Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs (Graduate)

Biola University seeks to foster an alcohol-and-drug-free environment in which to work, live, learn and grow. As a Christian university, we approach alcohol and other drug abuse with a combination of compassion, encouragement, directness and concerned firmness. An aspect of this caring approach is the consistent enforcement of the regulations on alcohol and other drugs. The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe environment that is consistent with the mission of the university and its goal to foster an alcohol-and drug-free environment.

Biola University is operating in conformity with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101- 336) and Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. The following summarizes Biola’s policy as it relates to graduate students.

The prohibited conduct identified below will constitute a violation of this policy. All students are responsible for complying with applicable federal, state, local, and Biola University policies pertaining to alcohol and other drugs and substances. When there has been a finding of a violation of this policy, university sanctions will be imposed. Additionally, violations of law may be referred to local law enforcement for prosecution.

The following is conduct that is prohibited under this policy:

1. The purchase, possession, promotion, distribution, sale, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or marijuana by any person under the age of 21;
2. Knowingly being and/or remaining in the company of undergraduate Biola students, whether on or off campus, who are consuming/using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, controlled and/or other mind-altering substances (see Undergraduate Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Policy for more detail on undergraduate substance use);
3. The use of and/or knowingly being and/or remaining in the company of others who are consuming/using alcohol, marijuana (whether recreational or medicinal), controlled and/or other mind-altering substances while on the Biola campus, on off-campus property owned or controlled by Biola such as off-campus buildings or residential housing sites,including on adjacent public sidewalks and walkways, or at Biola-related functions;
4. The act(s) of being drunk and disorderly on the Biola campus or, on off-campus property owned or controlled by Biola such as off-campus buildings or residential housing sites,at off-campus university buildings or residence housing sites, or at Biola-related functionsUniversity property, including on adjacent public sidewalks and walkways, or at Biola-related functions;
5. The use, possession or attempt to obtain, use, or possess, distribute, or sell any amount of any illegal drug, drug-related paraphernalia, or legally obtained drug or other substance, legal or illegal, used with the intent of becoming impaired/intoxicated; additionally, involvement in the sale or distribution of any such drugs, or substances or paraphernalia, whether on or off-campus;
6. Possession or consumption of non-alcoholic beers or other non-alcoholic options that outwardly resemble alcoholic beverages, on the Biola campus, at off-campus university buildings or residence housing sites, or at Biola-related functions on-campus or in Biola-owned properties;
7. Engaging in any activities that encourage the use of drugs or alcoholic beverages, including displays of any kind that promote a lifestyle of drinking or drug use, within the premises of the university or through publications endorsed or approved by the university (examples include alcohol brand advertisements on vehicles or clothing; pictures or posters of drugs or alcohol; alcohol-carrying containers or bottle caps);

In addition to the prohibited conduct listed above, please note the following:

• Harm to persons or damage to either private or university property arising from the actions of intoxicated and/or drug-impaired individuals on the premises of the university will be the full and sole responsibility of such individuals.
• Any student or student organization found supplying alcohol at university-sponsored off- campus events will be subject to disciplinary action and may be suspended from the university.
• Any student who sexually assaults another person who is intoxicated is subject to discipline in accordance with the university's Title IX policy.

Research demonstrates that tobacco use is a health hazard to both smokers and non-smokers. According to the Surgeon General, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the United States. Non-smokers who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are also at increased risk of illness.In the interest of creating a safe and healthy environment, Biola University has adopted the following policy. This policy applies while on the Biola campus, at off-campus university buildings or residence housing sites, or at Biola-related functions. Additionally, all persons using the facilities of the university are subject to this policy.

1. Smoking, possession and/or use of any tobacco or nicotine products ((i.e. cigarettes, snuff, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, or any nicotine products, i.e. e- cigarettes/vaporizers) is prohibited on all University facilities, either inside buildings or outside.
2. Smoking (including e-cigarettes/vaporizers) is prohibited in any vehicle owned, leased, or operated by the University.
3. The sale, distribution, or advertisement of tobacco products and e-cigarettes/vaporizers is prohibited on campus.
4. Vaporizers are prohibited on campus regardless of the substance being vaporized.
5. Clothing, posters, containers or other materials displaying tobacco product logos or trademarks are prohibited on campus.

The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs could increase the risk for a number of health related and other medical, behavioral and social problems. These include the acute health problems related to intoxication or overdose (blackouts, convulsions, coma, death); physical and psychological dependence; malnutrition; long- term health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, organic brain damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers and cancer of the liver, mouth, throat and stomach; contracting diseases such as AIDS through the sharing of hypodermic needles; pregnancy problems including miscarriages, still birth and learning disabilities; fetal alcohol syndrome; psychological or psychiatric problems; diminished behaviors (hangovers, hallucinations, disorientation, slurred speech); unusual or inappropriate risk-taking, which may result in physical injury or death; violent behavior towards others, such as assault or rape; accidents caused by operating machinery while impaired; impaired driving resulting in alcohol and drug-related arrest, traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities; negative effects on academic and work performance; conflicts with co-workers, classmates, family, friends and others; conduct problems resulting in disciplinary actions, including loss of employment; and legal problems including imprisonment.

