Alcohol and Drug Education
Alcohol and Drug Education
Student health and safety are the University's highest priority. When addressing alcohol and drug use, Manhattanville’s policies, practices, and alcohol education reflect this priority. We strive to create a safe learning environment where students have access to the education, resources, and support they need to make healthy decisions.
Alcohol and Drug Education
Community Policy on use of Alcohol and Controlled Substance
Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policy
Alcohol
The Alcohol Policy reflects current rules, regulations and guidelines to be followed
by Manhattanville students. Any changes to this policy will be communicated in writing
by the Dean of Students and will be distributed campus-wide as an updated policy.
The Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act Amendments of 1989, enacted by the federal
government, requires Colleges to adopt and implement a program to prevent the unlawful
possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.
The primary goal of the following policy is to promote an environment in which the
misuse of alcohol is not tolerated. This goal can be achieved by community-wide involvement
in comprehensive and ongoing alcohol education and awareness programs.
Controlled Substances
Manhattanville University is deeply concerned about controlled substance use by all
students in our community. The University regards controlled substance use as a problem
that has the potential to affect the entire community. Possession, use, distribution,
manufacture or sale of illegally controlled substances, or use of legally controlled
substances without explicit and current prescription from one’s own medical doctor
or nurse practitioner, or from Manhattanville University’s Health Center, is prohibited.
The possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Such items may include: rolling
papers, scales, grinders, bongs, as well as any item used in conjunction with an illegal
substance. Any student found selling, admitting to selling currently or in the past,
or distributing any form of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia,
on or off campus, may be expelled and may also face criminal liability. Distribution
also includes the sharing in any way of legally controlled substances.
The University stands firm against the use of controlled substance and does not provide students with a haven from the law. Anyone found using or possessing a controlled substance is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Law enforcement personnel may be involved at the invitation of the University. Room searches and Brownson Hall locker searches may be conducted by the University with the approval of the Director of Residence Life and Conference Services, the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, or designee.
Although New York State legislation permits the use of medical marijuana, Manhattanville University must comply with the Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act (DFSCA) (20 U.S.C.1011i; 34 C.F.R part 86) as well as the Drug Free Workplace Act which requires a drug free campus environment. Institutions of higher education such as Manhattanville must comply with the Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act regulations or risk losing federal funding such as financial aid and work study. Any student, staff or faculty member who violates Manhattanville University policy prohibiting the use and/or possession of illicit drugs (including medical marijuana) on campus may be subject to disciplinary action.
Students who are identified as having an alcohol and/or a drug problem may be required to resolve their problems with a professional counselor on or off campus. The Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life and Conference Services or designee may notify the parents or guardian of an undergraduate student’s alcohol and/or drug problem. In some cases, a student may be required to withdraw from the University and will not be permitted to return until successful resolution of the problem is documented to the satisfaction of the University.
Violation of this policy during educational activities off-campus, including but not limited to student or supervised teaching, internships, practica, and course meetings, and violations including actions that negatively impact the health and safety of minors will result in University sanctions appropriate to the situation and will not protect students from arrest or prosecution for illegal involvement with alcohol or drugs by civil authorities.
Alcohol Limits
- The sale, purchase, possession, transportation, storage, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on Manhattanville University property and at off-campus Manhattanville University sponsored functions is permitted only in accordance with New York State law and only as outlined in the following sections
- In accordance with New York State law, it is a violation for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol while on University premises. This includes, but is not limited to, any public or private function sponsored by the University or any members of its three constituencies (students, faculty and staff
- It is a violation for anyone 21 years of age or older to provide alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age on University premises, including residence halls.
- The presence, possession or use of common source containers of alcoholic beverages (including but not limited to kegs, bear balls, other bulk containers requiring a tapping device or spigot, punch bowls, trash cans, or other containers used as punch bowls are prohibited without special written permission of the Dean of Students or their designee
- Drinking games in any form are and possession of any paraphernalia related to such games are prohibited and will be confiscated if found.
- Spiked punch and Jell-O shots containing alcohol, regardless of alcohol content are prohibited.
- Public intoxication, no matter the age, is prohibited on Manhattanville University campus.
- Pursuant to New York State law, open containers are illegal. Alcoholic beverages MUST be in a closed and concealed container and alcoholic beverage containers MUST be concealed when transported on campus grounds and in residence. There will be no open containers of alcohol or drinking of alcoholic beverages permitted in public areas. This includes hallways, bathrooms, public areas of residence halls and outside areas of the campus.
- Alcohol is prohibited in any academic and athletic spaces on campus (e.g., classrooms, lounges in the Library or academic or athletic buildings, athletic fields, faculty and administrative offices).
- Distribution of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited at student organization-sponsored events, unless necessary permission is obtained (See Student Activities section (p. )).
- Disorderly Conduct resulting from the use of alcohol is unacceptable and will be considered a serious and additional violation of the University Policy. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: abusive language, racial or sexual slurs, graffiti, fighting, destruction and removal of property. Excessive noise, overcrowding, property damage, disruption of community functions, public intoxication, persons congregating in adjacent hallways, abusive behavior toward others, and fighting shall warrant immediate action on the part of Campus Safety and/or the Director of Residence Life or designee.
