Alcohol and Other Drugs

Wesleyan University prides itself on being a community of responsible citizens. To this end, it is expected that members of the community will abide by Wesleyan policies and local laws.

We recognize that despite these laws, expectations, and standards, some people will illegally consume or possess alcohol or other drugs, and some will have medical, legal, and/or interpersonal problems as a result of their use. Moreover, even those of legal age may misuse alcohol and in so doing come into conflict with standards of community conduct.

It is therefore the purpose of this document to delineate clearly the University policy on alcohol and other drugs. This includes the University’s regulations and many relevant laws, information regarding substance-free events, resources for those who have or are concerned about problems related to alcohol or drug use, and clarification about potential outcomes if found in violation of the University policy.

Standards of Conduct

The University prohibits the underage and unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students or by employees on University property or while participating in any University-sponsored activity. The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who violate the standards. Disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed on students include warning, disciplinary probation, community service hours, suspension, and dismissal. The University may also require a student who violates these standards to participate in a program of rehabilitation. Whenever the University determines that a student has violated one of the standards, it will consider as a possible sanction referral of the matter to law enforcement officials for prosecution. Although sanctions will vary according to the specific circumstances of the case, and greater or lesser sanctions imposed depending on these circumstances, it is nonetheless important for students to understand the potential consequences of violating the University’s policies on drugs and alcohol.

Financial Aid Eligibility: A student who has been convicted of any offense under federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance will not be eligible to receive certain grants, loans, or work assistance from the time of conviction through a period of ineligibility. The Office of the Dean of Students will monitor and report any known conviction to the Office of Financial Aid.

The Community Standards Board has Provided the Following Information Related to Typical Sanctions for Students:

First Offense: For minor violations, the student may receive a disciplinary warning via a simplified procedure (pursuant to Section III. D. 3 of the Code of Non-Academic Conduct). For serious violations, the student may receive more severe sanctions.

Second Offense: The student may receive a period of disciplinary probation and an educational assignment. As permitted by the 1998 Reauthorization of Higher Education Act, Wesleyan may notify parents by letter when a student is placed on disciplinary probation as a result of an alcohol/drug policy violation (generally this occurs as a result of a second offense or serious first offense).

Third Offense: If such an offense occurs during the probationary period, the student may be suspended for at least one semester. If the offense occurs after the probationary period, the student may receive an extended period of disciplinary probation, an educational assignment, and community service.

Local, State, and Federal Legal Sanctions

Numerous local, state, and federal laws govern the possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. The following is a brief overview of those laws. This overview cannot be an exhaustive or definitive statement of the various laws, but rather is designed to indicate the types of conduct that are against the law and the range of applicable legal sanctions. It is important to note that, while the activities covered by state, local, and federal law and those covered by Wesleyan’s rules are largely the same, the laws and the rules operate independently and do not substitute for each other. Wesleyan may pursue enforcement of its rules whether or not legal proceedings are under way or in prospect, and it may use information from third-party sources, such as law enforcement agencies and the courts, to determine whether University rules have been broken. The University will make no attempt to shield members of the Wesleyan community from the law.

  1. Local Laws

    1. Alcohol

      1. Use of Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited (see Middletown Code of Ordinances, 18–9)

        1. The possession and/or drinking of alcoholic beverages, including, but not limited to, wine and beer, by any person on any city-owned property under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department of the city of Middletown shall be prohibited, except that the possession and/or drinking of wine and/or beer shall be allowed in posted areas and at posted times, or by permit, at Veterans Memorial Park, Area A, and Crystal Lake.

        2. No person under the age of 21 shall be in possession of alcohol on public or private property.

        3. Beer kegs on any city property under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department of the city of Middletown shall only be permitted by special permit.

        4. Any person violating these provisions shall be fined in an amount not to exceed $90 per violation per day.

      2. Consumption and Possession of Alcoholic Liquor within and upon Public Highways, Sidewalks, and Parking Areas (see Middletown Code of Ordinances, 25–47)

        1. Except as permitted by the ordinance, no person shall consume any alcoholic liquor or possess with the intent to consume any alcoholic liquor upon or within the limits of any public highway or sidewalk or parking area within the city of Middletown.

