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SUNY ESF
Annual Notification 2024

Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Annual Notification 2024

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989, also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program.

All members of the ESF Community are encouraged to review the following information, which is distributed on an annual basis.

Students, faculty, and staff may request information about the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Review by contacting the Dean of Students at students@esf.edu.  

2022-2024 Biennial report 

Health Risks

There are serious health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of alcohol. Some of those health risks are summarized below. For more information about the health risks associated with drug or alcohol abuse, or for support or treatment, contact one or more of the available resources listed previously.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses also increase the incidence of aggressive acts. Moderate to high doses impair higher mental functions, severely altering the ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses of alcohol can be fatal.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Alcohol withdrawal can result in severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions, which may be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, pancreas and liver, as well as the immune system. Drinking too much, on a single occasion or over time, has been linked to cardiomyopathy, stroke, high blood pressure, fibrosis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis and cancer. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes irreversible physical and/or mental abnormalities at birth.

Controlled Substances

The information about the health effects of controlled substances included below comes from the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

  • Cannabis
    • Possible Effects: euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, disoriented behavior
    • Effects of Overdose: fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis
  • Depressants
    • Possible Effects: slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol, dizziness, slowed breathing
    • Effects of Overdose: shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death
  • Hallucinogens
    • Possible Effects: illusions and hallucinations, poor perception of time and distance
    • Effects of Overdose: longer, more intense “trip” episodes, psychosis, respiratory depression or arrest, convulsions, seizures, possible death
  • Narcotics
    • Possible Effects: euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea
    • Effects of Overdose: slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death
  • Stimulants
    • Possible Effects: increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite
    • Effects of Overdose: agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death
  • Steroids
    • Possible Effects: physical changes that may be permanent, muscle growth, altered appearance, mood or behavioral changes, hostility, high cholesterol, stroke, infections
    • Overdose: overdose not reported

For further information and assistance regarding alcohol and other drug related matters, community members may consult the Division of Student Affairs, and or the Office of Human Resources.

New York State Law

  • Drugs
    • New York criminal and public health statutes capture a wide range of offenses and penalties for possessing, abusing or distributing controlled substances and other drugs.
    • “Controlled substance” means any substance listed in schedule I, II, III, IV or IV of Section 3306 of the public health law. This includes, but is not limited to, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, Fentanyl, Fentanyl analogue.
    • Penalties for violating these laws range from minor fines to life in prison.
  • Alcohol
    • Alcohol offenses and penalties in New York state are defined by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and Penal Law. They include possession with intent to consume while under age 21, driving while intoxicated, furnishing alcohol to a person under age 21, selling alcohol to an intoxicated person or providing false identification. The four acceptable forms of ID for alcohol service in New York state are a driver’s license, a non-driver’s ID, a military ID or a passport. In addition, New York State General Obligations Law imposes personal injury liability for damages resulting from furnishing alcohol to persons under age 21 or selling alcohol to an intoxicated person. The City of Syracuse prohibits the consumption of alcohol, or the possession of an open container with intent to consume, in any public place, or on private property without the owner’s permission.
    • Penalties for violating these laws range from minor fines for underage possession, to revocation of drivers’ licenses, and even jail time, for driving while intoxicated.

Federal Law

Possession, use or distribution of Controlled Substances is prohibited by federal law. Controlled Substances include, for example, heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy), cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain steroids and prescription drugs. Federal penalties for possessing, using, or distributing Controlled Substances often include fines and prison sentences.

In addition, the Higher Education Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. §1091) provides that a student’s eligibility for federal student aid be suspended upon conviction under federal or state law for any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance (other than alcohol or tobacco) for as much as one year, to an indefinite period of time. Eligibility may be regained upon completion of a drug rehabilitation program that meets statutory and regulatory requirements or if the conviction is overturned.

Student-Specific Policies & Disciplinary Sanctions

Jurisdiction: The College’s Alcohol and Other Drug Use Policy applies to the activities of all ESF students, ESF-sanctioned student clubs and organizations, staff, faculty, guests, and visitors as follows. This policy applies to:

  • All activities occurring on College-owned, operated, and/or associated properties, and in ESF- designated housing facilities;
  • All College-sponsored events occurring at any location;
  • All activities sponsored by College-affiliated, not-for-profit organizations, corporations and foundations including, but not limited to, the College Foundation, the ESF Alumni Association, the Ranger School Alumni Association, and the Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation;
  • All individuals while representing the College at any location;
  • All students as detailed in the Code of Student Conduct; and
  • All ESF-sanctioned student clubs and organizations as detailed in the Student Organization/Club Manual.

Student conduct related to the use of alcohol and other drugs is regulated by the Code of Student Conduct, primarily in section 10, which reads: Illegal manufacture, purchase, sale, use, possession, being in the presence of, or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances and/or violation of the ESF Alcohol and Other Drug Use Policy. ESF complies with the policies and sanctions of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226).

