Alcohol & Drugs

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Alcohol and illicit drugs are prohibited on the grounds of Westminster College. Employees, students, and visitors are not permitted to possess or use any of these substances while on College property.

Employees violating the drug use/possession policy would also be in violation of state or federal laws and would face sanctions imposed through the Office of Human Resources as well as the possibility of criminal prosecution. Employees found consuming or possessing alcohol on campus will face sanctions coordinated through the Office of Human Resources and could face criminal prosecution if they are below the legal age of 21. The range of sanctions that could be imposed by the College would be a reprimand through termination of employment, depending on the nature of the violation.

Students found to be in possession of alcohol or illicit drugs on campus will face disciplinary action through the College Code of Conduct and could face criminal prosecution as well. Sanctions fall anywhere between a warning and expulsion, depending on the nature of the violation.

Under Pennsylvania law, criminal prosecution for alcohol violations could range between a summary offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree depending on the circumstances of the case. Penalties range from a simple fine and 90-day driver’s license suspension to incarceration for a maximum of 2 years. Drug law violations can range from a misdemeanor of the third degree to a felony of the first degree. Penalties range from a fine to a maximum of 15 years incarceration.

The College allows employees to self-identify as drug abusers and may provide a one-time referral to a rehabilitation facility/program. If an employee does not self-identify or is a repeat violator, the College may immediately terminate the individual’s employment.

Students may seek professional counseling for substance abuse problems through the Counseling Services Office. Students sanctioned through the Student Code of Conduct may be required to successfully complete a rehabilitation program as a condition of retention or reinstatement as a student at Westminster.

Any recognized student organization that sponsors a social event, whether in a campus facility, fraternity house, or other off- campus facility, should be aware of the following policies and responsibilities:

Because they are under the age of 21, Pennsylvania Law prohibits most Westminster students from drinking alcoholic beverages. For the sake of reasonable administration, and in order to create the best possible living and educational atmosphere, there shall be no use, possession, sale, or serving of alcoholic beverages by any student while on or in College property (including College- owned or rented vehicles). The College cannot be legally responsible if students ignore state laws, College policies, and good common sense by drinking at all if under the legal drinking age, or drinking excessively if over the legal age. In fairness to our students, the same policy applies to guests and visitors to our campus.

Federal and state laws prohibit the use, possession, sale, or distribution of certain drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. The use of such drugs is not in keeping with the mission of Westminster College. Therefore, there shall be no use, possession, sale, or distribution of such drugs on campus or on or in fraternity property, or at College-sponsored events. The administration will take the strongest stand concerning illegal drugs, up to and including expulsion and/or involvement of state and federal law enforcement.

Counseling services are available to students who would like to discuss any problems related to drugs or alcohol. In all cases of student involvement in alcohol/drug abuse, the College will offer the services of the counseling staff. All counseling conferences are confidential.

Medical Marijuana

In April of 2016, Pennsylvania legalized the use of medical marijuana. However, because the Federal government has not legalized marijuana, it remains a banned substance under federal law. Westminster College receives federal funding through such things as student financial aid. To avoid losing federal funding, Westminster College must prohibit all marijuana use, including medical marijuana. Therefore, if you are prescribed medical marijuana, it is important that you promptly disclose that information so that we can discuss how to proceed. Students with a medical marijuana prescription must first meet with the Office of Disability Resources and provide documentation of medical conditions as well as prescription information to discuss possible accommodations. A list of guidelines will be provided to the student as a part of this discussion. Please be assured that your medical information is protected by FERPA and kept as confidential. Further, marijuana use while on campus, either with or without a prescription, is prohibited under any circumstances. Students found in possession, and/or using, and or distributing marijuana while on campus, even with a medical marijuana prescription card, will be subject to student disciplinary action and may have additional legal consequences.