Drug-Free Campus Statement
It is Herzing University’s policy to provide a positive environment conducive to learning. To that end, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or in connection with any school activity is strictly prohibited. Reporting to or remaining at work or school under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or illicit drugs is also prohibited. This prohibition applies to all employees and students. Violation of these provisions by a student may lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanction, up to and including suspension or expulsion. Herzing University employees are also subject to disciplinary sanctions for violation of these provisions occurring on University property or any work site during work time, up to and including termination for employment. Referral for criminal prosecution may occur where appropriate.
Legal Sanctions
Students must be aware that significant criminal penalties exist under state and federal laws for the unlawful possession or distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs. Legal sanctions under local, state, and federal laws vary by location, but may include:
- Monetary fines
- Jail time
- Suspension, revocation, or denial of a driver’s license
- Property seizure
- Loss of eligibility for federal benefits, including federal financial aid
Federal penalties for drug trafficking may be found at http://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022_DOA_eBook_File_Final.pdf#page=39 Students who are concerned about specific circumstances should consult applicable local, state, and federal law and/or seek legal counsel.
Federal Student Aid Penalties for Drug Convictions
Drug convictions no longer affect federal student aid eligibility. When you complete the FAFSA form, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, you will be provided a worksheet. Please do answer the questions on the worksheet; however, your answers won’t affect your federal student aid eligibility.
Health Risks
Various health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs. Some of the more common risks are cited below and may be found at http://www.dea.gov/factsheets.
| Drug | Risk of Physical Dependence | Risk of Psychological Dependence | Health Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narcotics (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, morphine) | High | High | Drowsiness, slow and shallow breathing, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea, convulsions, coma, death |
| Stimulants (e.g., crack/ cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine) | Possible | High | High fever, agitation, panic, headache, dizziness, tremors, convulsions, cardiac arrest, stroke, deat |
| Depressants (e.g., Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) | Moderate | Moderate | Loss of motor coordination, weakness, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, slow breathing, coma, death |
| Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, MDMA, PCP) | None | Unknown | Seizures, muscle cramps, nausea, liver kidney and cardiovascular failure, coma, death |
| Inhalants | Unknown | High | Muscle weakness, disorientation, nausea, nervous system and organ damage, asphyxiation, death |
| Marijuana | Unknown | Moderate | Dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, loss of motor coordination, panic attacks |
Alcohol
For those students who choose to use alcohol, Herzing University encourages students to drink responsibly and to never drink and drive. Consuming alcohol has many risk factors and can lead to dependency. With excessive use, liver, brain, heart, and stomach damage can occur without apparent warning signs. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States.
Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
Drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs for employees and students are available from a variety of community sources. Anyone who recognizes a personal drug or alcohol problem, who is concerned about a student or coworker, or who wishes to know more about drug and alcohol abuse may contact the human resources department or consumerinfo@vbj4.com for more information. Community resources near a student or employee’s respective campus or location may be found by contacting the Human Resource Department or consumerinfo@vbj4.com.
National Resources
Herzing University also encourages anyone dealing with substance abuse issues to contact the following national agencies for guidance and assistance in identifying counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs.
Alcohol/Drug Helpline: (800) 821-4357
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Hotline: (800) 662-HELP
Al-Anon: (888) 425-2666 (local information can be found in your local telephone directory)
Employee Resources
Herzing University provides an employee assistance program (EAP) as a benefit to all employees regardless of if they opt in to other benefits through the University. This service provides referrals and treatment sessions as needed and can connect employees to additional outpatient or inpatient services that could be eligible for coverage through the employee healthcare plan. Information about contacting the EAP can be obtained through the Human Resource Department.
Student Resources
Herzing University employs wellness counselors who provide short-term support to and identify long-term local resources for students with a wide variety of mental health concerns including substance abuse. Counseling can be requested by email to counseling@vbj4.com.
Biennial Review
Herzing University conducts a biennial review of its program to determine the effectiveness of the program and implement changes as needed. This review also ensures that disciplinary sanctions are uniformly enforced.