Alcohol and Drug Policy

Purpose

Hawai‘i Pacific University cultivates a learning environment consistent with its mission, vision and values. Members must be able to learn, teach, study, collaborate with others, enjoy their HPU experience and/or achieve their academic, personal and/or professional goals in a welcoming, hospitable, fair, inclusive and respectful community. To do so, it is imperative individuals are mindful of their personal choices, and the consequences those decisions have on others, their educational career and overall health and well-being. 

Details pertaining to university policies; local, state and federal laws, violations, and penalties; and health risks and support resources can be found in this section.  This policy serves as a standard and applies to all members of the campus community, including, students, parents, staff, faculty, alumni and guests of the university. 

Alcohol Policy

Hawai‘i Pacific University recognizes that alcohol can be consumed responsibly and has identified community expectations of behavior that support the safe and legal consumption of alcohol. The Alcohol Policy is set in the framework of the legal requirements governing the sale, consumption and distribution of alcoholic beverages and in the context of HPU community expectations for upholding the laws as well as sharing responsibility for the safety and welfare of other members of the university community. In accordance with Hawaii law, individuals under 21 years old are prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol. In addition, it is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to an individual under the age of 21.

HPU prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or unlawful use of alcohol, controlled substances, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia by students on university grounds, in university-controlled buildings or at university-sponsored locations and activities.

HPU reserves the right to confiscate, retain and dispose of/destroy any and all alcohol and related paraphernalia regardless of value or ownership without liability. Paraphernalia used to administer drinking games or assist in consumption of alcohol at a fast rate is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, funnels and beer pong tables. Alcohol intoxication that is dangerous or disruptive and, public intoxication, regardless of age or where the alcohol is consumed, is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Any student’s behavior on campus or at any university event held on or off campus, that is unruly, disruptive or destructive as the result of alcohol consumption will be documented and is subject to disciplinary action as reflected in the Code of Student Conduct. 

General On-Campus HPU-Owned Property and Controlled Buildings

General requirements for functions held on campus include:

• The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in classrooms, offices and common areas (both interior and exterior) is not permitted except in cases specifically approved by the Vice President, Dean or Executive Athletics Director of that division/department and with notification to the General Counsel Office.

• Requests for special events with alcohol sponsored by HPU divisions, departments, units and recognized student organizations must be in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, and in accordance with university policies and procedures.

• Alcoholic beverages at events held on campus should be supplied, sold and/or served by the university food service provider or a vendor who is licensed to provide alcohol.

Student Life Recognized Student Organizations Event Regulations and Procedures

With the approval by the Dean of Students office, alcohol may be served at events sponsored and coordinated by Student Life recognized student organizations (inclusive of Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, Registered Student Organizations and Honor Societies). Recognized student organizations who report to university departments (e.g. Student Athlete Advisory Council, Campus Recreation Clubs, music programs) must follow the event guidelines and procedures in this section and get the approval by their respective Vice President, Dean or the Executive Athletics Director. The Director of Student Activities is available to assist event coordinators with this process and set up the necessary training sessions conducted in Student Life. The General Counsel Office must be given notification of all student events with alcohol. Event planning procedures and guidelines are provided by the Dean of Students Office or Office of Student Conduct.   

Waterfront Lofts and Hawaii Loa Residential Communities: Alcoholic Beverages in University Owned Residential Facilities

On-campus residents are responsible for ensuring the university policy is upheld at all times with regard to alcohol beverages. Students are responsible for the actions of their guests (whether HLC and Waterfront Lofts residents, HPU students, or non-HPU individuals), including but not limited to distribution, possession, and consumption of substances prohibited under university policy. Knowledge of, but not reporting, the use of alcohol by those under the legal drinking age, or use of/possession of alcohol paraphernalia, may be subject to disciplinary action. Roommates and suite/loft mates, even if not present, may be responsible for any violations of the Alcohol and Drug policy that occurs in the common areas of their rooms/units. Alcoholic beverage containers, whether empty or full, even if used for decorative purposes, will be considered as evidence of drinking and are prohibited in the residential units of underage students.  For specific information, go to the Housing and Residence Life policies and procedures section of this Student Handbook.

 Executive Centre and Kalo Terrace Residential Communities

Residents who live at Executive Centre and Kalo Terrace may be subject to additional rules, terms, and conditions. Residents should review applicable rules, terms, and conditions at www.hpu.edu/housing and click on "Community Living."

 Drug Policy

It is the policy of Hawai‘i Pacific University to prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances, drugs, or drug paraphernalia by students on university grounds or other university-sponsored locations and activities. Actions that violate local, state or federal laws in relation to drugs are also a violation of university policy and may result in disciplinary actions from the university and/or referral to law enforcement officials. This includes the abuse or improper use of prescription drugs. Any student’s behavior on campus or at any university event held on or off campus that is unruly, disruptive or destructive as the result of drug use will be documented and subject to disciplinary action. 

