Drugs, Weapons, and Alcohol
Drugs
Georgia law and University policy prohibit the possession, sale and or manufacturing of illegal drugs, prescription drugs and steroids. The University Police strictly enforces all applicable state laws and works closely with surrounding law enforcement agencies, to ensure the campus is as drug free as possible. Students and employees found in violation of the drug laws face arrest, expulsion from the University, and loss of future federal educational loans and grants. Employees found in violation are also subject to the termination of their employment. The University is in compliance with all provisions of the “Drug Free Campus” amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1989. (The University’s policy on Alcohol and Drug use for students can be found in the UWG Connection and Student Handbook – Appendix A.)
Persons who abuse drugs and alcohol can be a danger to themselves and to those around them. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a drug or alcohol problem, the University has the resources to help you. The Patient Advocates at Health Services (678-839-6452) or the counselors at Student Development (678-839-6428) are available assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are also on call 24 hours a day through the University Police Dispatch Center (678-839-6000). Their services are available to enrolled students free of charge and are strictly confidential. If someone is abusing or selling drugs, and you are fearful for your safety or those around you, contact the University Police at 678-839-6000 (24/7/365) and ask to speak with a officer. If you do not wish to be identified, e-mail publicsafetyconfidential@westga.edu. An investigator will be assigned to follow up on the information and take whatever action is possible. The University Police will also coordinate with Student Services so that their resources may be utilized to protect the students involved. The University Police Department offers information and classes on drug prevention. If you would like to schedule a class please call the Office of Professional Standards & Training at 678-839-5280.
Alcohol
The University Police Department has adopted a policy of Zero Tolerance towards persons who violate the alcohol laws. These violations include but are not limited to underage drinking, driving under the influence, furnishing alcohol to minors, open container and public drunkenness. This policy is based on our experience with students who have abused alcohol in the past. There is a direct relationship between alcohol abuse and instances of sexual assault, fighting and vandalism. Alcohol abuse harms not only the person drinking, but also those around him or her. The University Police arrests all persons found in violation of these laws unless the immediate circumstances dictate otherwise. Exceptions would include if the person has been a victim of sexual assault, or has a medical condition that requires immediate attention . These persons may be cited at a later date.
Arrest may be by citation or actually lodging in the Carroll County Jail if their blood alcohol exceeds .10. All campus alcohol cases are processed through the City Court in Carrollton and referred to Student Services for violation of the Student Conduct Code. (See the University's policy on Alcohol and Drug use in the UWG Connection and Student Handbook – Appendix A.) In recent years the City Court judges have levied hefty fines and many hours of community service on those convicted of alcohol violations, especially driving under the influence (DUI) and underage consumption. Repeat offenses have resulted in students being ordered to serve time in the County jail.
The judges have made it clear that the time to be served will be when ordered and not when convenient for the student. Students have missed midterms, finals and spring break due to being lodged in jail for multiple violations of the alcohol laws. Students who miss exams due to being in jail for repeated drinking violations have also find the faculty less than sympathetic in providing an opportunity for a make-up exam. The Patient Advocates at Health Services (678-839-6452) and the counselors at Student Development (678-839-6428) are available assist you with alcohol issues Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are also on call 24 hours a day through the University Police Dispatch Center (678-839-6000). Their services are available to enrolled students free of charge and are strictly confidential. If someone has overdosed on alcohol, do not assume that the person will "sleep it off ". If the person's breathing has become shallow and pulse difficult to find, seek medical attention immediately by calling University Police at 678-839-6000 (9-6000 on campus). The University Police Department offers information and classes on alcohol abuse prevention. If you would like to schedule a class please call the Office of Professional Standards & Training at 678-839-5280.
Weapons
The University of West Georgia prohibits the possession of any weapon on the campus except those carried by University Police or a weapon approved for classroom instruction. This prohibition extends to all faculty, staff, students and visitors. All persons found in possession of a weapon as defined by state law are subject to arrest. Students found in possession of a weapon will also be referred to Student Judiciary while staff and faculty will be subject to discipline up to and including termination. Weapons which are used for classroom instruction must be approved by the UWG Chief of Police prior to the weapon being brought onto campus. Those bringing weapons must comply with the stipulations established by the Chief reference security and safety. In no case will live ammunition to be brought with the weapon though deactivated rounds are allowed for demonstration purposes.
Under the law the following items are considered weapons and therefore may not be possessed on campus. Weapon means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, straight-edge razor, razor blade, spring stick, metal knucks, blackjack, any bat, club, or other bludgeon-type weapon, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any weapon of like kind, and any stun gun or taser as defined in subsection (a) of Code Section 16-11-106. This paragraph excludes any of these instruments used for classroom work authorized by the teacher. (OCGA 16-11-127.1.a.2). The Campus is defined by the law to include the campus proper as well as property leased by or loaned to the University for campus functions. This includes but is not limited to off campus sites used by Athletics for sporting events or. Vehicles used by the University to provide transportation for students and staff also fall under the authority of the law. (OCGA 16-11-127.1.b)
University Police Department | Office Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm – Monday through Friday| 24 Hour Emergency: 678-839-6000 (24/7/365) | Fax: 678-839-4981
Updated: June 2009
