C: Prevention of Alcohol Abuse and Illicit Drug Use
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is committed to a campus-wide plan to educate students and employees about alcohol and drug issues, discourage the irresponsible use of alcoholic beverages, and prohibit the unlawful use, possession or distribution of controlled substances. The University will act to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal laws and System policies dealing with controlled substances, illicit drugs, and use of alcohol.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG RULES
The University prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages on campus by any individual under the age of 21. Failure to comply with this rule violates state law and the rules governing student conduct, and will subject the individual to disciplinary action.

Students of lawful age under Texas statutes may be permitted to possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their rooms or apartments in the campus residence halls. However, residence hall occupants and their guests must comply with state and local statutes concerning possession, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Any use of alcohol must be in moderation to ensure residents’ rights to privacy, sleep, and study within their rooms or apartments. Loud or disruptive behavior, damage to property, or drinking habits that are harmful to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her are reasons for disciplinary action by the University.

Except for the limited circumstances specified in University Rule 34.02.01.C1, Alcohol and Drugs, the possession of open containers and consumption of beer, wine and/or distilled spirits is prohibited in all public areas of the campus. For the purposes of this rule, residence hall balconies and patios are considered public areas. Although students of lawful age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their rooms or apartments, all alcoholic beverages transported through public areas on the University grounds and in the residence halls must be unopened and concealed.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, and System policy, the University is committed to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace for learning and work. Drug abuse will not be tolerated.

All members of the University community are expected to abide by state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and illicit drugs. Standards of conduct strictly prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of controlled substances or illicit drugs on the University property, at University-sponsored activities, and/or while on active duty. Individuals may use prescriptive medications that are medicinally necessary and prescribed for them by a licensed physician.

Any recognized student organization that plans to include alcohol at an official function off campus must complete the appropriate forms and obtain permission from Student Activities. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the revocation of official status.

To implement an effective alcohol and drug abuse prevention plan, the University will use both formal and informal channels of communication to:

LEGAL SANCTIONS
Zero Tolerance for Minors with Alcohol Law
It is illegal for a minor to drive while having any detectable amount of alcohol in his/her system. For a first offense, a minor will be sanctioned by the state for a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500, attendance at an alcohol awareness class, 20 to 40 hours of mandatory community service, and 60 days driver’s license suspension. The minor would not be eligible for an occupational license for the first 30 days. For a second offense the minor will receive the same sanctions, but will receive 120 days driver’s license suspension. The minor would not be eligible for an occupational license for the first 90 days. If a third violation occurs, the minor is not eligible for deferred adjudication. The minor’s driver’s license is suspended for 180 days and an occupational license may not be obtained for the entire suspension period. If the minor is 17 years of age or older, the fine increases to $500 to $2,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both.

Minors who purchase, attempt to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages, as well as minors who are publicly intoxicated or misrepresenting their age to obtain alcoholic beverages face the following consequences: Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500, alcohol awareness class, 8 to 40 hours community service, 30 to 180 days loss or denial of driver’s license. If a minor is 17 years of age or older and the violation is the third offense, the offense is punishable by a fine of $250 to $2,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days or both, as well as automatic driver’s license suspension.

Sale or Giving Alcohol to a Minor
Adults and minors who give alcohol to minors or buy the alcohol for the minors face penalties. Making alcoholic beverages available to minors is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $2,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both. Sale to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both.

Public Intoxication
A person commits an offense if he/she appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that he/she may endanger him/herself or another. Public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.

Driving while Intoxicated
A person commits an offense if he/she is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. Driving while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000.

Possession/Manufacture/Delivery/Trafficking of a Controlled Substance
Penalties for possessing or delivering a controlled substance range according to type of substance, amount possessed or delivered, and number and type of previous violations. On the state level, misdemeanors are punishable by up to $2000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail, or both. Felonies are punishable by 5 to 99 years, or life, in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. On the federal level, a first conviction for possession of a controlled substance can result in imprisonment of up to 1 year, a fine from $1,000 to $100,000, or both. Subsequent convictions can result in longer prison sentences, larger fines, or both. Possession of crack cocaine can result in mandatory federal prison terms from 5 to 20 years, fines up to $250,000, or both.

