Drug Free Campus

CSUDH provides the following information in response to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. In order to be in compliance with each section, CSUDH will distribute to all students, faculty, and staff annually:

  • Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or as part of any school activities.
  • A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs.
  • A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
  • A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students.
  • A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct.

Furthermore, CSUDH will conduct a biennial review of its alcohol and other drug program and the consistency of policy enforcement.

Standards of Conduct

Presidential Memorandum 99-04 (Section 5) outlines the Campus Policy on Alcohol and Substance Abuse. CSUDH has a responsibility to maintain an educational environment conducive to academic achievement. The prohibition of illicit drugs helps to assure student, faculty, and staff that the university is exercising this responsibility. The unlawful manufacture, distribution (by either sale or gift), dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited anywhere on the campus of CSUDH. Actions that will be taken against those who violate this prohibition are delineated elsewhere in this policy. For purpose of this policy the term "controlled substance" has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 892) and includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroine, crack, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, and substances typically known as designer drugs, such as ecstasy or Molly. Possession of paraphernalia associated with the illegal use, possession, or manufacture of a controlled substance is also prohibited. The illicit use of alcohol is also included in this policy.

Legal Sanctions

The use of alcohol beverages must be in compliance with California state law and is strictly limited to persons 21 years of age or older. The possession, transportation, and/or consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 years of age is strictly prohibited. Federal and State Law prohibit the solicitation, procurement, sale, or manufacture of narcotics or controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. Applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for the unlawful distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs range from probation, diversion, imprisonment in the county jail for less than one year, to imprisonment in state prison. A police officer can take the license from any driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs who refuses to take a blood alcohol test.

Health Risks

There are definite health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illegal substances. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability, and death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. In addition to health related problems, other concerns relating to substance abuse include the following:

  • Regular users of alcohol and other drugs often have erratic lifestyles which interfere with sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Alcohol and substance use/abuse may lead to financial difficulties, domestic violence, deterioration of the family structure, motor vehicle accident injuries, and reduced school and job performance.
  • Repeated use of alcohol and other drugs can lead to dependence.

Treatment Available

For students, short-term counseling is available at Health and Psychological Services, located at the Student Health Center. Their office can be reached at (310) 243-3818 or through the Office of Student Development at (310) 243-3625.

University Sanctions

Disciplinary action imposed by the university will not be in lieu of penalty, fines, or imprisonment imposed through the legal system. Disciplinary action for students, which may include penalties up to and including expulsion, will comply with the procedures established in Executive Order 628 and outlined in the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities on the Student Affairs website.

For employees, appropriate personnel action will be taken 30 days, and may include penalties up to and including termination. Disciplinary action for employees will be conducted in accordance with current collective bargaining agreements and HEERA procedures.

The University Policy on the Possession and Consumption of Alcohol

The purpose of the policy (PM 99- 04, Section 1) is to regulate the possession and consumption of alcohol on campus by members of the university community and by recognized university organizations and departments. The privilege of consuming beer or wine is extended with the expectation that these activities are to be held under conditions which complement the orderly operation of the university. Off-campus groups and organizations contracting with the university for use of facilities are also subject to these regulations.

The possession, sale, serving, or use of distilled spirits on campus is prohibited at all time except within the privacy of individual living units in University Housing. The possession, sale, serving, or use of beer or wine on campus is also prohibited at all times, except as allowed under the alcoholic beverage license managed by the CSUDH Foundation Campus Dining Services or within the privacy of individual living units in University Housing.

California state law imposes criminal penalties for the possession or use of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age and for persons who furnish, give, sell, or cause to be sold, furnished, or given away, any alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 (State Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. Sections 25658-25665).

This policy is promulgated under the authority of the California Education and Administrative Codes, subsequent resolutions and standing orders of the Board of Trustees and Administrative Codes, subsequent resolutions and standing order of the Board of Trustees and Chancellor of the California State University, and responsibility of the President of the university for the general welfare of the campus.

Further details of this policy may be found here.

"Serving" means to give away or provide at no cost. "Sale" means to give or exchange for money, tickets, tokens, or anything else of value, directly or indirectly. "Appropriate university official" shall include a University Police officer or the administrator assigned to be present at the event or his/her designee. Or if the occasion should require it, any administrator senior to the designee may be present. "Closed Catered Events" means events catered by the Campus Dining Services that are by invitation only.

University Housing Alcohol Policy

Students who are 21 or older may consume alcohol within the privacy of their own University Housing apartment and without the presence of a minor. In such cases the doors must be closed and all other policies governing noise and other common courtesies must be followed. No one, regardless of age, may have an open container of alcohol in a public area, including the grounds and parking lot, at any time. No kegs or other communal sources of alcohol are permitted in or around University Housing. It is not appropriate within any Housing facility to plan, host, or attend any group event or activity which includes alcohol use. The ability to exercise care for one’s safety or the safety of others due in whole or part to alcohol consumption is considered a violation of policy. University Housing residents are responsible for their own actions and the actions of their guest(s).

The University Police strictly enforce federal and state laws, as well as the university’s zero-tolerance policy for the use and sale of illegal drugs. Violators are subject to university discipline, criminal prosecution, and removal from University Housing. Students found in violation of the university alcohol, drug, or weapons policies may be subject to academic probation, suspension, or expulsion. Parents or guardians may be notified about any disciplinary violation involving alcohol or a controlled substance which has been committed by a student who is under the age of 21.

Campus Resources