• The use, possession, distribution or sale of any amount of a potentially harmful or illegal drug (including marijuana, which remains a prohibited substance under federal law) or drug-related paraphernalia is strictly prohibited. Anyone involved in these activities on or off campus will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and possibly including suspension or expulsion from the university.

• Hawaii Loa and Waterfront Lofts residents are responsible for the actions of their guests. Knowledge of, but not reporting, the illegal use of drugs or drug paraphernalia, or being in the presence, is also subject to disciplinary action. Roommates and suite/loft mates, even if not present, may be responsible for any Drug Policy violations in the common areas of their rooms or shared bathrooms. Signs of usage, such as the scent of marijuana in residential units, and/or physiological signs of usage, may be forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary procedures.  Drug-related paraphernalia (e.g. pipes, bongs, hookahs) or any item with or without illegal residue are prohibited in university owned and university-controlled property. Items will be confiscated and destroyed—regardless of value or ownership—by university personnel, including campus security, housing staff, and Dean of Students staff. University personnel will document the incident and notify the appropriate staff of policy violation. Depending on the circumstances, the university may contact local police.

• Medical marijuana users should be aware that Hawai‘i Pacific university does not permit marijuana use or possession on campus, whether or not in a residential facility, even with official medical documentation. All questions regarding the reasonable accommodation of medical conditions, including conditions treated with medical marijuana, should be directed to Accessibility Services. 

Student Discipline

When violations of law or university policy come to the attention of university employees, the Office of Student Conduct will be notified and those individuals involved will be charged with Alcohol and Drug Policy violations. Refer to the Code of Student Conduct for disciplinary procedures and sanctions. 

Amnesty Policy for Students

General Amnesty (Non-Medical)

Hawai‘i Pacific University recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs at the time of a known violation of the Code of Student Conduct or other university policies may be hesitant to report an incident due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The university strongly encourages students to report policy violation(s). A witness or Complainant/Reporting Party/Victim who comes forward and discloses a violation of a related university policy and/or the Code of Student Conduct to a university employee shall not be subject to disciplinary action for violation of the alcohol and drug policy.  

Medical Amnesty

The university understands the potential for disciplinary action may discourage students from seeking medical assistance as a result of excessive alcohol or drug consumption, alcohol poisoning or other drug-related emergencies. In these instances, the university’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of HPU students and strongly encourages community members to offer help and assistance (e.g., call 9-1-1, remain on site until emergency personnel arrives, contact HPU Security) to others in need. 

A student transported to the hospital for the first time as a result of alcohol or drug use will not face disciplinary consequences, provided that the student(s) has not committed any other Code of Student Conduct violations. Students requesting medical amnesty may be required to meet with a Student Conduct staff member who may refer additional support services and initiate an educational discussion about the use of alcohol or drugs and their impact. 

No student may receive amnesty under this policy more than once. This policy applies to violations that occur on and off campus and will require documentation by HPU security, emergency personnel and/or law enforcement. Records of requests for amnesty under this policy shall be maintained by the Office of Student Conduct. Records will normally be destroyed after seven years. If a student utilizes this policy and is involved in a subsequent alcohol-related incident, it will be treated as an alleged second offense. The university strongly encourages its members to seek help so assistance can be provided. 

Any student who abuses the Medical Amnesty policy will be subject to disciplinary action for interfering with the orderly function of the university. Criminal investigations and other police action may still occur at the discretion of the responding law enforcement agency. In some cases, HPU security may be bound to report certain possible criminal details to local law environment agencies. 

Good Samaritan Statement for Students

The Good Samaritan Statement allows the elimination of disciplinary consequences for students who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and who make(s) a good-faith call for medical help on behalf of a fellow student. This statement applies to violations that occur on and off campus and will require documentation by HPU security, law enforcement, and/or emergency personnel. The Good Samaritan Statement is not limited to alcohol-related incidents and also encourages witnesses of assault, vandalism or other violations of the Code of Student Conduct to report such events. 

The Good Samaritan Statement may apply for up to three people who are calling for assistance and/or providing support and assistance to a student requiring medical attention. The Good Samaritan(s) will need to be present when help arrives and will be required to provide their contact information to the HPU security or responding agency to be included with their incident report. The Good Samaritan(s) will not face disciplinary consequences as long as there are no other violations of the Code of Student Conduct.

Any student who abuses the Good Samaritan Statement will be subject to disciplinary action for interfering with the orderly function of the university. Criminal investigations and other police action may still occur at the discretion of the responding law enforcement agency. In some cases, HPU security may be bound to report certain possible criminal details to local law enforcement agencies. 

Even with the above (medical amnesty or Good Samaritan policies), university employees may notify parents/guardians in accordance with the Parental Notification (see below). 

