Important Guidelines on Alcohol, Drugs & Safety in Student Organizations
Jeremy Sippel, Assistant Director of Student Government Association, shares crucial information on risk management involving alcohol, drugs, safety issues, and University policies. Learn about penalties for public intoxication, furnishing alcohol to minors, DWI offenses, and campus regulations on alcohol use. Stay informed to promote a safe and responsible environment in student organizations.
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Risk Management Jeremy Sippel Assistant Director, Student Government Association and Student Organizations
Topics to be covered Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and penalties Hazing Sexual Abuse and Harassment Fire and other safety issues Firearm, weapon or explosive device Travel Accessibility
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties Public Intoxication- occurs when a person appears in public while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger themselves or others due to the impairment of mental/physical faculties. Generally you get to sober up in a jail, unless there is a responsible sober adult that is willing to accept responsibility for you and the officer deems it not necessary for a trip to jail. Minor in Possession- A person under the age of 21, found to be in possession of an alcoholic beverage of any kind Minor in Consumption- A person under the age of 21, consuming any alcoholc beverage, EXCEPT if the minor is with their parent or spouse and is giving them the alcohol to consume
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties Purchase/Furnish Alcohol to a Minor Up to $4,000 and up to 1 year in jail Furnishing alcohol to a minor or providing a place for a minor to consume is considered a serious Class A misdemeanor. For example; organization is hosting a party at their house, a minor comes to the party and consumes alcohol provided by the organization, the organization can be held responsible for furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) A person is DWI when having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more while operating a motor vehicle. 1stoffense is a Class B misdemeanor Fine up to $2,000, confinement in jail up to 180 days, and license suspension 90 days to 1 year 2ndoffense is a Class A misdemeanor Fine up to $4,000, confinement in jail a minimum of 30 days & up to 1 year, and license suspension 180 days to 2 years 3rdoffense is a 3rdDegree Felony Fine is up to $10,000, 2 to 10 years in prison, and license suspension 180 days to 2 years
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties University policy Alcohol use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly authorized by University regulations), is prohibited on University premises and University-sponsored events. Students are expected to comply with all state and local laws, as well as all Residential Living and Learning regulations regarding the presence of alcohol in the residence halls (see University Housing Policy). (TAMUC Student Code of Conduct)
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties University policy Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited. Providing alcohol or access to alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited. Being found in a state of public intoxication or drunkenness is prohibited. Possession of common containers (e.g. kegs, trash cans, etc.) on campus is prohibited. Operating a motor vehicle or another form of transportation while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Violating any provision of the Code of Student Conduct while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties Possession of Drugs Possession of a usable quantity of marijuana (2 oz. or less) is an offense under state law, and a Class B Misdemeanor Fine up to $2,000 and confinement in jail up to 180 days Possession of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, psilocin, mescaline, and The Opiates Possession of these major drugs carries varied punishments and even the possession of only a single usable amount still carries a State Jail Felony punishment. Fine up to $10,000, up to 2 years in jail (unusable amount), 15-99 years or life and up to $250,000 fine (usable amount)
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, And Penalties University Policy Students are expected to comply with all federal and state laws regarding legal and illegal drugs (see Health and Safety Code Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substance Act, Texas Penal Code Chapter 49, and Texas Agric. Chapter 122). Any substance for that, when taken into the human body, can impair the normal use of mental or physical facilities. The unauthorized possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of any counterfeit, illegal, dangerous, designer, or controlled drug, or other substance is prohibited. The possession of drug paraphernalia means equipment, a product, or material that is used or intended for use to impair the normal mental or physical faculties. Examples of prohibited activities include, but are not limited to: Use, or transport of hemp Use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of prescription medications Being under the influence of a substance (intoxication) and not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties (TAMUC Student Code of Conduct)
Mitigation of Alcohol Check IDs at the door and identify minors with a bracelet. Those with bracelets cannot drink alcohol and cannot get to location where alcohol is present. Hire professional security to work the door. Serve non-alcoholic beverages and food. Limit hours of partying to four hours or less. Do not permit drinking games Maintain control of any alcohol present. Do not allow personal bottles of alcohol to be brought.