        2. Consumption of alcoholic liquor or possession with intent to consume alcoholic liquor shall not be permitted in parked vehicles within or upon public highways, streets, or parking areas under any circumstances.

        3. Any person violating this ordinance shall be fined not more than $100 for each offense.

  2. State laws

    1. Drugs

      1. Penalties for Illegal Manufacture, distribution, Sale, Prescription, or dispensing of Controlled Substances

        1. Hallucinogenic or narcotic substances other than marijuana. First offense:Prison sentence not to exceed 15 years and/or fine not to exceed $50,000. Second offense: Prison sentence not to exceed 30 years and/or ne not to exceed $100,000. Each subsequent offense: Prison sentence not to exceed 30 years and/or ne not to exceed $250,000 (see Connecticut General Statutes 21–277).

        2. Other controlled substances excluding marijuana. First offense: Prison sentence not to exceed seven (7) years and/or ne not to exceed $25,000. Each subsequent offense: Prison sentence not to exceed 15 years and/or fine not to exceed $100,000 (see Connecticut General Statutes 21–277).

        3. Examples of such substances include, but are not limited to, mescaline, peyote, morphine, LSD, cocaine (including “crack”), opium, amphetamines, and heroin. For a complete definition of controlled, hallucinogenic, and narcotic substances, see Connecticut General Statutes 21a–240.

      2. Penalties for Illegal Manufacture, distribution, Sale, Prescription or Administration by Nondrug-dependent Person

        1. Minimum prison term of not less than ve years and maximum term of life imprisonment for the manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession or transportation with the intent to sell of one ounce or more of heroin, methadone, or cocaine (including “crack”), or one-half gram more of cocaine in a freebase form, or ve milligrams or more of LSD (see Connecticut General Statutes 21a–278).

        2. Minimum prison term of not less than five years for first offense, and for subsequent offenses, minimum prison term of not less than 10 years, for the manufacture, distribution, sale, or transportation or possession with the intent to sell any narcotic, hallucinogenic or amphetamine-type substance, or one kilogram or more of a cannabis-type substance (which includes marijuana) (see Connecticut General Statutes 21a-278).

      3. Penalties for Illegal Manufacture, distribution, Sale, Prescription, or Administration Involving Minors (see Connecticut General Statutes 21a–278a)

        1. Mandatory two-year prison term for the distribution, sale, dispensing, offering, or giving of any controlled substance to another person who is under 18 years of age and who is at least two years younger than the person violating the statute.

        2. Mandatory three-year prison term for the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, sale, transportation or possession with intent to sell, offering or gift of any controlled substance on or within fifteen hundred feet of the real property comprising a public or private elementary school.

      4. Penalties for Possession (see Connecticut General Statutes 21a–279)

        1. Any person who possesses or has under his control any quantity of any narcotic substance, including marijuana, for a first offense may be imprisoned not more than seven years and/or fined not more than $50,000, and for a second offense, may be imprisoned not more than 15 years and/or fined not more than $100,000.

        2. Any person who possesses or has under his control any quantity of a hallucinogenic substance other than marijuana or four ounces or more of a cannabis-type substance for a first offense, may be imprisoned not more than five years or be fined not more than two thousand dollars or be both fined and imprisoned, and for a subsequent offense may be imprisoned not more than ten years or be fined not more than five thousand dollars or be both fined and imprisoned.

        3. Any person who possesses or has under his control any quantity of any controlled substance other than a narcotic substance, or a hallucinogenic substance other than marijuana or who possesses or has under his control one-half ounce or more but less than four ounces of a cannabis-type substance, for a first offense, may be fined not more than one thousand dollars or be imprisoned not more than one year, or be both fined and imprisoned; and for a subsequent offense, may be fined not more than three thousand dollars or be imprisoned not more than five years, or be both fined and imprisoned.

        4. A variety of sentences are available under this statute depending on the substance possessed, its quantity, and the background of the offender.

    2. Alcohol

      1. Sale of Alcohol to Minors and Intoxicated Persons (see Connecticut General Statutes 30–86)

        1. Any permittee who sells or delivers alcoholic liquor to any minor, or to any intoxicated person, or to any habitual drunkard shall be fined not more than $1,000 and/or imprisoned not more than one (1) year.

        2. Any person who delivers or gives alcoholic liquor to any minor, except on the order of a practicing physician, shall be fined not more than $1,500 and/or imprisoned not more than 18 months.

