Student Substance Abuse Policy
Purpose. The College of Southern Idaho recognizes the health risks and costs associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol and is committed to providing a drug-free and alcohol-free educational environment, which supports the mission of the college.
Legal Provisions. Under Idaho law, it is illegal for any person under 21 years of age to purchase or attempt to purchase or otherwise procure, possess, or consume beer, wine, or other alcoholic or intoxicating liquor. It is also illegal to sell, serve, give or furnish beer, wine, or other alcoholic or intoxicating liquor to a person under age specified above. It is also illegal for any underage person to falsify a driver’s license or other identification document or for any person to permit his/her driver’s license or any other identification document by and underage person to purchase alcoholic beverages. Because CSI campus is within Twin Falls City limits, city beverage ordinances, which conform closely to state law, also apply on the campus and are enforced by the city police.
State and federal laws also prohibit the use and/or possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, marijuana, and other controlled substances on College premise, at College activities, or while representing the College at off campus premises is absolutely prohibited.
College Policy. Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed or consumed under any circumstances on CSI premises and at any CSI sponsored events held off campus. Possession and consumption of alcohol in the dorms is prohibited. Students who become intoxicated off campus and are involved in CSI sponsored events will be accountable to local law enforcement and fall under CSI’s drug and alcohol policy. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited for use anywhere on campus or off campus at CSI sponsored events.
The Board of Trustees authorizes the President of the College or his designee to permit the presence of alcohol at an off-campus College-sponsored event when, in his discretion, it is appropriate. This alcohol policy does not apply to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation.
College’s Role. CSI does not condone or remain indifferent to any act or conduct that impairs the pursuit or dissemination of knowledge or that may be judged to have a deleterious effect on the academic community. CSI’s primary role in dealing with matters involving the use or potential use of drugs or alcohol by its students is that of prevention, counseling and education. Family members may be notified in the event the situation is warranted by the Dean of Students or his designee. The investigatory, prosecuting, and disciplinary roles relating to illegal drug and alcohol use are the responsibility of the college and law-enforcement authorities.
In addition, the College has adopted and implemented an alcohol and other drug prevention program. As part of the federal regulations, the College is required to annually provide policy and prevention information to all students both new and prospective.
For information regarding this policy, as well as the process that is involved when the drug and alcohol policy is violated you may contact the Student Activities Office.
Policy Changes. This policy is subject to change at any time, as the College’s administration may deem necessary for the protection of person or property.
Process for Violating the Drug and Alcohol Policy at The College of Southern Idaho
The following guidelines represent typical responses that will most likely occur when violations of CSI’s substance abuse policy are made. Although each incident is considered on its own merit, prior judicial background or other behavioral incidents will be taken into consideration when decisions are rendered. In some situations, a first offense may result in a more serious response, given the nature of the incident. Students may take the two-hour drug education seminar even if they have not violated the drug and alcohol policy.
Level 1
A level 1 offense is when a student violates the substance abuse policy. Student will be required to attend a two-hour drug education seminar. An example of this violation may include, but is not limited to: possession of alcohol under age or sustained presence in a room where other alcohol policy violations are taking place.
Level 2
A level two offense is when a student violates the substance abuse policy for a second time or when a student’s use of substances causes personal or academic consequences. Depending on the situation the student will attend the two-hour education seminar. Students will also be referred to counseling services, a 12-step program and a letter sent to their parents (if under the age of 21). Examples of this violation include, but are not limited to: possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, large quantities of alcohol, kegs or beer balls, or use in public or common areas, participation in drinking games, or a repeat of a level one offense.
Level 3
A level three offense involves behavior that suggests the excessive consumption of alcohol or other drugs, or leads to an alcohol or other drug-related arrest. At this level, the student’s family will be notified; the student will either be placed on temporary behavioral probation depending on the individual circumstances. This level of severity may require that the student receive a professional alcohol assessment. Examples of violations at this level might include, but are not limited to: third violation of policy, alcohol and other drug related hospitalization, arrest for false identification, DWAI/DUI while on campus or at any CSI sponsored event. NOTE: Students who are responsible for hosting or sponsoring drinking games, who procure kegs, or otherwise engage in sponsoring behavior, which is unsafe, by its nature are considered to be responsible for a level three offense.
Level 4
A level four offense is when substance use results in behavior that leads to potential or actual harm to self or others. The student will likely be suspended or separated from CSI and could face referral to the local law enforcement agency. Some examples might include, but are not limited to: growing, manufacturing, selling, or distributing illegal substances, selling or distributing prescribed medications, possessing cocaine, opioid’s, or hallucinogens, fighting, sexual harassment/assault, verbal threats, while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or more than three violations of the policy.
Appeals Process. CSI has established a committee composed of students, faculty, and staff to deliberate student appeals. The entire appeal process is focused on fairness and “due process” for students. The specific procedures are available in the Student Activities Office.
NOTE: All discipline appeals must be formally submitted to the Dean of Students no later than 10 working days after the discipline has been imposed.
Failure to Comply:
If students choose to not participate in the required activities relative to their violation of the drug and alcohol policy, the student may be suspended from CSI.
Letter and Policy
Students under the age of 21 are subject to the parent/guardian notification policy. The College of Southern Idaho reserves the right to apply this policy to students over 21 where circumstances are such that it is in the best interest of the student and the College.
Conditions under which parent/guardian may be notified:
- As a rule, upon the finding of responsibility for the first alcohol or drug related offense. The student will be required to attend a 2-hour educational seminar.
- 2Students, who violate level two, three or four of the substance abuse policy, are subject to parental notification in either written or verbal form, if they are under the age of 21.
- Student affairs administrators reserve the right to exercise professional judgment and discretion in the application of this policy.
- Draft of the Letter to be sent to Parent/Guardian:
Dear:
As a result of our concern for your child’s health, well-being, and success at College of Southern Idaho, I am writing to inform you that {insert name} was recently found responsible for a {number} violation of the College of Southern Idaho’s policies related to the use, possession, or distribution of {Insert alcohol or drugs). {Insert name} has been sanctioned appropriately in accordance with the college’s Code of Conduct.
I encourage you to have a discussion with your child about this incident. We, at The College of Southern Idaho, are committed to developing a partnership with our students and their family members so that we can all work together to insure that in the future, inappropriate behavior will not take place.
If, after speaking with your child, you want additional information about this policy, you may contact me at (208) 733-{Insert appropriate phone ext.). Information about our policies can be found in The College of Southern Idaho’s handbook, or at www.csi.edu.
Sincerely,
{Name}
{Dean of Students)