Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Guide - Northern Michigan University

This document complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Northern Michigan University has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

The program includes annual distribution in writing to each employee and to each enrolled student of:

• Standards of conduct for students and employees
• A description of associated and legal sanctions
• A description of associated health risks
• A description of available services and treatment options

Alcohol and other drug issues have received much attention nationally and locally.  Many students, faculty, and staff have worked together over the years to prevent substance abuse at Northern Michigan University.  We think our efforts have contributed to a healthy living-learning community and have assisted individuals in need.

Northern Michigan University is committed to preventing substance abuse by:

• Encouraging a campus environment where healthful lifestyle choices are made by students, faculty, and staff.
• Expecting acceptance of responsibility for one’s own choices and behavior.
• Striving to balance the rights of individuals and those of the university community.
• Encouraging chemical-free activities and supporting those who choose not to use alcohol and other drugs.
• Enforcing university, local and state codes, ordinances, and statutes, which govern alcohol and other drug use.

The Northern Michigan University Student Handbook prohibits the use, possession, sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages by students in any building or on any property owned or controlled by NMU (except under terms and conditions established by the president or designee) and states that no student shall illegally possess, use or have under his/her control any other controlled substance in any building or on property owned or controlled by the University.

Failure to abide by these regulations may lead to any of the following sanctions:  (1) warning, (2) warning probation, (3) disciplinary probation, (4) suspension or (5) expulsion.  Special conditions may be attached to the penalty including, but not limited to, parental notification of the violation and mandatory participation in an alcohol or other drug education program.

Northern Michigan University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of any controlled substance or alcohol by employees of university-owned, used or controlled premises, except when possessed or used within the scope of the employee’s assigned duties and as authorized by law.

Any employee violating this policy will be subject to the following disciplinary actions up to and including discharge:  (1) verbal warning, (2) written reprimand, (3) suspension without pay, (4) discharge.  Disciplinary action may differ from one another depending on the terms set forth in the union contracts.

Furthermore, any employee providing alcohol to an underage student or controlled substance to a student, regardless of the setting, may be subject to the above disciplinary actions.