Alcohol & Drug Policies

The University of Virginia's College at Wise does not condone the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. It is the responsibility of every member of the College community to know the risks associated with substance use and abuse. This responsibility obligates students and employees to know relevant College policies and federal, state, and local laws and to conduct themselves in accordance with these laws and policies. To these ends, the College publishes the following information regarding College policies and sanctions; laws and penalties concerning substance use and abuse; health and behavioral risks of drug use, and resources for treatment and educational programming.

Alcohol Policy

The University of Virginia's College at Wise does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages and does not condone the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol. In accordance with state and federal law, the College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol on College property or at College-sponsored functions. All members of the College community are expected to know and act in accordance with Virginia state and local laws concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, sales, and storage of alcoholic beverages. In this connection, members of the College community are reminded of the following:

1. Any sale of an alcoholic beverage requires an ABC license.

2. Alcoholic beverages are not to be given or sold to persons under the legal drinking age, which is 21 years of age.

3. Alcoholic beverages are not to be given or sold to persons who are intoxicated.

4. State law prohibits drinking in unlicensed public places; possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under the legal drinking age; falsely representing one's age for the purpose of procuring alcohol; and purchasing an alcoholic beverage for a person who is under the legal drinking age. Violations of state alcohol laws are criminal misdemeanors punishable by fines of up to $2,500, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and suspension of driver's license.

Any member of the College community who violates state alcohol control laws is subject to prosecution. Whether or not criminal charges are brought, all students are subject to College discipline for any violation of state alcohol laws that occurs (i) on College-owned or leased property, or (ii) at College-sponsored or supervised functions, or (iii) under other circumstances involving a direct and substantial connection to the College. Any student found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to the entire range of sanctions, including suspension and expulsion.

The University of Virginia's College at Wise assumes no responsibility for any liability incurred at any event not sponsored by the College where alcohol is served and/or sold. Students and recognized student organizations are always expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and to assume full responsibility for their activities and events. (See No. 11 under Judicial Sanctions in the Student Code of Conduct.)

AREAS OF EMPHASIS
1. The Chancellor and his/her designee approves all public areas on the campus of Uva's College at Wise where alcoholic beverages may be provided.

2. College funds may not be used for the illegal purchase of alcoholic beverages.

3. Alcoholic beverages purchased with College funds may be used only in compliance with state law.

4. Alcoholic beverages should not be served at any function or event sponsored by the College or held on College-owned or leased property without the permission of the Chancellor or his/her designee. Requests for permission must be made in advance to the Chancellor or his/her designee.

5. Non-alcoholic beverages and food items should be present at the College-sponsored events where alcoholic beverages are served.

6. Alcoholic beverages should not be mentioned in the advertising or publicizing of a College-sponsored event.

7. Organizations serving alcohol at College-sponsored events should not permit the entry or exit of persons with beverage containers.

8. Organizations must check for proper age identification of individuals attending events when alcohol is served.

9. A student may not let another person use his/her student ID for the purpose of obtaining an alcoholic beverage.

10. Dining Service is the only organization eligible to obtain an ABC license for the purpose of selling alcoholic beverages on campus.

11. Any organization, as well as its leadership, sponsoring an event at the College will be responsible for following all state laws relative to the serving and/or selling of alcoholic beverages.

12. Members of the College community living on property owned or leased by the College, and their invited guests, who are lawfully permitted to purchase, possess, and consume alcohol, may do so in the residence or on any immediately adjacent area devoted to residential use. They should not do so, however, in public places or in any area owned by the College which is devoted to common use. Public areas include, but are not limited to, hallways, lounges, patios, or parking lots.

13. The possession of kegs, pony kegs, beer balls, or any common source container is prohibited in College-owned residence facilities.

14. Possession of alcohol is prohibited in residence facilities where none of the permanent residents are of legal drinking age.

Drug Policy

Unauthorized manufacture, distribution, and possession of "controlled substances" (illegal drugs), including marijuana, cocaine, and LSD, are prohibited by both state and federal law and are punishable by severe penalties. The College does not tolerate or condone such conduct. Students who violate state or federal drug laws may be referred by College authorities for criminal prosecution and, if convicted, may be subject to the penalties described herein.

Whether or not a criminal charge is brought, all students are subject to College discipline for illegally manufacturing, distributing, possession or using any controlled substance (i) on College-owned or leased property or (ii) at College-sponsored or supervised functions or (iii) under other circumstances involving a direct and substantial connection to the College. Any student found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to an entire range of sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.

FEDERAL AND STATE PENALTIES
Under the Federal Controlled Substance Act and the Virginia Control Act, the law penalizes for unlawful manufacturing, distribution, use and possession of controlled substances. The penalties vary based on the type of drug involved, possession and intent to distribute. Federal law sets penalties for the first offenses ranging from one year to life imprisonment and/or $100,000 to $4 million fines. Penalties may include forfeiture of property, including vehicles used to possess, transport or conceal controlled substance or denial of federal benefits such as student loans and professional licenses. Convictions under state law may be misdemeanor or felony crimes with sanctions ranging from six months to life imprisonment and/or $250 to $100,000 fines.

Federal law holds that any person who distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance in, or within one thousand feet of an educational facility, is subject to a doubling of the applicable maximum punishments and fines. A similar state law carries sanctions of up to five years of imprisonment and up to $100,000 fine for similar violations.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
The use of alcohol by employees while on Uva's College at Wise owned or controlled property, including meal periods and breaks, is absolutely prohibited except when authorized by the College for approved College functions. No employee will report to work while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Violations of these rules by an employee will be reason for evaluation/treatment for a substance use disorder or for disciplinary action up to and including removal. This policy applies to all employees (full-time, part-time, students, etc.).