Drug & Alcohol

Drug-Free School & Community Act of 1989

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is unequivocally opposed to the misuse of lawful drugs and the possession and use of unlawful drugs. Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free School and Community Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226), NEOMED has adopted and implemented drug and alcohol policies and programs designed to prevent drug and alcohol problems within the university setting. The policies and programs are designed to identify problems at the earliest stage, motivate the affected individuals to seek help, and to direct the individual toward the best assistance available.

Student & Employee Compliance with NEOMED’s Drug & Alcohol Policies

All NEOMED students, employees and visitors to the University are expected to abide by the terms of the University’s policies. A student, employee or visitor found to be in possession of or illegally using drugs and/or alcohol may be subject to appropriate sanctions. Such sanctions may include:

• referral for prosecution,
• termination of employment, and/or
• referral to the Committee on Academic and Professional Progress (CAPP) for violations of the Student Code of Conduct which may result in reprimand, probation, suspension or expulsion, and/ or
• the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Standards of Conduct for Employees & Students

NEOMED is committed to promoting the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors by maintaining a campus free of illegal drugs or the unlawful use of alcohol. The NEOMED Drug Free Workplace Policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or illegal drugs, or the unauthorized use of alcohol by University employees , students, or volunteers on University premises or University vehicles on or off-campus. It is the policy of NEOMED to permit the possession, consumption, and sale of alcoholic beverages on campus in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio and the policies of NEOMED.

NEOMED has the responsibility of upholding federal, state, and local laws regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. Students or employees who choose to possess or use unlawful drugs or misuse lawful drugs or alcohol subject themselves to both arrest and prosecution, and University sanctions in accordance with NEOMED policy.

All students or employees of the University accept the responsibility to conform to all NEOMED rules and regulations. Proven failure to meet this obligation will justify appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including expulsion, suspension, disciplinary probation or reprimand.

NEOMED Sanctions

In cases of civil or criminal action against a NEOMED student or employee, the University does reserve the right, for educational purposes, to review any action taken by authorities. The University may, at its discretion, introduce further sanctions if the conduct has interfered with the University’s exercise of its educational objectives or responsibilities to its members.

NEOMED’s Drug Free Workplace policy expressly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, offer for sale, or possession of drugs or narcotics in accordance with the following.

• The University prohibits its employees and students from the unlawful use, possession, dispensation, distribution, or manufacture of any controlled substance or illegal drug, or the unauthorized use of alcohol while in the workplace or anywhere on the Rootstown campus.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages by employees or students on the campus at events other than those sanctioned or sponsored by the university is prohibited.
• An employee who violates any provision of this policy will be subject to sanctions up to and including termination of employment, a student who violates any provision of this rule will be subject to sanctions up to and including dismissal.
• The severity of the sanctions will depend upon the circumstances of the situation.

 

The NEOMED Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession and unauthorized use of alcohol. Students found to be in violation of this standard will be subject to the full range of sanctions available under the Student Code of Conduct, including potential suspension or expulsion from the University.

Local, State & Federal Laws and Sanctions

Applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol are set forth in the referenced laws and are available upon request from the Office of the General Counsel. These sanctions can include probation, fines, driver’s license suspension, and/or incarceration. Future revisions, amendments, or additions to these or other applicable codes are incorporated into this policy by this reference.

Local

No applicable municipal code exists at this time.

State

Underage Drinking (O.R.C. § 4301.63):

• Violation will result in a fine of not less than $25 but not more than $100
• The court may order that the fine be paid by the performance of public work at a reasonable hourly rate established by the court and may specify the designated time in which the work shall be completed

 

False Identification Used to Purchase Alcohol for Someone Under 21 (O.R.C. § 4301.633)

• Violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree
• Maximum penalty is imprisonment for not more than six months and a fine not more than $1,000

 

False Identification Used to Purchase Alcohol by Someone Under 21 (O.R.C. § 4301. 634)

• Violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree
• Maximum penalty is imprisonment for not more than six months and a fine not more than $1,000, but not less than $250

 

Open Container in a Motor Vehicle (O.R.C. § 4301.64)

• Violation is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $250

 

Furnishing or Selling Alcohol to Someone Under 21 (O.R.C. § 4301.69(A))

• Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $500, but not more than $1,000, and up to six months’ imprisonment

 

Underage Purchase, Possession or Consumption of Alcohol (O.R.C. § 4301.69(E))

• Violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree
• The maximum penalty is imprisonment for not more than six months and a fine up to $1,000

 

Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (O.R.C. § 4511.19)

• Violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree
• The maximum penalty is a jail term of up to six months and a fine up to $1,000
• The court may also impose additional fines, community rehabilitation or intervention programs, and suspend or revoke the offender’s driver’s license
• Additional penalties exist for repeat offenders of O.R.C. § 4511.19