Parental Notification

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) permits the university to notify the parents/guardians of any student under the age of 21 of any violation of its Alcohol and Drug Policy or in the event of a health or safety emergency. 

• Parents/guardians may be notified by phone if a student is transported to emergency room or other emergency treatment center for drug use or intoxication. 

• Parents/guardians or the listed emergency contact may be notified by phone if staff believes the student’s health or safety is at serious risk.

• Parents/guardians may be notified in writing if a student has committed a serious violation of Alcohol and Drug policy.

• Parents/guardians may be notified by phone if a student is a harm to self or others. 

If the university determines that a student has committed a serious violation of alcohol or drug policies, a letter will be sent to the parents/guardians notifying them that the student violated Housing and Residence Life policies and/or the Alcohol and Drug policy. Some policy violations that do not involve health or safety emergencies are considered less serious (e.g., a person’s first time in a room where an empty beer can has been found) may not result in a phone call or notification letter being sent. For more details, go to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Student Emergency Notification Policy in the Student Handbook.

 Resources, Services, and Prevention and Education Program

Hawai‘i Pacific University recognizes the fact that students are faced with many outside pressures and difficult decisions outside of the classroom. To help students cope and learn to make healthy choices, the university offers several campus and community contacts and resources. Details pertaining to university policies; local, state and federal laws, violations, and penalties; and health risks and support resources can be found in the Office of Student Conduct.

 Campus Resources

There are many departments at the university who provide services and resources to assist students. Examples include:

·   Athletic Department conducts team policy and procedure meetings. During these meetings, the Athletic Director discusses the importance of being a healthy athlete and ways to maintain optimal health throughout their scheduled season. The coaches and staff continually meet to discuss ways to promote healthy lifestyles without drugs and alcohol, nutrition programs and weight-training techniques. The Athletic Department conducts random drug tests for their athletes to ensure compliance and top performance.

·   Office of Student Conduct, Student Activities Office, and Dean of Students Office refer students to various university and community resources, and offers programs and activities to promote healthy living without alcohol and drugs throughout the year.

·   Counseling and Behavioral Health Services’ primary responsibility is to the student population on campus. The CBHS department also provides consultation and referral services to public and private community providers. Finally, CBHS provides resources relating to drugs and alcohol.

·   Housing and Residence Life: Conducts various educational programs pertaining to healthy living, drugs and alcohol education and prevention, and the effects, trends and consequences of drugs and alcohol.

·   YOU@HPU: An online tool to help students find health and wellness resources available at HPU and within the community.

·   University Chaplain: A resource for students looking for support and guidance in numerous areas. The Chaplain can address and advise on topics including relationships, dependencies, loss, spirituality and academics. 

Websites

·   www.bacchusnetwork.org – Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of university Students (BACCHUS) is an international collegiate alcohol awareness and health education initiative.

·   www.nida.nih.gov - The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides information on the latest research, consequences of drug use, legislative developments and drug trends in the United States. This website contains links to other important sites that provide information pertaining to chemical abuse.

·   www.niaaa.nih.gov - The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one of 18 institutes within the National Institutes of Health, supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research on the causes, consequences, treatment and prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

·   www.clubdrugs.org - This website is a service provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to present current press news and information pertaining to drug abuse.

·   www.alcoholics-anonymous.org - Alcoholics Anonymous provides this educational website that is designed for individuals to attain information relating to alcoholism.  Information regarding how to recognize a problem, articles about alcoholism and how to find a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous are provided in a confidential and informative manner.

·   www.drugfreehawaii.org - Drug-Free Hawaii’s mission is to reduce and prevent drug abuse in Hawaii through awareness, education and action.

·   www.tobaccofreehawaii.org - The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii, the Hawaii State Department of Health, and the Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund are pleased to present the Five-Year, 2005-2010, Strategic Plan for Tobacco Prevention and Control in Hawai‘i. The Plan is intended to serve as the principal guide in the fight against tobacco.

·   http://ag.hawaii.gov/hawaii-partnership-to-prevent-underage-drinking/ - The Hawaii Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking (HPPUD) was created to address the problem of underage drinking.

·   http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/state_profile_-_hawaii.pdf - Get information on the Hawai‘i Drug Control Plan that is facilitates development and implementation of programs to address the multitude of issues related to drug abuse and underage drinking.

·   http://hawaii.gov/health/substance-abuse/index.html - The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) is the primary and often sole source of public funds for substance abuse treatment.  ADAD's treatment efforts are designed to promote a statewide culturally appropriate, comprehensive system of services to meet the treatment and recovery needs of individuals and families. 

Community Resources

For additional information regarding:

• Health risks or counseling and treatment resources for students, contact the Counseling and Behavioral Health Services staff at (808) 687-7076.

• The university’s policies on alcohol and drugs as they pertain to the Code of Student Conduct, contact the Office of Student Conduct at (808) 544-1461.