Alcohol and Drug Education

CSUB ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICIES

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs is detrimental to the educational mission of the University, as well as to individual members of the University community and their families. All members of the University community have a stake in ensuring that alcohol is used in a responsible manner. To achieve this end, CSUB has developed a comprehensive approach to address potential and/or actual problems of substance abuse. This approach emphasizes the following components:

  • Taking effective steps to create and maintain an environment conducive to educational growth for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Providing continual education, prevention, and intervention services along with referrals to community treatment facilities as needed.
  • Encouraging students who are experiencing difficulties associated with alcohol and/or illicit drug use to seek an assessment, counseling, and other treatment services voluntarily with the understanding that assistance is confidential.
  • Assessing University sanctions for the manufacture, distribution, use, or possession of illegal drugs or the possession of alcohol which may include prosecution under applicable state and federal laws.

Only those University students 21 years of age or older may possess or consume alcoholic beverages at approved University-related functions or in designated locations on campus, and they must do so in a responsible manner. Students are expected to assume responsibility for their own behavior while drinking and must understand that being under the influence of alcohol in no way lessens their accountability to the University community.

Students will not provide alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age.

University recognized student living units and events sponsored by University recognized groups are governed by University policy concerning alcohol. Individuals and groups are expected to follow appropriate on-campus residential housing guidelines.

Alcoholic beverages may not be present at student organization recruitment efforts. The use of University funds to provide alcohol to students is prohibited.

The intention to serve alcoholic beverages must be registered with the office or department administratively responsible for the facility or location where the event is to be held.

Violation of University policies concerning alcohol will result in appropriate disciplinary action. If a determination that a violation of the alcohol policy has occurred, by either an individual or a student organization, sanctions will be assessed. Such sanctions for a group or individual may include any of the following:

  • Community service
  • Educational sessions
  • Denial of use of University facilities
  • Social probation
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Revocation of recognition as a student organization
  • Suspension from the University
  • Expulsion from the University

If a determination is made that a student organization has violated the University alcohol policy, sanctions will be assessed by the Office of Student Activities. If a determination is made that a student is in violation of the University alcohol policy, sanctions will be assessed by the President or a designee.

In addition, if a determination that a violation of the alcohol policy has occurred by an individual student (group grievances are not permitted), that student has the right to file a nonacademic grievance. A student wishing to file a grievance should consult the Student Complaint and Grievance Procedure. Copies of the procedure are available in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

California State University, Bakersfield prohibits the possession, use, and/or sale of narcotics, marijuana, and/or other illicit drugs. Violation of University policies concerning illicit drugs shall result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University, and in the case of organizations, loss of recognition. The following is a brief summary of the state and federal criminal sanctions that may be imposed upon someone who violates the illicit drug policy at CSUB or elsewhere in the State of California.

  1. A violation of California law for the possession, use, and/or sale of narcotics, marijuana, and/or other illicit drugs includes imprisonment in the county jail or state prison for one to nine years, plus fines up to $100,000 for each count.
  2. A violation of federal law for the possession, use, and/or sale of narcotics, marijuana, and/or other illicit drugs may include imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for one to fifteen years plus substantial financial penalties.
  3. A violation of the law involving an individual being under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs (itself potentially fatal), may result in an increase in criminal sanctions and penalties.

Violations of the University drug and alcohol policy can lead to disciplinary action up to and including reassignment, suspension and termination. In particular, each employee engaged to work under the auspices of a federal grant must be given a copy of this policy statement and must agree to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act. The employee must also notify the University of any drug conviction resulting from a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after that conviction. The University must also notify the granting agency of the conviction within ten days after receiving notice from the employee. The University is required to take one of the following actions within 30 days of receiving notice of a drug-related conviction from an employee:

  1. Instituting the appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination.
  2. Requiring the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

The University Police are responsible for legal sanctions and guidelines for all unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These guidelines are derived from one of the following California laws.

