Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989
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.
Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Regular use of alcohol and other drugs (including marijuana, stimulants, depressants, cocaine, anabolic steroids, opiates, hallucinogens) may lead to:
- psychological and/or physical dependence
- impaired learning ability, memory, ability to solve complex problems
- inability to perform sexually, infertility problems
- increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS)
- complications due to the combination of prescription medication and other drugs/alcohol
- death, coma or toxic reactions, especially when combining alcohol with any other drug, including over-the-counter medicine or prescriptions
- guilt/regret over activities performed while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, i.e., regretting sexual encounters, fighting, risk-taking, legal difficulties
- organic damage to brain, cardiovascular system, liver, etc.
- increased risk of cancer
- fetal Alcohol Syndrome, birth or genetic defects
- psychosis (hallucinations, loss of contact with reality, extreme changes in personality)
- other physiological, psychological or interpersonal problems
Substance Abuse Resources
| On Campus | |
| NMU Health Center Well Being Center located near The Woods residential area and Northern Lights Dining Facility. Lot #15 off of Lincoln Ave. | (906) 227-2355 |
| NMU Counseling and Consultation Services Well Being Center located near The Woods residential area and Northern Lights Dining Facility. Lot #15 off of Lincoln Ave. | (906) 227-2980 |
| Marquette Area | |
| Alcoholic Treatment Center (24-hour help line) | 800-260-4014 |
| Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa-marquettecounty.org | (906) 249-4430 or 800-605-5043 |
| Drug Abuse Treatment Center (24-hour helpline) | 800-259-7115 |
| UP Health System – Marquette Behavioral Health – Outpatient Services 1400 W. Washington St. Marquette, MI 49855 http://www.mgh.org/our-services/behavioral-health | (906) 449-1600 |
| Great Lakes Recovery Centers Outpatient Services 1009 W. Ridge Street, Suite C Marquette, MI 49855 https://www.greatlakesrecovery.org | (906) 228-9696 or (855) 906-GLRC (4572) |
| Great Lakes Recovery Centers Youth Residential Services 104 Malton Road Negaunee, MI 49866 https://www.greatlakesrecovery.org | (906) 228-4692 |
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.
Students of Northern Michigan University
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.
See the Northern Michigan University Student Handbook for student sanctions for violating the NMU alcohol policies.
Employees of Northern Michigan University
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.
Alcoholic Beverages
Northern Michigan University seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of its community. In keeping with these objectives, the university has established a policy and guidelines governing the possession, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the university campus that conform to the laws of Michigan.
Underage possession and /or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the university. Intentionally or knowingly selling, or intentionally or knowingly "furnishing" alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21, or to persons obviously inebriated, is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the university. Legal consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages is limited to designated locations only. The complete policy and guidelines concerning alcoholic beverages is published annually in the university Student Handbook.
Illegal Drugs
Northern Michigan University does not condone the possession, use or distribution of marijuana, LSD or other hallucinogens, narcotics or any other illegal drugs by anyone in any campus facility or campus area. Any individual known to be possessing, using or distributing such drugs is subject to campus disciplinary action and criminal arrest, imprisonment and/or fine, according to state law.
Drug And Alcohol Abuse Education Programs
Consistent with its educational mission, NMU also assists its members in finding alternatives to alcoholic beverages for promoting social interaction and stress reduction, and it provides services and resources for university community members who experience alcohol-related difficulties. Keeping informed is an important step in developing a healthy lifestyle and in knowing how to cope with problems as they arise. Northern provides useful and informative prevention education programs throughout the year. A variety of departments sponsor workshops and lectures on alcohol and drug-related issues to support and encourage healthy, productive lifestyles. To learn more about these programs, contact the NMU Health Center at (906) 227-2355