Any person who distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance in or on, within 1000 feet of, the real property comprising a public or private college, junior college, or university is subject to twice the maximum punishment, at least twice any term of supervised release, and a fine up to twice that authorized may be imposed. Except to the extent a greater minimum sentence is otherwise provided, a person shall be sentenced under this subsection to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year. The mandatory minimum sentencing provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to offenses involving 5 grams or less of marijuana.

An individual convicted of trafficking by a federal court can receive up to life imprisonment and be fined up to $8 million.

Possession of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle
A person commits an offense if he/she knowingly possesses an open container in a passenger area of a motor vehicle that is located on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated or is stopped or parked. “Open container” means a bottle, can, or other receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverage and that is open, that has been opened, that has a broken seal, or the contents of which are partially removed. This is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.

UNIVERSITY SANCTIONS
Students suspected or found in violation of University drug and alcohol policies, rules and regulations will be notified in writing to appear for a hearing with a judicial affairs officer. Procedures for hearings are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

A student found in violation of A&M-Corpus Christi’s alcohol and drug rules will be subject to sanctions commensurate with the offenses and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Disciplinary actions in cases involving alcohol and drug-related violations by students will result in sanctions up to and including suspension, or expulsion from the University and referral for prosecution. Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority. Students will be advised of available alcohol and drug counseling at the University Counseling Center and/or referred to a community organization. The University Counseling Center and the University Health Center can provide assistance and referral to appropriate local community agencies.

Faculty members have the responsibility to supervise student activities on field trips. Faculty members should inform students that actions violating state laws, local regulations, and University rules regarding alcohol and drugs will not be permitted on any University field trip. Students who violate these guidelines regarding alcohol and drug use on field trips will be subject to disciplinary action.

Rules related specifically to employees, and the sanctions for violating those rules, may be found in University Rule 34.02.01.C1, Alcohol and Drugs.

HEALTH RISKS
Alcohol abuse can cause many health-related problems. Approximately 150,000 deaths annually are directly related to alcohol abuse and/or alcoholism. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism, premature death through overdose, and complications involving the brain, heart, liver, and many other body organs. Alcohol abuse is a prime contributor to suicide, homicide, motor vehicle deaths, and other so-called accidental causes of death. Alcohol abuse also causes liver disease, gastritis, and anemia.

Alcohol abuse interferes with psychological functions, causes interpersonal difficulties, and is involved in many cases of child abuse. Alcohol abuse also disrupts occupational effectiveness, and causes legal and financial problems. Alcohol used in any amount by a pregnant woman can cause birth defects.

The abuse of illicit drugs can result in a wide range of health problems. In general, illicit drug use can result in drug addiction, death by overdose, death from withdrawal, seizure, heart problems, infections (i.e., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis), liver disease, and chronic brain dysfunction. Other problems associated with illicit drug use include psychological dysfunctions such as memory loss, thought disorders (i.e., hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis), and psychological dependency. Additional effects include occupational, social, and family problems as well as a reduction in motivation. Drug use by a pregnant woman may cause addiction or health complications in her unborn child.

CAMPUS RESOURCES
A&M-Corpus Christi offers a variety of programs and activities that promote healthy lifestyles and substance-free alternatives. Students can become involved with the planning of drug and alcohol education programs by contacting the Office of Student Affairs at (361) 825-2612.

University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center provides alcohol and drug abuse counseling and referrals, as well as individual and group sessions for students recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. For information, call (361) 825-2703.

University Health Center
The University Health Center can provide information about the health risks of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as general medical care for students. For information, call (361) 825-2601.

I-ADAPT
I-ADAPT (Islander’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team) is committed to promoting healthy choices among the A&M-Corpus Christi campus community in order to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol and drug use/abuse.

Peer Educators
Peer Educators are a team of students who promote awareness of current college health, wellness, and safety issues. They deliver presentations on a variety of topics to the campus community and assist in the coordination of campus events that promote healthy lifestyles and choices. For more information, call 825-2703.

Recreational Sports
Recreational Sports offers physical and social activities as health choices. For more information, call (361) 825-2454.

National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Activities
Each year, a committee of employees and students plans activities to observe National Collegiate Awareness Week. For information, call (361) 825-2612.

University Police Department
The University Police Department educates the University community about drug and alcohol issues, and enforces local, state, and federal law. For information, call (361) 825-4444.