  • Uniform Controlled Substance Act (Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code)
  • California Penal Code
  • California Vehicle Code
  • California Business and Professions Code
  • California Welfare and Institutions Code (Juveniles)

For the benefit of all students and employees, California State University, Bakersfield will do everything possible to continue to maintain a drug-free environment.

CSUB NARCAN UPSTANDER PROGRAM

Student Health Services facilitates the Narcan Upstander Distribution Program. The Narcan Upstander Distribution Program Virtual Training can be accessed here. More information about the program can be found on this document.

Students interested in receiving a free box of Narcan from Student Health Services can visit the wellness vending machine in the HEAL Hub during our normal business hours. 

Alcohol and Other Drug Resources

  1. The CSUB Alcohol and Drug Education Committee partners with Aware Awake Alive to educate the campus community about the dangers of alcohol poisoning. Must Help Graphic
  2. The Mission of Aware Awake Alive is to prevent loss of life to alcohol poisoning by educating teens, young adults and parents on the dangers and symptoms of alcohol overdose. We generate awareness and dialogue around amnesty-based policy and legislation, and create an atmosphere of partnership in which young people, parents, educators, and like-minded organizations share responsibility for supporting and educating one another.
  3. The Signs of Alcohol Poisoning: If you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning, even if you don’t see the classic signs and symptoms, seek immediate medical care. In an emergency, follow these suggestions :
    • If the person is unconscious, breathing less than eight times a minute or has repeated, uncontrolled vomiting, call 911 immediately. Keep in mind that even when someone is unconscious or has stopped drinking, alcohol continues to be released into the bloodstream and the level of alcohol in the body continues to rise. Never assume that a person will “sleep off” alcohol poisoning.
    • If the person is conscious, call (800) 222-1222 (in the U.S.) and you’ll automatically be routed to your local poison control center. The staff at the poison control center or emergency call center can instruct you as to whether you should take the person directly to a hospital. All calls to poison control centers are confidential.
    • Be prepared to provide information. If you know, be sure to tell hospital or emergency personnel the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank and when. Don’t leave an unconscious person alone. While waiting for help, don’t try to make the person vomit.
    • Alcohol poisoning affects the way your gag reflex works. That means someone with alcohol poisoning may choke on his or her own vomit or accidentally inhale (aspirate) vomit into the lungs which could cause a fatal lung injury.

OkSOBERfest

  • Each year the CSUB Alcohol and Drug Education Committee participates in the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW) during the third week of October. NCAAW is a national campaign to promote alcohol awareness on college campuses across the United States. NCAAW strives to provide students with alternatives to alcohol abuse and to educate them on the personal choice of responsible alcohol use.

Safe Spring Break

  • Safe Spring Break activities are designed to encourage students to stay safe and responsible during the break. The week before break you can find the committee out on campus promoting safe and responsible behavior during spring break.

Social Media

  • Student Health Services actively posts alcohol and other drug related content and resources on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The use, misuse, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, both legal and illegal, can have serious consequences to health and well-being.  Alcohol and other drug use can lead to psychological and/or physiological dependence and addiction. While chronic health problems are often associated with long-term misuse and abuse, acute and traumatic instances can occur from one-time and moderate use. Interaction between various drugs, legal and illegal, may have serious consequences to the user.  Various combinations of drugs may work at cross purposes within the body, and the combined effects of two or more drugs may be more potent than the effect of a single drug.

