Florida State University Graduate Bulletin 2007-2009
Florida State University Statement for Students on the Unlawful Possession, Use, or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Florida State University Alcohol Policy
Florida State University has an Alcohol Policy that delineates where and under what circumstances alcohol is permitted on campus. Please visit the following link: www.tshc.fsu.edu/par/documents/FSUAlcoholPolicy.pdf to reference information regarding this policy.
Standards of Conduct
State of Florida statutes declare that it is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Consequently, no one under the legal drinking age may consume, distribute, or possess alcohol on University properties or as part of any University activity.
It is unlawful to sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. Furthermore, servers can be held civilly liable for damage caused by underage drinkers to whom they provided alcoholic beverages.
It is unlawful to be under the influence of, to use, possess, distribute, sell, offer, or agree to sell, or represent to sell, narcotics, hallucinogens, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances, except as where permitted by prescription or law.
Legal Sanctions
Alcohol Offenses
| Common Alcohol Offenses (Leon County) | Typical Penalty First Offense | Maximum Penalty First Offense |
| Possession or attempt to purchase alcohol by a person under 21 years of age. | Diversion program; $180 fine; 10 hours community work program. | 60 days jail; $500 fine. |
| Using a false driver's license ID or allowing someone to use your driver's license for an ID card. | Diversion program; $180 fine; 10 hours community work program. | 60 days jail; $500 fine. |
| Providing alcohol to a person under 21. | Diversion program; $180 fine; 10 hours community work program. | 60 days jail; $500 fine. |
Note: These are only for information. State sanctions are subject to change by the Florida Legislature.
Illicit Drugs Offenses
The penalty for possession (second-degree misdemeanor) is 60 days jail and $500 fine. Penalties for trafficking (first-degree felony) range up to 30 years imprisonment and fines of $500,000.
Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. It may increase aggressiveness, lower inhibitions, cloud judgment, reduce resistance, and hamper the ability to make decisions. The effects of alcohol are related to dose, rate of intake, body size and percentage of body fluid, expectations, social environment, physical conditions (disease or, more commonly, hormonal cycles can be factors), enzyme differences, and concentration of alcohol in a drink. Alcohol first affects the area of the brain responsible for higher functions, such as decision-making and social inhibitions, suppressing an individual's self-control. Alcohol in the blood slows reaction time, reduces muscle coordination and impairs eyesight, contributing to deficits in performance, judgment, memory, and motor skills. 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 a crash. Moderate doses of alcohol may increase the odds of a variety of aggressive acts (violent crimes), including murder, rape, assault, vandalism, spouse and child abuse, and drunk driving. High doses of alcohol often cause marked impairment in higher mental functioning, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information, leading to blackouts and a general suspension of cognitive abilities. Heavy use may lead to various types of traumatic injury, chronic depression, suicide, fetal alcohol syndrome, respiratory failure, alcohol poisoning, and death.
Prolonged, heavy consumption of alcohol can result in long-term medical problems, including high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, pancreatitis, various cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, infectious diseases, mental disorders, and impairment of the central nervous system, all of which may lead to early death. Consistent use of alcohol can lead to tolerance, which is an indication of the body's adjustment to regular drinking, and is a warning sign of alcohol dependence. High tolerance may be an inherited function, which many researchers think is a sign of genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake by alcoholics is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions, which can be life-threatening.
Illicit drugs all have some health-threatening qualities—some more than others. Examples include increased heart rate and lung damage from marijuana; central nervous system disorders from cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens; and liver, lung and kidney damage from inhalants. HIV infection also is spread widely among intravenous drug users. Even infrequent use of illicit drugs can result in physical afflictions, such as hangovers, cardiovascular damage, digestive problems, tremors, impaired sexual response, and injuries due to lost coordination. Other possible effects include reduced alertness and impaired performance at school or work, interpersonal conflicts, and financial difficulties. Dependence and addiction are constant threats to users of illicit substances. Regular abuse of these substances generally exposes users to criminal elements, which may lead to involvement in further criminal activities.
Educational and Counseling Resources and Support
- In support of responsible management of alcohol, the university provides information in the form of books, pamphlets, videotapes and computer resources through the Office of Health Promotion at the Thagard Student Health Center [644-8871]. The Office of Resident Life [644-2860] and the FSU Police Department [644-1234] also sponsor educational programs.
- Volunteer opportunities for students seeking to work toward greater alcohol responsibility are available through KARMA (Knowing About the Responsible Management of Alcohol and other drugs) Peer Educators [644-8871], and PAR (Partnership for Alcohol Responsibility) [644-6489] at Thagard Student Health Center.
- SMART (Students Making Alcohol and Other Drug Responsibility Theirs) Choices consists of two two-hour class sessions and an interactive on line program at Thagard Student Health Center that presents the legal and personal consequences of substance abuse. Students who are sanctioned by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities [644-2428, Dean of Students Office] or University Housing [644-2860] for on- or off-campus violations of the University's alcohol and drug policy must complete the course. The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to a process of self-examination that may lead to improved decision making and behavior change.
- The Learning Resources Center of the College of Nursing has books, slides and videotapes on alcohol and other substances which are available to instructors in the College of Nursing. All other staff or faculty would need approval from the Dean of the College of Nursing to access these resources [644-1291].
- The Digital Media Center provides media resources, which include listings on alcohol topics, to all campus approved departments and organizations. There is no charge for this service when it is used for regularly scheduled classes [644-5924; Web site is http://www.lib.fsu.edu/digitalmc.html].
- The University Counseling Center provides counseling services to students. These services are free to students who have paid their fees, and include alcohol and other substance abuse counseling [644-2003]. Counseling services are also provided by the Marriage and Family Therapy clinic, where fees are based on annual income [644-1588].
- The Human Services Center is a training clinic within the College of Education. Counselors are graduate students with counseling majors. Fees are based on a sliding scale [644-3854, 644-3857].
- The Psychology Clinic is also a training clinic. Counselors are graduate students in clinic psychology programs. They provide one-on-one psychology services (no support groups) to both students and the community. Fees are based on a sliding scale [644-3006].
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Florida State University was established to assist employees with behavioral, medical and substance abuse problems affecting employment. Employees can enter the program through self-referral or supervisory referral. The EAP functions as a coordinator of counseling and other appropriate services available both within the university and the community [644-2288].
- Big Bend Helpline 211, Inc. [www.211bigbend.org,] is a 24-hour hotline and has the most extensive and current listing of counseling and support services (AA, ALANON, etc.) in the Tallahassee community [ 211 or 224-6333.]
University Disciplinary Sanctions for Alcohol/Drug Offenses
The disciplinary function at Florida State University is an integral part of the educational mission of the University. Students in violation of state laws, city ordinances, or University policies will be reported to Florida State University authorities for disciplinary action. Disciplinary processes are outlined in the Florida State University Student Handbook, which gives the University authority to impose sanctions including suspension, dismissal, and expulsion. Parental notification under certain circumstances is integral to University protocol regarding alcohol use.