Per the Alcohol and Other Drug Use Policy, any College official shall have the authority to take action regarding any violation of this policy occurring on College-owned, operated, and/or associated properties, in ESF designated housing facilities, or at any College-sponsored or College-affiliated event. Any member of the College community may file a complaint pursuant to established College disciplinary procedures against any individual, ESF-sanctioned club or student organization, department, or affiliated organization, corporation, or foundation he/she knows or believes to have violated this policy. Complaints may be filed through established College processes, and, if it is determined a violation has been committed by the accused individual or ESF sanctioned student club or organization, department, or affiliated organization, corporation, or foundation, appropriate sanctions will be determined using criteria identified below. All students and ESF sanctioned student clubs and organizations are governed by this policy. Allegations that one or more students or ESF-sanctioned student clubs and organizations have committed a violation of this policy are handled through the College’s student conduct process. College sanctions are described below. Students may also be subject to external sanctions.

Sanctioning Guidelines

Listed below are the general sanctioning guidelines for alcohol, marijuana, and other drug offenses.

Violation

First Offense

Second Offense

Violations of residence hall policies related to alcohol, being in the presence of alcohol if underage, possessing empty alcohol bottles/cans if underage, etc.

Written Reprimand

Minimum of 5 hours community restitution

6 - 9 months of disciplinary probation

Educational project

Minimum of 10 hours community restitution

Parental/guidance notification

Underage consumption, use or possession of alcohol, supplying alcohol to underage person(s), use or possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, etc.

6 - 9 months of disciplinary probation

Educational project

Minimum of 20 hours community restitution

Parental/guidance notification

9 - 12 months of disciplinary probation

Educational intervention project

Minimum of 50 hours community restitution

Parental/guidance notification

Intoxication or other substance abuse-related behavior posing a substantial risk to the health and wellbeing of self and/or others, transport to a healthcare facility due to intoxication

9 - 12 months of disciplinary probation

Educational intervention project

Minimum of 50 hours community restitution

Parental/guidance notification

Minimum of one semester suspension

Alcohol and/or drug assessment by an approved provider and completion of any/all recommended treatment

Minimum of 50 hours community restitution to be completed prior to applying for readmission to ESF

Disciplinary probation for duration of ESF career upon return

Driving any mother vehicle while intoxicated or while under the influence of drugs. Manufacture, sale, purchase, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances

Minimum of one semester suspension

Alcohol and/or drug assessment by an approved provider and completion of any/all recommended treatment

Minimum of 50 hours community restitution to be completed prior to applying for readmission to ESF

Disciplinary probation for duration of ESF career upon return

Expulsion from SUNY ESF

 

Campus Programs & Support Services

On-Campus Resources

Short term alcohol and other drug counseling is available on campus to students through the Counseling Center, which can be reached at 315-470-4716. Students might be referred though the Counseling Center to treatment programs for more intensive treatment.
Through Human Resources, employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program, which offers education and the appropriate referrals.

Off-Campus Resources

Employer-Specific Policies & Sanctions

The Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, a part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 imposed significant responsibilities on recipients of federal grants and contracts, including funds for campus-based financial aid programs. As a recipient of such funds, ESF is subject to the requirements of the Acts. Among those requirements is the adoption of a campus Drug-Free Workplace Policy and a drug prevention program.

ESF is committed to the development and maintenance of a drug-free environment and, in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the College will not tolerate the unlawful possession or use of a controlled substance(s)* and alcohol in and on its premises. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in and on property owned by or under the control of the College (all ESF work locations). No employee will report for work or will work impaired by any substance, drug or alcohol, lawful or unlawful. “Impaired,” for the purposes of this policy, shall mean under the influence of a substance such that the employee’s work performance, senses or judgment either are affected, or there is reasonable suspicion that they are so affected.

Procedures

  1. Compliance with the provisions of this policy is a condition of employment at ESF.
  2. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to the disciplinary procedures provided by the collective bargaining agreements or such other corrective action as the President or the President’s designee may deem appropriate. Other corrective action may include satisfactory participation in an approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Student employees will be subject to the judicial procedures specified in the “Rules and Regulations for Governing Student Conduct and Behavior” (revised January 2003).
    *The term “controlled substance” means a controlled substance in Schedule I through V of Section 202 of the Federal Controlled Substances Act (21 USC812). To assist you in understanding the policy, go to the following website and then click on “Controlled Substance Schedules”.
  3. Any employee convicted of ANY CRIMINAL DRUG VIOLATION occurring in the workplace, or at a work site owned or controlled by ESF is required to give a signed written notice of the conviction to the Director of Human Resources no later than five (5) working days after such conviction. The College will make a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace. The effort will include drug awareness education programs, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist employees seeking treatment and rehabilitation programs, and the implementation and strict enforcement of this policy.
  4. The Employee Assistance Program is available for employees who wish to seek assistance in dealing with drug or alcohol-related problems. Please call the EAP Coordinator, at extension 6847, for information. Both the State and Research Foundation health insurance programs provide coverage for rehabilitation programs. Questions concerning this policy should be referred to the Director of Human Resources.