  1. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can impair coordination, inhibitions, self control, memory, judgment, and reflexes.  Drinking too much- on a single occasion or over time- can take a serious toll on your health. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination. Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems such as stretching of the heart muscle, irregular heart beat, stroke, or high blood pressure. Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances. Drinking too much can weaken your immune system. There are also strong links between drinking and several types of cancer. For more information, visit https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body.
  2. Marijuana refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids). Marijuana use may have a wide range of health effects on the body and brain. Some people who use marijuana will develop marijuana use disorder, meaning that they are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems in their lives. Marijuana use directly affects brain function — specifically the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time. Smoked marijuana, regardless of how it is smoked, can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels. Marijuana can make the heart beat faster and can make blood pressure higher immediately after use. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/index.html.
  3. Opioids are a broad group of pain-relieving drugs that work by interacting with opioid receptors in your cells. Opioids can be made from the poppy plant — for example, morphine (Kadian, Ms Contin, others) — or synthesized in a laboratory — for example, fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, others). At lower doses, opioids may make you feel sleepy, but higher doses can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death. And the feelings of pleasure that result from taking an opioid can make you want to continue experiencing those feelings, which may lead to addiction. You can reduce your risk of dangerous side effects by following your doctor's instructions carefully and taking your medication exactly as prescribed. For more information, visit https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/expert-answers/what-are-opioids/faq-20381270.
  4. Stimulants speed up the body’s systems. This class of drugs includes: Prescription drugs such as amphetamines [Adderall and Dexedrine], methylphenidate [Concerta and Ritalin], diet aids [such as Didrex, Bontril, Preludin, Fastin, Adipex P, Ionomin, and Meridia] and other illicitly used drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, methcathinone, and other synthetic cathinones that are commonly sold under the guise of “bath salts.” Chronic, high-dose use is frequently associated with agitation, hostility, panic, aggression, and suicidal or homicidal tendencies. Paranoia, sometimes accompanied by both auditory and visual hallucinations, may also occur. Tolerance, in which more and more drug is needed to produce the usual effects, can develop rapidly, and psychological dependence occurs. Abrupt cessation is commonly followed by depression, anxiety, drug craving, and extreme fatigue, known as a “crash.” For more information, visit https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Stimulants-2020.pdf.
  5. ​​Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and feelings. They are commonly split into two categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP). Both types of hallucinogens can cause hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Additionally, dissociative drugs can cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their body and environment. Along with hallucinations, other general effects include increased heart rate, nausea, intensified feelings and sensory experiences, changes in sense of time, increased blood pressure, sleep problems, and more. For more information, visit https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens.

Laws

CSU Bakersfield is serious about not only complying with the law in this area but also ensuring our institution does all it can to foster an environment that promotes the health and safety of everyone - student, staff and faculty alike - in our campus community.

In compliance with Part 86 of the Drug Free Schools and Campuses regulations (www.higheredcenter.org), we use a variety of methods to provide our students with the following:

  1. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and alcohol (See "Health Concerns" tab, above);
  2. A description of the campus and community resources available to students, including prevention and treatment resources;
  3. Applicable federal, state and legal sanctions (DEA and ABC);
  4. A CSUB Drug and Alcohol Policy (See "Student Policy on Alcohol", "Student Policy on Drugs" and "Employee Policy", above).

For more information, please contact the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students for Student Integrity and Wellbeing, Emily Poole Callahan at epoole1@csub.edu or 661-654-2680.

A variety of implications surround the use of alcohol and other drugs. This summary is designed to alert you to some of the legal risks you assume when you use alcohol or other drugs. Where the sanctions are clear, the penalties for illegal use will also be described. However, this summary is only a descriptive document. It should not be interpreted as legal advice or counsel. The regulations summarized here are those most likely to affect students, faculty, or staff at institutions of higher education in California.

Although the physical, psychological, and social effects of the abuse of alcohol or prescription drugs and use of illegal drugs are often similar, the laws regulating that use often differ. Serious federal penalties exist in relation to controlled substances (illicit drugs and a variety of prescription medications). However, with the exception of a recent mandate that states adopt a legal drinking age of 21 to receive federal transportation funds, there has been no national policy related to the consumption of alcohol since Prohibition. The repeal of Prohibition granted control of alcohol use and availability to individual states. Through its Constitution, the State of California maintains virtually all such control at the state level. Generally speaking, localities can only affect alcohol use and availability through land use and zoning ordinances. On the other hand, many of California’s mandates relative to alcohol are written to apply to other intoxicating substances as well.

