Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

Clemson University recognizes that the illegal and/or abusive use of alcohol or drugs by members of the University community jeopardizes the safety of the individual and others, and it is not conducive to the academic learning process. This policy is implemented in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to promote the health and safety of our students.

Clemson University prohibits the illicit or unauthorized manufacture, use, possession, distribution or dispensation of alcohol or illegal drugs on University property or as part of any University activity. More specifically:

1. No student shall unlawfully manufacture, use, possess, distribute or dispense any illegal drug, controlled substance or alcohol.
2. No student under 21 years of age shall possess, sell, purchase or consume alcoholic liquor, beer or wine.
3. No student of legal age shall purchase for, or sell or provide to, a person under 21 years of age any alcoholic liquor, beer or wine.
4. No student of legal age shall possess or consume alcoholic liquor, beer or wine except in areas designated by the University.

The University, through the Office of Community and Ethical Standards (OCES), will impose disciplinary sanctions on students who violate the above standards of conduct. The severity of the imposed sanctions will be appropriate to the violation. The disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed include but are not limited to: admonition, censure, probation, restriction of privileges, eviction from University housing, suspension, expulsion and referral for prosecution. In addition to the disciplinary sanctions, students may be referred to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for assessment and follow-up.

A summary of state and federal alcohol and drug laws is available on page five of this policy. This list is not meant to be an exhaustive or definitive statement of all applicable laws, but rather it indicates the types of conduct that are against the law and the range of legal sanctions that can be imposed for such conduct.

The consumption or possession of beer or wine by students 21 years old or older is allowed in their private rooms in University housing in accordance with the Clemson University Housing contracts and in other designated areas on University property in accordance with the Clemson University Facility Use policy. The consumption or possession of alcoholic liquor, beer or wine by students on University property other than as provided above is prohibited.

All student employees are required to report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for any violation occurring in the workplace or as part of any University activity. A conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of a sentence or both by any federal or state judicial body charged with such responsibility.

This report must be made within five days of the conviction to the employee's supervisor and to the Associate Chief Human Resources Officer or designee. In the event that the convicted employee was employed in the performance of a federal contract or grant or state contract or grant, the Associate Chief Human Resources Officer or designee shall immediately notify the Vice President for Research so that the sponsoring federal or state agency can be notified within 10 days of the date the University received notification, as required by federal and state law.

Within 30 days after the University's receipt of a drug conviction report, the appropriate supervisory authority will either take appropriate personnel action against the employee, consistent with federal and state law and regulations and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, or require the employee to participate successfully in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes.

Health risks of using drugs include both physical and psychological effects. The health consequences of drugs depend on the frequency, the duration and the intensity of use. For all substances, there is a risk of overdose. Overdose can result in coma, convulsions, psychosis or death. Combinations of certain drugs can be lethal. Continued use of a substance can lead to tolerance (requiring more and more of the drug to get the same effect), dependence (physical or psychological need) or withdrawal (a painful, difficult and dangerous symptom when stopping the use of drugs). Long-term, chronic use of drugs can lead to malnutrition, damage to organs and psychological problems.

Alcohol is a depressant. Low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination needed to operate vehicles. Small amounts can also lower inhibitions. Moderate to high doses cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, loss of memory and loss of the ability to learn and remember information. High doses cause respiratory depression and death. Long-term consumption, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to dependence and permanent damage to vital organs such as the liver and the brain. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce effects seen at higher doses. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage and still birth. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at an increased risk of becoming alcoholics. Use and abuse of alcohol may also lead to unsafe and/or nonconsensual sex and unwanted pregnancy, and it may cause defects, injury or death in unborn children.

In the spring 2014, Clemson University and the community developed the Alcohol and Other Drug 2020 Strategic Plan. Clemson University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Strategic Plan includes targets set for 10 percent improvement by 2020 as compared to 2010 national baseline, established as a composite of CORE data from 2009-2011, in the following measures: high-risk drinking and illegal drug use, consequences of alcohol and drug use, and protective behaviors. The strategic focus areas identified in this plan include prevention, intervention and treatment, environmental management and protective measures.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), (864) 656-2451, provides individual and group counseling in resolving personal problems and concerns including those associated with alcohol and drug abuse. Through the Assessment, Choices, Training and Transitions program (ACTT), a student can undergo a thorough evaluation that leads to recommendations including educational, psycho-educational and psychotherapeutic interventions within a group and individual format.

Behavioral Health Service of Pickens County provides alcohol and drug services for this community, (864) 896-5800. In addition, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) is available as a resource for counseling and/or treatment admissions, (803) 896-5555. Clemson University is located in area 62. In addition, students needing aftercare can be served through CAPS.

The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee shall be responsible for overseeing all actions and programs relating to this policy. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee shall conduct a biennial review of the policy and its implementation to determine its effectiveness, make necessary changes and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

This policy will be made available to students annually in electronic format.

Because alcohol is traditionally the most widely used drug on college campuses, Clemson University has adopted a philosophical statement on alcohol and students:

Clemson University is committed to maintaining an environment that is healthy, safe and attractive for all members of the community. Students who choose to use alcohol and other drugs assume a responsibility to comply with South Carolina laws and University policies, to make decisions that reduce their personal risks, and to consider the health and safety risks posed to others. The University provides education, programs, and policies to empower students to make responsible decisions relating to alcohol and other drug consumption. Students who choose to violate University policy related to alcohol and other drug use are subject to discipline as outlined in the student code of conduct. Where those actions also violate state and/or federal law, students are subject to legal consequences as well.

Each individual retains responsibility for his or her own actions at all times regardless of his or her mental state, even if altered by alcoholic beverages or other drugs.

Contact Jennifer Goree with Healthy Campus for more information.

Below is a summary of South Carolina alcohol and drug laws. This is not meant to be an exhaustive: