Introduction

MBKU recognizes the illegal or abusive use of alcohol or other drugs by members of the community has a detrimental effect on the University's commitment to educate caring, inspired health care professionals who are prepared to deliver collaborative, patient-centric health care in an interprofessional environment. The University community mutually shares the responsibility for creating and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to academic and professional excellence. Responsible conduct and accountability are required from all University constituents whether student, faculty, staff, administrator, or Trustee.

The University has a significant and ongoing interest in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all its students and employees. The University will not tolerate the illegal use of drugs or alcohol, and by law, we cannot. Under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 in order for an institution of higher education to be considered a "responsible source" for the award of Federal and State contracts, including student financial aid, we are required to maintain a policy that ensures that students are absolutely prohibited from the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on university property or as part of any university activity. Examples of controlled substances covered under this policy are as follows:

1. Narcotics (heroin, morphine, etc.)
2. Cannabis (marijuana, hashish)
3. Stimulants (cocaine, diet pills, etc.)
4. Depressants (tranquilizers)
5. Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, "designer drugs", etc.)
6. Alcohol

Note: California allows the private recreational use and possession of small amounts of marijuana for people 21 years of age and older. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law and is prohibited under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. The Controlled Substances Act states that the growing and use of marijuana is a crime. Federal enforcement agencies can prosecute on this basis regardless of state law. In addition, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires the prohibition of marijuana at any university receiving federal funding. MBKU is one such university.

• As a result of these federal regulations, MBKU prohibits students, employees, and members of the general public from possessing, using, or distributing marijuana in any form in any University-owned or operated facility and during any University activity (Student Code of Conduct).

Drug Abuse Policy

MBKU has a comprehensive approach to the issues associated with substance abuse by emphasizing the following:

1. The University shall take the necessary effective steps to create and maintain a drug-free educational and work environment for its students.
2. Individuals who are experiencing issues with the use and/or abuse of alcohol or other drugs are encouraged to seek treatment and/or rehabilitation confidentially and voluntarily.
3. Students experiencing issues from drug, narcotic, or alcohol abuse or dependency should seek assistance through the VPESS, the Director of University Counseling Services, and/or Program Dean/Director who shall make referrals to credentialed professional counselors. The counseling relationship is to be professional and confidential.
4. The University encourages and reasonably accommodates students with chemical dependencies (alcohol or drug) to seek treatment and/or rehabilitation. To this end, students desiring such assistance should request a treatment or rehabilitation leave by contacting the VPESS or Program Dean/Director. The University, however, is not obligated to continue enrollment of any student who continues to use drugs or alcohol, nor is the University obligated to re-admit any student who has participated in treatment and/or rehabilitation if that student’s academic and/or professional performance remains impaired as a result of dependency. Additionally, students given the opportunity to seek treatment and/or rehabilitation but fail to successfully overcome their dependency or problem will not automatically be readmitted. This policy on treatment and rehabilitation is not intended to affect the University’s treatment of a student who violates the regulations described here. Rather, rehabilitation is an option for a student who acknowledges a chemical dependency and voluntarily seeks treatment to end that dependency. Any accommodations granted are only in effect while the student is free of drug and/or alcohol dependency.
5. A student must notify the University of any Criminal Drug Statute Conviction for a violation occurring on university property or as part of any university activity no later than five days after such conviction. Failure to inform the University will subject the student to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension for the first offense.
6. As part of the University's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program, the University has instituted an educational program for all students on the dangers of substance abuse. All incoming students are required to participate in several training modules on health and wellness, social responsibility, and University support services. To assist members of the University Community in overcoming substance abuse problems, upon request the University will offer information on rehabilitative help, including educational materials, information about community resources for assessment and treatment, and counseling programs. Additionally, students may seek advice confidentially from the Director of University Counseling Services.

Alcohol Regulations

The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on MBKU campus and at University recognized events is governed by appropriate state and municipal laws as well as by University regulations. All persons regardless of age or status are governed by these laws and regulations in their administrative practice as well as in personal conduct. All members of the University community are expected to observe the applicable laws and regulations for responsible drinking behavior and to follow appropriate hosting guidelines.

The University's policy with respect to alcohol fully complies with the state laws of California and the municipal laws of Fullerton, Anaheim, and Orange County. These laws apply regardless of the country or state from which a person has come or in which the person maintains official residence.

The University reserves the right to institute stricter regulations beyond that of state or local laws. An individual or group which sponsors a campus event at which alcoholic beverages are made available is responsible for adherence to the applicable state and local laws and university regulations and for the abuses arising from the use of alcoholic beverages. Where alcoholic beverages are permitted, ample non-alcoholic beverages and food must be provided as well.

The intention to serve alcoholic beverages must be registered with University Student Affairs prior to staging the event. The purpose of registration is to ensure that the sponsor understands the rules and that appropriate controls for underage drinking are in place. Organizers of parties (hosts) must be aware of their responsibilities. Hosts must designate specific individuals who will not consume alcohol during the event. These individuals may not serve guests who appear to be intoxicated, and they must prohibit access to alcohol by guests who are under 21. Hosts must follow all of the regulations as listed herein and in the “MBKU Alcohol Policy Agreement for Events” form located on the Forms tab of Presence. Once the form is completed and submitted to University Student Affairs, MBKU Campus Safety will be alerted to make sure they have the appropriate officer representation based on the event attendance estimate (see below).

In general, social events involving the use of alcohol can be very hazardous to the health and welfare of persons and/or the University property. The University requires that security arrangements be taken to maintain order and control access to social events at which alcohol will be served. MBKU Campus Safety and/or administration has the right to terminate any function at which attendees become disruptive and/or destructive, or the function is not considered to be in good taste.

Everyone is reminded that every member of the University community shares responsibility for the safety and welfare of others who become a danger to themselves and/or to others. The law provides that individuals may be held liable for damages or injury resulting from serving alcohol to persons of any age. Furthermore, any person responsible for organizing or sponsoring an event may be vulnerable to legal prosecution if alcohol is served and minors are present.

The following University regulations shall apply at all University/student functions:

1. It is illegal for anyone to serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, distribute, or consume alcohol.
2. Identification cards with proof of age must be presented when requested at all events at which alcohol is served.
3. Non-alcoholic beverages and select food items must be readily available and accessible throughout the duration of the event.
4. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold at any campus event without an appropriate State license.
5. Alcohol may not be served to persons who appear to be intoxicated.
6. Any student event in which alcohol is served or consumed on campus must have received prior approval from University Student Affairs – who shall communicate with Campus Safety and request additional Safety Officers be present for the duration of the event.
7. No person under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is permitted to enter MBKU clinics, see patients or enter a classroom or laboratory.

The federal government requires the University to issue clear statements about sanctions it is prepared to impose on violators.

If an individual or group violates the alcohol policy (e.g., use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21; use of a false ID; failure to ensure that IDs are checked for admission to a social event where alcohol is served; provision of alcohol to someone under the age of 21), the following range of sanctions may be applied: Warning; fine; loss or suspension of social and campus privileges; suspension or denial of permission to hold further social events; suspension or loss of organizational status; referral to the appropriate judiciary body for disciplinary action up to and including suspension, termination or expulsion from the University. See the Code of Conduct for more information.