UWG Students and Alcohol

Get Smart, Get Help, Or Get Out

Get Smart !

- It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, consume or possess alcohol; if caught violating the law or university policy, you will be referred to through the university judicial system. You may also face arrest and prosecution through the court system.

- If it is apparent that you have been drinking (due to behavior, the smell of alcohol, etc.) those observations constitute sufficient grounds for charges of underage consumption or other alcohol conduct code violations.

- If you are 21 or older and choose to drink alcohol, it is your responsibility to learn how to make educated, informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption and its potential impact. Useful information is available from links found on the following website:

•www.westga.edu/~stusrvc/adapt.htm

The University of West Georgia will present a variety of alcohol and drug education programs throughout each year.

Get Help !

If someone you know has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, the university can provide free confidential services including assessment, medical and psychological services as well as referrals to outside community resources.

You can get help by contacting either of these university departments:

Student Development Center (counseling), 678-839-6428

Health Services, 678-839-6542

Get Out!

If you choose to break the law, or if you choose to use alcohol irresponsibly, the University of West Georgia may suspend you.

UWG Students and Drugs

- Use or possession of any drug or controlled substance is strictly prohibited. Students who choose to violate the drug policies are subject to strict judicial sanctions including but not limited to mandatory substance abuse assessments, counseling or suspension.

The UWG Conduct Code regarding alcohol and other drugs can be found in Appendix A

UWG Medical Amnesty Policy

Purpose of the Policy

- UWG encourages the responsible use of alcohol. The Medical Amnesty Policy encourages all students to make responsible decisions in life-threatening situations that result from alcohol or other drug use and to seek medical attention for anyone who is in danger due to intoxication or blood alcohol poisoning.

- Medical Amnesty applies only to alcohol or other drug-related medical emergencies but does not apply to other situations, which also include prohibited conduct such as assault, property damage or distribution of illegal substances.

- In cases where an individual or organization fails to seek emergency medical assistance when risk of harm is clearly indicated, formal judicial action may be taken against the individual(s) or organization,

- The University of West Georgia enforces state law prohibiting the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21. The Medical Amnesty applies only to the UWG Student Conduct Code and does not in any way prohibit law enforcement personnel from enforcing the laws of the State of Georgia. However, in cases where law enforcement personnel are involved, an act of responsibility may be considered favorably and may mitigate possible consequences.

o Students in need of medical assistance

- When an individual student receives emergency medical attention that is directly related to the consumption of alcohol, the Assistant Dean of Students has the discretion to refer the student for an alcohol assessment or substance abuse related counseling in lieu of charging the student with a violation of the Conduct Code.

- Parents of students under the legal drinking be may be notified in accordance with the University’s alcohol and substance abuse policy.

o Students seeking assistance for others

- UWG students are encouraged to look safeguard their own health and welfare, as well as that of fellow students. Students are sometimes reluctant to request assistance due to possible disciplinary action. To remove this barrier and to encourage students to make responsible decisions regarding medical assistance in alcohol or other drug related emergencies, the UWG Medical Amnesty policy is enacted.

- When a student seeks emergency assistance on behalf of persons who may be experiencing alcohol or drug related emergencies, the Assistant Dean of Students has the discretion to allow all students to participate in an educational program, in lieu pursuing charges for a violation of the UWG Student Conduct Code.

o Student Organizations

- When representatives of a student organization seek emergency medical assistance on behalf of persons experiencing alcohol or other drug related emergencies, the Assistant Dean of Students has the discretion to require the organization to participate in an appropriate educational program, in lieu of being charged with violations of UWG alcohol policies.