What Should you do? Know the law Minor in possession Stop the person from drinking Take appropriate action and deal with the minor in a safe manner. Illegal Drugs Notify authorities for removal of the individual Ensure the person who is under the influence is properly cared for Impaired Attendee Do not allow person to drive Seek medical assistance as needed Do not leave the person alone Do not allow the person to continue in impairing behaviors (i.e. drinking alcohol)
Hazing "Hazing" means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act: Is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity; Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; Involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than described by the next paragraph, that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; Is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code; Or involves coercing, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, the student to consume a drug; or an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by Section 49.01, Penal Code. (Texas Education Code)
Prevent Hazing Recognize what hazing looks like and do not allow those behaviors. Follow Student Code of Conduct, Organization Constitution, National Policy Stand up for what is right, not what is tradition . Even though something may be done secretively it is still hazing and unacceptable.
Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Prohibited behavior includes unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex (of a sexual nature or otherwise). By an employee of the university who conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the member on an individual s participation in that unwelcome sexual conduct. Determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the A&M-Commerce education program or activity. Sexual assault or dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking based on sex.
Sexual Exploitation Refers to a situation in which a person takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his or her own advantage or benefit, or for the advantage or benefit of anyone other than the one being exploited. Examples of prohibited sexual exploitation include such actions as secretly videotaping sexual activity, voyeurism, sexually based stalking, invasion of sexual privacy, and knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted infection to another person.
Sexual Abuse and Harassment Members of the university community, guests, and visitors have the right to be free from sexual violence, abuse, and harassment. In order for individuals to engage in sexual activity there must be clear, knowing, and voluntary consent prior to and during sexual activity.
Consent Defined as: Positive, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement to engage in a specific sexual activity throughout a sexual encounter. Cannot be inferred from absence of a no. Consent to some acts does not imply consent to others, nor does past consent imply present or future consent. Can be revoked at any time. Cannot be obtained from someone asleep or otherwise mentally/physically incapacitated, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or other condition. A person is mentally or physically incapacitated when that person lacks the ability to make or act on considered decisions to engage in sexual activity.
How to Reduce the Risk of Sexual Assault Educate yourself Look out for your friends Stay in groups Never be alone with someone you don t know Never leave your beverage unattended Know your limits and stand by them Do not believe you have to do something, you have the right to say no. Do not assume Trust your instincts
If you have been sexually assaulted Are you or are they in a safe place? If not feeling safe, consider reaching out to someone you trust for support. Once in a safe place, can call National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, this will connect you with a local sexual assault service provider. The closest advocacy center to A&M-Commerce campus is Hunt County Rape Crisis (903-454-9999), it is a 24 hour crisis center. You may wish to have a sexual assault forensic exam You reserve the right to deny the exam or follow through with as you choose.
If you have been sexually assaulted If you are able to, try to avoid activities that could potentially damage evidence such as: Bathing, showing, using the restroom, changing clothes, combining hair, and cleaning up the area If you contact law enforcement Let them know you want to report a sexual assault but would like to get medical attention first. Law enforcement can meet you at the ER and advise you on next steps there. Remember you don t need to go through this alone, you can have an advocate to help support you through the whole process.
How to help Victims If someone self-discloses to you being sexual assaulted Take a minute to breath before responding Understand you may not know what to say You can respond, thanking them for sharing, how can I help, how can I support you, or I believe you. Do not use victim blaming language. Offer them reporting options and resources Understand they may not be ready to report or may not want to. Give them time to heal and do check-ins Know if you are a mandatory reporter (all organization advisors are) It is recommended to interrupt a person politely if you believe they are about to disclose an incident and advise that you are a mandatory reporter. Explain that you will need to report the incident to the designated official at A&M- Commerce. You must report even if the individual says they want to keep it confidential.
