Drug, Alchohol & Weapons
Drugs
State law and University policy prohibit the sale and abuse of illegal drugs as well as prescription drugs and steroids. Public Safety strictly enforces all applicable state laws and works closely with the West Georgia Drug Task Force, 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 also face arrest as well as termination of employment. The University is in compliance with all provisions of the "Drug Free Campus" amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1989. (See the University's policy on Alcohol and Drug use in the Uncatalog.)
Persons who abuse drugs can be a danger to themselves and to those around them. Using drugs is not "cool" and abuse has cut many a promising career short. If you know or suspect a friend is abusing drugs, talk with that person about quitting. If you need help, contact Student Development (678-839-6428) or a member of the Residence Life Staff. If someone is abusing or selling drugs, and you are fearful for your safety or those around you, contact Public Safety at 678-839-6000 (open 24 hrs) and ask to speak with an investigator or e-mail publicsafetyconfidential@westga.edu. An investigator will be assigned to follow up on the information and take whatever action possible. Public Safety will also coordinate with Student Services so that their resources may be utilized to protect the students involved.
Public Safety offers information and classes on drug prevention. If you would like to schedule a class please call Investigations at 678-839-4974.
Alcohol
Public Safety follows 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 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. Public Safety 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 an immediate medical problem which is life threatening. These persons may be cited at a later date.
Arrest may be by citation or actually lodging in the Carroll County Jail. 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 Uncatalog.) 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 might also find the Faculty less than cooperative in providing an opportunity for a make-up exam.
If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, contact Student Development (678-839-6428) or Student Health (678-839-6452) for assistance. Public Safety offers information and classes on alcohol abuse prevention. If you would like to schedule a class please call Investigations at 678-839-4974.
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 911 if off campus (8-911 on campus) or Public Safety at 678-839-6000 (96000 on campus).
Weapons
It is the policy of the University of West Georgia that possession of any weapon on the campus except by the University police or a weapon approved for classroom instruction is prohibited. 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 to approved 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)