Thus, regulations on the use of illicit and illegal drugs exist at both the state and national levels. They are not always consistent with each other. Indeed, the National Drug Control Strategy recommends that state and local governments should adopt federal principles of accountability as models in developing their anti-drug strategies. If you are a trafficker in illegal drugs, you probably know the laws you are violating better than most attorneys. This document will focus primarily on the legal impact of what people often consider minor use until they get embroiled in those implications. Local governments, cities, and counties may also have laws regulating the use of alcohol or other drugs. However, given the multiplicity of residences of students and staff at this institution, no attempt will be made through this summary to address local restrictions. Offices of city and county counsel can provide that information. The student and employee handbooks speak to regulations specific to this campus.

Finally, this document will address the illegal use of prescription medications only as such drugs are classified as controlled substances. Penalties for such illegal use are similar to those for illicit drugs. Remember that even though prescription and over-the-counter drugs are legal in many circumstances, their misuse and abuse can create the same kind of negative health consequences as alcohol or other drugs.

Anyone under 21 years of age who buys alcohol is committing a misdemeanor. Attempting to buy by a minor is also an infraction of the law. Public intoxication which interferes with the personal safety or use of public ways is disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor crime. It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle on a highway when you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or above. Punishment is greater if a child under 14 years of age is in the vehicle at the time. It is unlawful for a person under the age of 18 who has a BAC of .05% or more to drive a vehicle. The act of driving implies consent to be tested for BAC. It is unlawful to operate a water vessel, water ski, or use an aquaplane, etc., with a BAC of .08%, .05% if the operator is under 18 years of age.

It is unlawful to operate an aircraft in the air or on the ground or engage in sport parachuting with a BAC of more than .04%. Except for specific educational purposes, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on public school campuses in California, including community colleges.

Marriage licenses will not be issued to applicants under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. It is unlawful to manufacture controlled substances in the home or in any other unregulated facility. Growing or processing peyote is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year. It is a felony to use alcohol or drugs to aid the commission of a felony, including rape and other sex offenses. Applicants for professional licenses must not be addicted to alcohol or other drugs at the time of application.

It is a misdemeanor crime to sell, give, or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. It is a misdemeanor crime to sell or furnish alcohol to a common drunkard or incompetent. Only eating establishments and holders of retail liquor licenses may sell or expose for sale alcoholic beverages within one mile of a university or state college.

It is unlawful for sellers of alcoholic beverages by the drink to employ a person for the purpose of encouraging the sale of such beverages.

Manufacture, distribution, receipt, etc., of “imitation controlled substances” or any drug that is falsely advertised, adulterated, or misbranded is unlawful. Providing a minor with paraphernalia for the ingestion of tobacco or any controlled substance is unlawful. Providing intoxicants to prisoners or wards is a felony punishable by up to three years of state imprisonment. It is illegal to use the postal service or other interstate conveyance to offer to sell or transport, import, or export paraphernalia. It is unlawful to import controlled substances except for medical or scientific purposes. It is unlawful to export to any country that has a treaty with the United States prohibiting such export. Penalties vary depending upon the country involved.

Carriers of motor vehicle insurance can increase premiums, cancel, or deny renewal as a result of driving under the influence offenses. Employers’ motor vehicle coverage can also be canceled or renewal denied if employees have been convicted of certain driving under the influence offenses. The Department of Motor Vehicles may refuse or revoke driver’s licenses of practicing alcoholics, addicts, or those convicted of alcohol- or drug-related offenses. Refusal to submit to a blood alcohol content test will result in a six-month suspension of driving privileges, a two-year suspension if there has been a prior such offense within seven years, and a three-year suspension for two or more offenses within seven years. Employers may refuse to hire or may fire an employee who cannot perform job duties or endangers his/her or others’ health or safety due to the current use of alcohol or other drugs. (However, employers of 25 or more employees must reasonably accommodate any employees who wish to voluntarily enter treatment programs, providing no undue hardship is created for the employer.) State disability retirement allowances are paid unless the disability is due to the intemperate use of alcohol or other drugs.