People to Contact Michael Hill, Civil Rights Administrator BA Room 259 D Michael.Hill@tamuc.edu Elisabet Martinez, Victim Outreach Coordinator Elisabet.Martinez@tamuc.edu CARE Report https://commerce-tamu- advocate.symplicity.com/care_report/index.php/pid731856
Fire and Life Safety Events may have inherent physical risks that require contingency plans including: Fire Safety Inclement Weather Campus Emergency
General Fire/Life Safety Guidelines Organizations should have emergency contact information for Fire, Police, and Ambulance Prior to any event, plan and provide for all facilities used for event Know evacuation routes Shelter, shelter-in-place Know specific location and how to describe in case of emergency services needed The possession of explosive devices of any kind are forbidden. Any person bringing a firearm must have the firearm concealed.
General Fire/Life Safety Guidelines Call authorities to notify them of an emergency 911 If non-emergency, contact University Police at 903-886-5868. First priority is to ensure safety of attendees. In an emergency, have a method of accounting for attendees location. Initiate appropriate actions in response to the emergency.
Fire Safety If you observe a fire: Activate fire alarm system to notify building occupants of the emergency. Notify University Police and/or Commerce Fire Department of the fire. Evacuate the building Remain outside until notified by the fire department the building is safe to re-enter Report an inoperable fire protection equipment. Do not tamper with fire protection equipment. Know your evacuation route. Keep hallways and exits clear of obstructions.
Inclement Weather Expect the unexpected Certain times of the year the weather changes quickly. Have a back-up plan, book a rain location just in case. Make a call on your event whether it will use the rain location at least 24 hours in advance. If tornado siren sounds, travel to interior of a structure. Interior restroom provides better protection for most buildings. Know the Areas of Refuge in each building on-campus. Review the University Inclement Weather information: http://www.tamuc.edu/CampusLife/CampusServices/universityPoliceDepar tment/campusSafety/severeWeather.aspx
Campus Emergency Review and know the following procedures if any of the following occur: Terrorist/Shooter follow directions of emergency personnel through PAWS. Sign up for PAWS if you haven t done so already. Opt-in through MyLeo. Bomb Threat review guidance contained in the University Emergency guide. Injury Accident know basic First Aid protocol, call UPD non-emergency if needed. In case of emergency, call 911 immediately. To report criminal activity, call UPD at 903-886-5868.
Travel https://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStat ements/rulesProcedures/13students/studentAffairs/13.04.99.R1Stu dentTravelRule.pdf Must be at least 18 years of age Prefer rental vehicles be used University fleet Enterprise Must have personal automobile insurance and registration if personal vehicle is used.
Travel Things to think about... Consider alternative methods of transportation Flights Bus Amtrak Anticipate or prepare for emergency expenses associated with travel Example, if flying and flight is cancelled or delayed. You may need to stay overnight at a hotel if flight not available for next day. You could need a rental car to drive instead. Accessibility in transportation If driving, take breaks every two hours. Try not driving through the night to get to some place in the morning, go during the day and get a hotel room for the night.
Accessibility Individuals with Disabilities Law and System policy No individual will be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination based on disability under any system program or activity. A person with a disability is one who Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; Has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment
Accessibility Student organizations should make reasonable modifications Provide aids, and services that are necessary to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate Unless to do so would fundamentally alter the program. If you have any questions or concerns about making accommodations please contact the Student Disability Resources and Services office. Director Sandi Patton, Sandi.Patton@tamuc.edu
Accommodation Statement Add to fliers in case a student needs an accommodation Example: hearing impairment or student needs an interpreter Example statements To request ADA accommodations, please communicate your needs at least 7 days prior to the event you plan to attend by contacting (NAME) at (Phone Number or E-mail) To request ADA accommodations, please communicate your needs to (NAME) at (Phone Number or E-mail) ADA accommodations can be requested by contacting (Name) at (Phone Number or E-mail)