 

Selling or Distributing Illicit Drugs (Trafficking) (O.R.C. § 2925.03)

• Anyone violating his statute is considered guilty of drug trafficking
• Violation is a felony, the level of which depends on the criteria set forth in O.R.C. § 2925.03(C), including the type and weight of the drug
• The maximum penalty for a fifth-degree felony can include up to six to twelve months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500
• The maximum penalty for a first-degree felony can include imprisonment up to ten years and a fine up to $20,000

 

Possession of Controlled Substances (O.R.C. § 2925.11)

• Violation of this section is drug abuse, which may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the criteria set for in O.R.C. § 2925.11(C), including the type and weight of drug
• The minimum penalty, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 30 days and a fine of up to $250
• The maximum penalty, a first-degree felony, is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $ 20,000

 

Note:

• Revisions, amendments, or additions related to drug offenses, controlled substances, and liquor control laws may be found in Ohio Revised Code sections 2925, 3719, and 4301 respectively.
• A complete list of drug prohibitions can be found in Chapter 2925 of the Ohio revised Code

 

Federal

Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances as outlined in 21 United States Code, Section 841, 842, 843 and 844.
Depending on the amount possessed, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range:

• From five years’ imprisonment with a $250,000 fine to imprisonment for life with a $10 million fine for an individual; and
• From five years’ imprisonment with a $1 million fine to imprisonment for life with a $50 million fine if not an individual

 

Depending on the amount possessed, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range:

• From five years’ imprisonment with a $5 million fine to imprisonment for life with a $10 million fine for an individual; and
• From five years’ imprisonment with a $25 million fine to imprisonment for life with a $50 million fine if not an individual

 

First offense penalties for simple possession, under 21 U.S.C. § 844, range from at most one year’s imprisonment or at least a $1,000 fine or both to at least twenty years’ imprisonment and a fine or at least $1,000.

Note:

• For the most current and complete information regarding Federal penalties for drug trafficking, visit U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website
• Distribution of controlled substances in or near schools and colleges can result in penalties twice the regular penalty for the same offense (21 U.S.C. § 860)
• Use of ANY controlled substance to aid in committing a crime of violence (including sexual assault) is a violation of federal law that could be prosecuted in addition to the underlying crime. Penalties may be as great as 20 years in prison with the penalties increased if the perpetrator has a prior conviction or if death or serious bodily injury results from the use of the controlled substance (21 U.S.C. § 841)
• Other related federal acts include:
  • Federal Harrison Narcotics Tax Act
  • Federal Narcotic Drugs Import and Export Act
  • Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act

Health Risks

Various health risks associated with the use, misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs have been identified. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess or over time can produce physical or psychological disease, disability, or death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable or long-term. In addition to health-related problems, other substance abuse concerns include the following:

• Individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs often develop habits or behaviors which may interfere with their ability to meet requirements and to perform successfully and safely at work or at school.
• Alcohol and substance abuse may also impact other life experiences and cause financial, social or domestic issues.
• Repeated use, misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs can lead to various forms of dependence.

 

For more detailed descriptions of commonly-abused drugs, including specific health effects and treatment options, refer to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Substance Abuse Counseling, Treatment, Prevention & Rehabilitation Resources

Resources for substance abuse counseling, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation services are available through a variety of university and community-based services including:

NEOMED Center for Student Wellness & Counseling

Director, Counseling Services: 330.325.6484 or jdougall@neomed.edu
General Office Extension: 330.325.6757
Location: NEOMED NEW Center Suite
Visit Student Wellness & Counseling website

Campus and Community Resources for Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Treatment & Prevention

Impact Solutions ( Employee Assistance Program): MyIMPACTSolution.com
Live, Immediate, 24/7 assistance: 800.227.6007

University Employee Health Insurance

Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County: 330.678.3006

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1.800.662.HELP (4357)

Akron Area Alcoholics Anonymous: 330.253.8181

Narcotics Anonymous- Buckeye Region: 1.800.438.4673

Marijuana Anonymous- Ohio: 1.800.766.6779

Ohio Drug Rehab contact information: 800.576.8950

Townhall II: 330.678.4357 (HELP)

Inpatient and Outpatient Program List

Additional Resources may be found on the Counseling and Wellness website.

Distribution & Review

The University submits a drug-free campus certification as required by Section 22 of the Drug-free Schools and Communities Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as part of its annual Program Participation Agreement.

Certification

This document will be distributed annually via the Annual Security Report to each NEOMED student and employee. In addition, this information will be made available to new employees via onboarding and/ or orientation and to new students at onboarding and/ or via The Compass. This program will be reviewed biannually to assess its effectiveness, implement needed changes and insure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.