      2. Inducing Minors to Procure Liquor (see Connecticut General Statutes 30–87)

        1. a. Any person who induces any minor to procure alcoholic liquor from any person permitted to sell the same shall be fined not more than $1,000 and/or imprisoned not more than one year.

      3. Misrepresentation of Age (see Connecticut General Statutes 30–88a)

        1. a. Any person who misrepresents his age or uses or exhibits for the purpose of procuring alcoholic liquor an operator’s license belonging to any other person shall be fined not less than $200 nor more than $500 and/or imprisoned for not more than 30 days.

      4. Procuring Liquor by Persons Forbidden and Public Possession of Liquor by Minors (see Connecticut General Statutes 30-89)

        1. Any person to whom the sale of alcoholic liquor is by law forbidden who purchases or attempts to purchase such liquor or who makes any false statement for the purpose of procuring such liquor shall be fined not less than $200 nor more than $500.

        2. Any minor who possesses any alcoholic liquor on any street or highway or in any public place or place open to the public, including a club that is open to the public, shall be fined not less than $200 nor more than $500.

      5. Dram Shop Act (see Connecticut General Statutes 30–102)

        1. a. If any person, by himself or his agent, sells any alcoholic liquor to any intoxicated person, and such purchaser, in consequence of such intoxication, thereafter injures the person or property of another, such seller shall pay just damages to the person injured, up to the amount of $20,000, or to persons injured in consequence of such intoxication up to an aggregate amount of $50,000.

      6. Operating a Motor vehicle While Under the Influence of Liquor or Drug or While Impaired by Liquor (see Connecticut General Statutes 14–227a)

        1. Any person who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug or both or who operates a motor vehicle while his ability to operate is impaired by the consumption of intoxicating liquor shall, for conviction of a first violation, be fined not less than $500 and be imprisoned for not more than six months, and shall have his operator’s license suspended for one year.

        2. This statute provides for greater penalties for subsequent offenses.

  3. Federal Laws

    1. Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance

      1. Penalty for Simple Possession (see 21 U.S.C. 844[A])

        • FIRST CONVICTION: Up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000 or both.

        • AFTER 1 PRIOR DRUG CONVICTION: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years, and fined at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000 or both.

        • AFTER 2 OR MORE PRIOR DRUG CONVICTIONS: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000 or both.

        • SPECIAL SENTENCING PROVISIONS FOR POSSESSION OF CRACK COCAINE: Mandatory at least five years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000 or both, if:

          1. First conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams;

          2. Second crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams;

          3. Third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram.

      2. Criminal Forfeitures (see 21 U.S.C. 853[a][2] and 881[a][7])
        Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one-year imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions regarding crack.)

      3. Forfeitures (see 21 U.S.C. 881[a][4]) Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.

      4. Civil Penalties for Possession of Small Amounts of Certain Controlled Substances (see 21 U.S.C. 844a) Civil fine up to $10,000 (pending adoption of final regulations).

      5. Denial of Federal Benefits to drug Traffickers and Possessors (see 21 U.S.C. 853a) Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent offenses.

      6. Firearm Forfeiture (see 18 U.S.C. 922[g]) Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.

      7. Miscellaneous Revocation of Certain Federal Licenses and Benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies.

      8. Federal Trafficking Penalties See “Federal Trafficking Penalties” charts (https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=30).

Risks Associated with Alcohol Use

Alcohol use is often viewed as being part and parcel of the college experience. Indeed, national data shows that approximately 80 percent of college students drink alcohol, and approximately 1,800 college-age students die each year from alcohol-related injuries. Alcohol use on college campuses plays a direct role in several other harms, such as academic problems, physical assault, sexual assault, and unsafe sex. Wesleyan is especially concerned with high-risk drinking because of the associated harms to the individual and the community and as such has defined high-risk drinking for educational and judicial procedures.

Wesleyan University's Definition of High-Risk Drinking

Nationwide studies have defined high-risk drinking, or “binge drinking,” as four drinks for women and five drinks for men in a sitting at least once in a two-week period. However, the actual level at which this occurs can vary between individuals. The behavioral definition of high-risk drinking refers to drinking in a way that compromises the health, well-being, or safety of the individual or others, defies law and University policies, or disrespects the Wesleyan University community. The participation in a behavior listed in any of the categories below qualifies as engagement in high-risk drinking.

