Alcohol and Drug Policy

Federal and State laws on drug abuse provide for stringent penalties for illegal possession, manufacture, cultivation, sale, transportation, use of/administration of any narcotic drug; more stringent penalties for those convicted of previous narcotics offenses than for first offenders; and extremely stringent penalties for those who in any way involve minors in the use of narcotics. A person is subject to prosecution if he or she illegally uses or is under the influence of narcotics, or knowingly visits a place where illegal narcotic use is occurring.

Marijuana and other illegal organic substances are covered by similar laws, and there is an additional violation against cultivation or processing of these drugs in this state. The barbiturates (e.g. yellow jackets, red devils) and amphetamines (e.g. bennies, dexies, etc.) - called restricted dangerous drugs in the California Narcotic Act—are similarly covered; penalties for those convicted of illegal possession, manufacture, cultivation, sale, transportation, use or administration of these drugs are severe. In 1966, LSD and related hallucinogenic drugs were added to the list of restricted dangerous drugs, and their use for other than authorized research was prohibited by California law.

The University’s policy with respect to alcohol follows the laws of the State of California and the City of Los Angeles. All persons, regardless of age, or status are governed by these laws and regulations. State and city laws, prohibit (1) the purchase or sale to, possession of, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21; (2) the serving of alcohol to an already intoxicated person; and (3) the manufacture, use of provision of a false state identification card, driver’s license, or certificate of birth or baptism. If convicted for violating these laws, punishment—up to and including jail sentence—may result.

The serious health risks of various illegal drugs and alcohol are well-documented. Use of illegal drugs or excessive use of alcohol can damage the following:

• Physiological processes including functioning of the brain, digestive tract, liver, heart, and lungs.
• Psychological and mental processes including memory, judgment, personality, reproduction capability and fetal development (and may induce psychotic episodes).

Many thousands of deaths each year are either directly or indirectly attributed to substance misuse through accidents, illnesses, and violence. Brochures describing the specific health effects of various illegal drugs and of alcohol are available in the Student Health Center (Health Center) and in Residence Life.

The University’s interest in the educational welfare of its students and staff is demonstrated through primary concern for remedial measures. The University makes available the full counseling and medical resources to assist students and staff in constructively confronting problems leading to involvement with drugs or alcohol.

Every student concerned about problems resulting from the use of illegal drugs or alcohol is encouraged to seek help from the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3300; staff members should contact the Employee Assistance Program (LifeMatters) at (800) 367-7474. The Student Health Center will treat such voluntary calls for students confidentially and not subject them to disciplinary action. The Student Health Center is able to provide students with referrals to community care and treatment resources which can provide students with specific assistance once an assessment has been made by a physician or counselor.

Illegal Drugs: State law (Section 41301, of Title 5, California Code of regulations) allows the University to take disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion, against any student or staff who sells or knowingly possesses any illegal drug while on campus property. University action may be taken whether or not independent action is taken by civil authorities. Conviction in a criminal court does not necessarily preclude University disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Alcohol: University Administrative Procedure 19, Use of Alcoholic Beverages on Campus, explains the restrictions beyond City and State laws that govern the possession and use of alcohol on campus. Alcoholic beverages may only be sold at approved catered events. Also, when a recognized student club sponsors an on campus event, attendance is limited to members of that club and their guests. Organizations violating this policy may be subject to administrative action ranging from probation to removal of official recognition. Individuals who violate University Administrative Procedure 19 are subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.

The use of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with California State law and is strictly limited to persons 21 years of age or older.

Both mandatory and optional supplemental (in relation to EDGAR Part 86 core requirements) programming was conducted during the reporting period. Programs targeted fraternity and sorority members, housing residents, interns and volunteers, new students, student athletes, student organization members, student employees, students enrolled in specific courses, students who violated University policies, the general student population, and employees. Activities ranged from passive programming (e.g., MADD crashed car display) and information fairs, to workshops and guest lectures, to the provision of online information and resources. Programs were conducted by Fraternity and Sorority Life (University-Student Union), Health Promotion and Education (Student Health Center), Housing and Residence Life, Intercollegiate Athletics, Office of Student Conduct, Office of Graduate Studies, and University Police.

Collectively, education and training activities addressed alcohol, cannabis, opioids, prescription and over-the- counter medications, tobacco and nicotine, illicit substances, and other substances (e.g., CBD, supplements). These sessions incorporated: current federal and state legislation; CSU and campus policies; assessing risk; at- risk use; attitudes, myths and misperceptions; conduct expectations; campus disciplinary sanctions and legal consequences; health risks; healthy alternatives to substance use; legal consequences associated with criminal activity; on-campus and community prevention and intervention resources; promotion and support of ‘Good Samaritan’ behavior/bystander intervention; and substance facts.

Students and employees in need were referred to 12-step programs, alcohol and drug hotlines, community care and treatment facilities, employee assistance program, Office for Students with Disabilities, Office of Student Conduct, Office of the Dean of Students, online alcohol and substance resources, and the Student Health Center.