Drug-Free Schools

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol increase the incidence of a wide variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucination, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics.

Regis College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance by members of the community on the university's campus, or outside of campus, while working for or representing Regis in any way, including student internship or cross-registration.

Regis College recognizes the dangers of drug abuse in the university environment and will educate members of the community about these dangers. No member of the university may be under the influence of drugs.

Local, state, and federal laws make illegal use of drugs and alcohol serious crimes. Convictions can lead to imprisonment, fines, and assigned community service. Courts do not lift prison sentences in order for convicted persons to attend college or continue their jobs. A felony conviction for such an offense can prevent a person from entering many fields of employment or professions.

Cities and towns in Massachusetts, specifically Weston, prohibit public consumption of alcohol and impose fines for violations. The Metropolitan District Commission also prohibits public consumption of alcohol in its parks.

Massachusetts laws prohibit sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to persons under twenty-one with a fine of up to $2,000 and six months imprisonment, or both. Misrepresenting one's age or falsifying an identification to obtain alcoholic beverages is punishable by a fine of $300. First conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol has a $500 to $5,000 fine, one year revocation of drivers license, up to two-and-a-half years in prison, and mandatory alcohol rehabilitation.

Massachusetts has criminal penalties for the use of controlled substances or drugs, with penalties varying with the type of drug. In general, narcotic, addictive, and drugs with a high potential for abuse have heavier penalties.

Possession of drugs is illegal without authorization. While penalties for possession are generally not as great as those for manufacture and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution. Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession, manufacture, and distribution are much greater for second and subsequent convictions. Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms and the full minimum term must be served.

Massachusetts makes it illegal to be in a place where heroin is kept and to be "in the company" of a person known to possess heroin. Anyone in the presence of heroin at a private party or residence hall suite risks a serious drug conviction. Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms and the full minimum term must be served.

Persons convicted of drug possession under state or federal laws are ineligible for federal grants and loans for up to one year after the first conviction, five years after the second; the penalty for distributing drugs includes the loss of benefits for five years after the first, ten after the second, permanently after the third conviction. Under federal law, distribution of drugs to persons under twenty-one is punishable by twice the normal penalty with a mandatory one year in prison; a third conviction is punishable by mandatory imprisonment. These penalties apply to distribution of drugs in or within 1,000 feet of a college or school.

Federal laws set substantially higher prison sentences for the manufacture and distribution of drugs if death or serious injury results from the use of the substance.

Failure to honor any policy may subject the violator to criminal and civil charges (including substantial civil damage claims) and imprisonment as well as university judicial or administrative action, up to and including termination of employment and/or dismissal from Regis College or residency.

The designated referral person available to all members of the Regis College community is the University Counselor. A licensed mental health clinician is on campus five days a week and provides 24-hour emergency coverage. Appropriate referrals are made when necessary. All discussions and sessions with the counselor are considered confidential and will not appear on university records. Appointments with the counselor can be made by calling Health Services.