  1. Compromising One’s Own Health and Well-Being
    Being dangerously intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs leading to:

    1. A diminished ability to walk or stand

    2. Vomiting

    3. Loss of consciousness

    4. Verbal or cognitive incoherence

    5. Aggressive or violent behavior

    6. Intentionally mixing alcohol or drugs together when such use is contraindicated, including excessive amounts of caffeine

    7. Consuming an excessive quantity in a short amount of time

    8. Chugging

    9. Shots

    10. Utilization of a high-volume drinking apparatus

    11. Pregaming or prepartying

    12. Not knowing what is in your glass or leaving it unattended

    13. Drinking as an excuse for sexual activities

  2. Defying Law and University Policies

    1. Operating a vehicle after drinking or riding with an intoxicated driver

    2. Causing or coercing another person to ingest alcohol or any drug without that person’s consent

    3. Attempting to purchase or purchasing, possessing, or otherwise having control of alcoholic beverages under the age of 21

    4. Non-compliance with the requirements of the Student Events Policy by a student organization

  3. Disrespecting the Wesleyan University Community

    1. Possessing an open container of alcoholic beverage in public/common areas or on the grounds of the University, except at registered events

    2. Engaging in hazardous or disruptive conduct, which may include:

      • Engaging in games or other potentially dangerous behaviors or encouraging others to do so

      • Damaging or destroying University property or another person’s property

      • Engaging in physically or verbally abusive behavior

Health Risk Associated with Illicit Drug Use

Similar to alcohol, someone who uses illicit drugs on a regular basis is at increased risk for experiencing negative consequences (see “Risks Associated with Alcohol Use,” above). These consequences can vary greatly depending on the substance, the quantity consumed, if it is combined with alcohol or other substances, and the frequency of consumption. Some consequences may include the following:

  1. Mental and physical health problems, including lowered resistance to disease/illness; increased risk of ulcers, heart disease, and cancers of the liver, mouth, throat and stomach; and memory loss, anxiety disorders, phobias, and depression.

  2. Increased risk of serious injury to self or others, due to fighting, sexual assault, driving under the influence, homicide, and suicide.

  3. Increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected/unsafe sex, due to impaired judgment which may result in unplanned pregnancy and/or infection with a sexually transmitted disease.

  4. Increased engagement in other illegal activities, including vandalism, physical assault, sexual assault, driving under the influence, etc.

  5. Increased likelihood of developing an addiction, particularly those with a family history of alcohol or other drug addiction. They are at least four times more likely to develop an addiction.

  6. Increased likelihood of death. Drug use increases the odds of death from accidental or intentional drug overdoses as well as participation in other unsafe behaviors (e.g., driving under the influence).

Drugs, by definition, impact the body’s physiologic processes by chemical means. These interactions may be unpredictable, especially when the constituents of drugs are partially unknown (as with street or club drugs), or of unexpected intensity as when prescription drugs are misused. Such effects are especially problematic when drugs are mixed or combined with alcohol or with other prescription or herbal medications a student may be taking.

At best, such an outcome is frightening or uncomfortable; at worst it could lead to unintended effects as detailed above. In addition to these risks, there is the possibility of addiction to behavior patterns or physical addiction, both of which can yield devastating impacts on family, finances, health, etc.

The chart “Controlled Substances—Uses and Effects” (https://www.dea.gov/factsheets ) provide additional information on the uses and effects of controlled substances.

(Information adapted from McDowell, U. and Futris, T., “Adolescents at Risk: Illicit Drug Use.” Department of Human Development and Family Science, The Ohio State University, 2002; and C. Kuhn, S. Swartzwelder and W. Wilson, “Buzzed: The straight facts about the most used and abused drugs from alcohol to ecstasy,” 1998.)

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention and Education for Students

WesWell, the Office of Health Education | 287 High Street | 860-685-2466 | wesleyan.edu/weswell
WesWell, the Office of Health Education, coordinates alcohol and other drug prevention education activities. These efforts consist of educational outreach activities with the goal of informing and educating the Wesleyan community about the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The program is aimed at creating an environment on campus in which responsible choices about alcohol and drug use are supported. Please visit wesleyan.edu/weswell/resources to see a comprehensive list of strategies. Some strategies include:

  1. The Director of Health Education hires a team of student Peer Health Advocates who create peer-led outreach activities on a range of health issues, including alcohol and other drugs. They design and disseminate a variety of activities and materials and assist the Director and Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist in planning prevention activities.

