Muhlenberg College Drug Use and Controlled Substance Policy
The overarching priority of the College with respect to alcohol and drugs is to help ensure the safety and well-being of Muhlenberg College community members and visitors. The College is committed to providing guidance so community members can comply with local, state, and federal laws governing alcohol consumption.
The College believes that everyone has the right to work and learn in an environment free from the effects of substance abuse. Those individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs pose a potential danger to themselves and others.
The College makes every effort through education and referrals to assist students and all community members to gain the help they might need to live a life free of drug dependencies. Muhlenberg recognizes that the use of illicit drugs can seriously impact an individual's health, personal relationships, and their ability to function in a competitive academic environment.
Objectives
The objectives of this policy reflect the College’s desire to create an intentional community based on principles of respect for oneself and others. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy has several objectives:
- to promote the safety and well-being of the Muhlenberg community and its members;
- to maintain a safe campus, where students can enjoy their social lives amid a comfortable and coercion-free atmosphere;
- to provide information about alcohol and other drugs so that community members can make responsible, healthy choices;
- to provide confidential support for community members seeking treatment for alcohol- and/or drug-related problems; and
- to be in compliance with federal statutes, Pennsylvania laws, and Allentown City ordinances that regulate the consumption of alcohol.
Available Assistance for Abuse Problems
Alcohol and drugs can interfere with academics, friendships, jobs, family, and, most importantly, one’s health. It also has the potential to create legal problems including warnings, citations, arrest, and jail.
A variety of resources exist for drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs. For information concerning College resources, students should contact one or more of the offices listed below.
- Department of Prevention Education: 484-664-3186
- Director of Student Support Services: 484-663-3803
- Student Health Services (confidential): 484-664-3199
- Counseling Services; 24 hours (confidential): 484-664-3178
Students may also contact one of the following community resources:
Drug Policy Enforcement and Sanctioning
When a suspected Drug Policy violation is encountered by College staff in a residence hall room or apartment, College staff may enter rooms or apartments to address policy violations, confiscate items, and/or to disperse guests. Students are expected to comply with College staff in their efforts, as failure to comply will result in more severe sanctions. Items found that violate College policy will be confiscated by appropriate College personnel and not returned.
Sanctioning
Muhlenberg College’s Student Code of Conduct is meant to be educational, restorative, and corrective. Students or student groups who are found responsible for violations of this Code will be assigned at least one primary sanction and other secondary sanctions as necessary to meet these goals. The imposition of any sanctions shall be subject to mitigating factors, such as present demeanor and past disciplinary record of the respondent, as well as the nature of the offense and the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from the offense. Sanctions for all students are outlined in the Student Policy and Resource Guide, Article VI - Sanctions and Remedies and can be accessed online at Student Code of Conduct.
The Dean of Students reserves the authority to exercise discretion in all student related disciplinary matters, giving consideration to the particular circumstances. These procedures do not take the place of criminal prosecution. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, local, state, or federal law enforcement may initiate a criminal investigation.
Contact: Director of Campus Safety and Police, 484-664-3112