In particular, alcohol abuse can cause very serious health and behavioral problems, including short and long term effects upon the body (physiological and psychological), as well as impairment of learning ability, memory and performance. Other effects include:

• Decreased performance and absenteeism
• Drowsiness and mood swings
• Poor judgment and coordination/tremors
• Lower morale/self esteem
• Increase in conflict with others

Substance abuse can cause very serious health and behavioral problems, including short and long term effects upon the body (physiological and psychological), as well as impairment of learning ability, memory and performance. Other effects of specific substances include:

• Marijuana
  • Disruption of space and distance judgment
  • Slower motor skills and coordination
  • Dilated pupils
  • Drowsiness/mood swings
  • Forgetfulness
  • Diminished mental capacity
• Cocaine/Crack
  • Short attention span
  • Mood swings; euphoria
  • Irritability, depression
  • Impaired judgment and decision making ability
  • Stealing to cover cost of drugs
  • Lack of dependability
  • Running nose; excessive sweating
• Hallucinogens: PCP, LSD, Ecstasy, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), Peyote, Salvia Divinorum
  • Loss of memory/concentration
  • Pupils dilated or constricted
  • Visual/auditory hallucinations
  • Sudden bizarre behavioral changes
  • Moodiness
  • Interpersonal conflicts
• Amphetamines: Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Cross-tops, Whites, Uppers
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased accidents
  • Diminished reflexes
• Methamphetamines: Crank, Crystal
  • Impaired judgment/decision making
  • Hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, depression
  • Decreased appetite, weight loss, tremors
• Sedatives/Barbiturates/Tranquilizers: Valium, Xanax, Seconal, Tuinal, Reds, Downers
  • Diminished reflexes/lower productivity
  • Memory Loss
  • Slurred speech/depression
  • Slowed mental processing

Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary actions up to and including suspension or dismissal from the university in accordance with university policies and procedures.

In addition to the university process, the university will involve local law enforcement officials when appropriate. Illegal possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, or illegal use or possession of alcohol is punishable under applicable local, state and federal law.

• The California Health & Safety Code states that “Every person who possesses any controlled substance shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year”, including applicable financial penalties and formal probation. (H & S 11350), and “Every person who possesses for sale, or purchases for sale, any controlled substance shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two to four years” (H & S 11351).
• Under federal law, the possession, use and/or sale of narcotics, marijuana, and/or other illicit drugs may include imprisonment for one to fifteen years, plus substantial financial penalties. The possession of marijuana for the purpose of sale, shall be punished by completing drug education or counseling, community service, and/or imprisonment in a county jail (H&S 11359). In addition, possession of any drug paraphernalia for the purpose of unlawfully smoking or injecting a controlled substance is punishable with imprisonment in a county jail (H & S 11364).
• The California Business and Professions Code states that the purchase, possession, distribution, or use of alcoholic beverages is illegal for those under the age of 21 in the State of California and constitutes a misdemeanor under B & P Code 25658, 25658.5,and 25662. The use of alcohol by obviously intoxicated individuals will vary with the particular circumstances, but may include imprisonment, plus substantial fines and penalties. In addition, minors who are arrested for violations concerning the use of alcohol run the risk of having their driving privileges suspended or revoked until they are age 18. The unlawful sale of alcohol may include imprisonment for six months, plus fines and penalties.
• In addition, the unlawful distribution or possession of a prescribed medication is also prohibited and punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary (B & P 4059 & 4060).
• A violation of law involving an individual being under the influence of a combination of alcohol and other drugs may result in an increase in criminal sanctions and penalties.

If you need help or know someone with a drug-related problem, please know that the Counseling Center, the Health Center, and the dean’s office of each school will provide assistance to those who come forward seeking help. The Counseling Center provides confidential consultations with trained psychologists and marriage & family therapists, at extremely low cost, and also makes referrals to outside counseling and treatment services.

Biola University Resources for Graduate Students

• Biola Counseling Center: (562) 903-4800
• Health Center: (562) 903-4841
• Dean's Office for:
  • Crowell School of Business: (562) 944-0351, ext. 5176
  • Rosemead School of Psychology: (562) 903-4867
  • School of Education: (562) 903-4843
  • School of Fine Arts and Communication: (562) 903-4807
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences: (562) 903-4711
  • School of Science, Technology and Health: (562) 903-4732
  • Talbot School of Theology: (562) 903-4816

Other Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous
  • English: (323) 936-4343
  • Español: (323) 750-2039
• Al-Anon: (818) 760-7122
• Adult Children of Alcoholics: (310) 534-1815
• Cocaine Anonymous: (888) 714-8341
• Family Anonymous Drug Abuse: (847) 294-5877
• Marijuana Anonymous
  • English and Español: (800) 766-6779
• Narcotics Anonymous
  • English: (800) 863-2962
  • Español: (888) 622-4692
• National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency: (818) 997-0414