No addict or person in danger of becoming an addict may be employed as a peace officer. Drunkenness on duty, intemperance, or addiction are causes for discipline for any state employee. Examinations for certifications can be refused and certifications withdrawn by the State Personnel Board for anyone who is addicted to alcohol or other drugs.

Discharge from employment “as a result of an irresistible compulsion to use or consume intoxicants” disqualifies claimants from receiving unemployment benefits, as does any institutionalization as a drug addict.

Disability insurance benefits may be denied “for any loss sustained or contracted in consequence of the insured’s being intoxicated or under the influence of any controlled substances unless administered on the advice of a physician.” Permanent or probationary employees of the California State University may be dismissed, demoted, or suspended for addiction to controlled substances or drunkenness on duty.

Community colleges may deny credentials to addicts/alcoholics and those convicted of narcotics offenses. No one convicted of any controlled substance offense is to be employed by a community college unless that person has been rehabilitated for at least five years. Law enforcement must notify relevant community college officials of the arrest of any teacher or instructor for a controlled substance offense. Immediate suspension or compulsory leave may result from such arrest. Conviction will result in the suspension/revocation of credential or certificate.

Community college students may be suspended or expelled for use, sale, possession on campus of, or presence on campus under the influence of any controlled substance. Penalties for the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense illegal drugs vary significantly depending upon the substance and amount in question. Both fines and incarceration are imposed, and civil penalties can also be applied. In all cases, however, penalties are at least doubled for such offenses committed by convicted felons and for anyone who distributes to anyone in prison or jail, within 1000 feet of a school or university or 100 feet of a recreational facility, to anyone under 18 by anyone over 18 years of age, or to a pregnant woman.

Drug traffickers lose federal benefits for five to ten years to life after conviction. Drug possessors lose federal benefits for up to one year and can be required to enter treatment, undergo testing, and/or perform community service.

CSUB Alcohol and Drug Education Committee

The mission of the CSUB Alcohol and Drug Education Committee is to enhance students’ overall academic experiences and personal development through the promotion of responsible decision making and healthy lifestyle choices, especially regarding alcohol and other drugs. The Committee is committed to providing educational programs and social events that raise campus awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as to cultivate a safe and healthier environment for the CSUB community.

The CSUB Alcohol and Drug Education Committee is founded upon the following guiding principles:

  • Provide a safe and secure environment for all students
  • Encourage student health and wellness in an environment supportive of learning
  • Promote healthy choices for students
  • Enforce laws and policies consistently concerning the use of alcohol
  • Support students who choose not to drink and show that there are nonalcoholic ways to have fun
  • Support, safe, legal, responsible, moderate consumption of alcohol for those who choose to drink
  • Encourage students to take responsibility for each other
  • Provide assistance or referrals, if appropriate, to those students who need support, treatment and services.

This committee is also responsible for overseeing the Biennial Review (available upon request).

  • Emily Poole Callahan, Student Integrity and Wellbeing
  • Jada Cantrell, Student Integrity and Wellbeing
  • Erika Delamar, Student Health Services
  • Lauren Hedlund, Student Health Services
  • Lori Blodorn, Human Resources
  • Maricela Gonzalez, University Police Department
  • Kyle Conder, Athletics
  • Cindy Goodmon, Athletics
  • Rubicelia Gomez, Student Involvement
  • Mike Kwon, Associated Students, Inc.
  • Hilda Nieblas Valenzuela, Residence Life
  • Eric Lord, Counseling
  • Deborah Boschini, Academic Affairs
  • Marcus Brown, Equity Inclusion & Compliance