  2. The health education staff offers programs during New Student Orientation and residentially based workshops throughout the year, and sponsors awareness events and speakers.

  3. The health education staff supports students referred for educational follow-up as a result of alcohol and other drug policy violations. This may be a one-on-one meeting with the Alcohol or Other Drug Specialist or participation in a web-based program. 

  4. The Director of Health Education and Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist conduct Residence Life student staff training and in-services, assists with event staff training, and supports the training needs of other departments and groups on alcohol and other drug issues.

  5. The Director of Health Education and Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist serve as a resource and an advisor to students who opt to live in alcohol- and drug-free housing and to students in recovery from alcohol and other drugs.

Alcohol and Other Drug Intervention and Support

  1. Identification, Intervention, and Referral of students with substance abuse problems

    Health Services and other Student Affairs and Deans’ Office staff are trained to identify students who may have substance- abuse problems and can intervene, if appropriate, to refer these individuals to Health Education, Counseling and Psychological Services, and/or to a local treatment center for assessment and treatment, if necessary. Twelve-step support meetings are available on campus and within walking distance of campus. For a list of campus meetings please visit: wesleyan.edu/weswell. The Residential Life student staff and the Peer Health Advocates may also refer students to the Office of Health Education, Health Services, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for problems with alcohol and other drugs.

    Additionally, students who violate the University’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy may be referred by the Community Standards Board (CSB) to meet with staff in Health Services, Office of Health Education, and/or Counseling Center for an evaluation/assessment or ongoing therapy.

  2. Ongoing Support for Students in Recovery

    Professionals are available in the Counseling and Psychological Services for ongoing counseling and support. Twelve-step support meetings are available within on-campus and within walking distance of campus. For a current list of campus meetings and locations please visit: wesleyan.edu/weswell.

Alcohol and Drug Counseling and Treatment for Students

Davison Health Center, 327 High Street | 860-685-2470, wesleyan.edu/healthservices
The Davison Health Center serves as an important point of first contact for many students. The Health Center staff are well-attuned to the direct and indirect effects of alcohol and other drugs on students’ lives and factor this in virtually every clinical encounter. Educating and advising students on the use of alcohol and other drugs will occur directly when medical history or exam suggest that their use may be having an impact on physical, academic, or social functioning and indirectly as when students are advised to avoid alcohol use to promote recovery from a viral illness. When necessary, students are referred to the Counseling and Psychological Services.

Counseling and Psychological Services | 860-685-2910, wesleyan.edu/caps
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is located in the Davison Health Center. CAPS sees students who self-refer for alcohol and/or substance issues, as well as students who are referred by other offices and members of the University community. CAPS also assists students who are returning to campus following intensive treatment for alcohol or drug abuse or dependence. CAPS provides consultation and referral, voluntary psychotherapy, and support for returning students.

  1. Consultation and Referral
    A student with questions about his or her substance or alcohol use can schedule an appointment with a CAPS therapist to discuss these concerns in detail. At the end of the session, the therapist will make a recommendation for treatment, which could range from individual psychotherapy at CAPS to outpatient treatment at a specialized program to inpatient rehabilitation.

  2. Voluntary Psychotherapy
    If appropriate, a student may see a CAPS therapist for individual psychotherapy to address concerns regarding alcohol and/or substance use. Alternatively, a student may benefit from seeing a therapist in the community who specializes in this area. CAPS can assist students with these referrals. Finally, a student’s use pattern may be significant enough to warrant intensive outpatient treatment, such as that provided by Rushford Treatment Center in Middletown. CAPS can facilitate this referral as well.

  3. Support for Returning Students
    At times, students determine they need time off from Wesleyan in order to fully address their alcohol and/or substance issues. As they prepare to return to the campus community following completion of their treatment, CAPS will meet with students to discuss potential challenges and to develop a plan for a successful transition back to the life of a full-time student.

Policy Review

The University will review the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy at least every two years to assess its effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. Changes in the policy will be implemented as needed following each review.