy) is part of the way the university is approaching minimizing high-risk drinking on campus.”
Reppert said the policy update was not sent to all VCU students and employees via a mass e-mail to scare or to intimidate, but to educate. Most of the policy updates include additional information on resources and definitions of common terminology. Also included is health information Reppert said is meant to help students or employees struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.
“In a way, it is a message being sent,” Reppert said. “If people read the whole e-mail . . . the university is not just about enforcing the policy, but we’re also about education and prevention.”
According to Pam Lepley, director of University News Services, the policy also applies to students who are caught with illegal possession of substances or alcohol outside of university property but within university police jurisdiction.
Student William Winston, 20, said he thinks students caught by university police should be given leeway.
“I’d say it’s too strict,” Winston said. “(VCU) should be stricter on people in the dorms.”
Offending students also should expect VCU to send a letter to parents describing the offense.
University and Community Resources for Alcohol and Other Drugs
(Excerpt from the VCU alcohol and drug policy)
Employee Health Services – Resource and referral to community resources for faculty and staff: 828-0584.
University Counseling Services – Assessment, counseling and referral services for students experiencing alcohol and other drug use problems. Consultation is available for other members of the University community: 828-6200 (Monroe Park Campus); 828-3964 (Medical Center Campus).
University Student Health Services – Assessment, counseling and education for students regarding the health effects of substance use and abuse: 828-1093 (Monroe Park Campus); 828-9220 (Medical Center Campus).
Substance Abuse Services Coordinator – Evaluation, counseling and referral sources for students, including the Relapse Prevention Program: 828-2086.
Human Resources Employee Relations Office – Resource and referral for faculty and staff: 828-1510.
Student Ashley Taylor, 18, thinks the policy is warranted.
“If they really want to get the message out, harder punishment would be better,” Taylor said. “Teachers should be punished for it (too).”
The policy includes employees and faculty as potential offenders and outlines similar consequences. Offending employees might be dismissed, suspended or required to enter rehabilitation, counseling or complete community service.
Student Matt Bowman, 20, said he does not think alcohol is a problem on campus.
“I don’t think there should be any alcohol on campus,” Bowman said. “I think they (students and teachers) should separate school and social life.”