- This policy governs students representing the University at any off campus event (e.g., student representatives at conferences and athletic teams at away games).
- Individuals will be held responsible for any activities taking place in their room. Empty alcohol containers will be considered evidence of consumption. This includes containers designed to store alcohol as decorative containers.
- Parents/Guardians will be notified, of any student under the age of 21 years old, of any alcohol policy violations; regardless of the sanction.
- Visitors of Manhattanville University students must abide by the rules that apply to their host. For example, if a visitor of a student is of legal drinking age, but his/her host is not, then the visitor may not consume alcohol on Manhattanville University premises. Manhattanville students are fully responsible for their visitors’ actions on campus in regard to the Code of Conduct.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Health Risks
The illegal use of alcohol and the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances may
lead to permanent health conditions including, but not limited to, disorders of the
central nervous system, reproductive functioning, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems,
and endocrine functioning. In addition, there may be both short-term and long-term
effects on cognition, memory, retention, information processing, coordination, athletic
performance, academic performance, and the exercise of judgment.
Alcohol
Inappropriate use and abuse of alcohol is often associated with lower academic performance
and failures, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, vandalism,
aggressive behaviors including sexual assault and rape, injuries, death, and prosecution
for crimes related to the consumption of alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol may
impair the ability to concentrate, as well as the judgment and coordination required
to drive a car safely thus increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved
in an accident. Small to moderate amounts of alcohol may also increase the incidence
of a variety of aggressive acts, including spousal and child abuse, vandalism, physical
altercations, or dating violence. Moderate to high doses of alcohol can cause marked
impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn
and remember information. Very high doses may result in respiratory depression and
even death. When used in conjunction with other depressants of the nervous system,
even a small amount of alcohol can result in these effects.
Repeated use of alcohol may lead to dependence or addiction. The sudden cessation of alcohol consumption produces withdrawal symptoms such as severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions, and can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, may also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.
Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. Infants with fetal alcohol syndrome have irreversible physical abnormalities and intellectual disability. Further, research shows that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics themselves.
Controlled Substances
All drugs, whether illegal or prescribed, alter the chemical balance of the body.
The misuse of drugs may lead to addiction and even death. Drug addiction and abuse
can cause serious damage to the brain, stomach, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and
the immune and reproductive systems.
Amnesty Policy
The Amnesty protocol applies to straightforward cases of alcohol or other drug-related
emergencies or sexual misconduct. The Amnesty protocol does not excuse co-occurring
Student Code of Conduct infractions or other incidents related or unrelated to the
medical emergency.
“The health and safety of every student at Manhattanville University is of utmost importance. The University recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to medical emergencies, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The University strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to University officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual (complainant) acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to Manhattanville officials or law enforcement will not be subject to Manhattanville’s Code of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.”
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the University’s ability to provide amnesty in additional circumstances. Education Law, Section 6442
Amnesty Protocol – Educational Follow Up
An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing
sexual violence or any alcohol or other drug-related emergency will not face formal
disciplinary action by the University for the possession or use of alcohol or other
drugs if they agree to participate in, and complete, the recommended educational expectations
outlined by the University. The recipient of medical attention will also avoid formal
disciplinary action by the University for the possession or use of alcohol or other
drugs if she/he agrees to participate in, and complete, the recommended educational
expectations outlined by the University. If an individual is documented or receives
emergency medical assistance on more than one occasion due to excessive use of alcohol
or other drugs, the situation will be evaluated so as to provide the student with
additional resources and/or sanctions as needed or appropriate.
Medical Assistance/Treatment
The University recognizes that in an alcohol or other drug-related emergency, the
potential for disciplinary action by the University may act as a barrier to students
seeking medical assistance for themselves, other students or guests; therefore, the
University has a Medical Amnesty protocol as part of our comprehensive approach to
reducing the harmful consequences caused by the consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
The University’s main concern is the well-being, health, and safety of its students. Medical Amnesty represents the University’s commitment to increasing the likelihood that community members will call for medical assistance when faced with an alcohol or other drug-related emergency. Medical Amnesty also promotes education for individuals who receive emergency medical attention related to their own use of alcohol or other drugs in order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
AlcoholEdu for College
Welcome to Manhattanville University! In an effort to further advance our students
beyond the classroom, Manhattanville University has partnered with EverFi, whose mission
is to help students address critical life skills such as alcohol misuse prevention
and sexual assault prevention in higher education institutions across the country.
Manhattanville University expects all new Undergraduate students to complete AlcoholEdu for College and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU). These online programs will help you develop the critical skills to make more thoughtful and educated choices outside the classroom. Our hope is that with these skills you will find greater success both here at Manhattanville and well beyond graduation. Check your Mville email account for important correspondence regarding these programs!!
You will receive an email invitation to complete AlcoholEdu at the beginning of the semester – be sure to check your Manhattanville email! If you do not complete this requirement, you may receive a hold which will prevent you from registering for future classes!
About the Course
AlcoholEdu for College is online alcohol education course offered to all first-year
students at Manhattanville University. Alcohol Edu incorporates evidence-based methods
to empower students to make well-informed decisions that will contribute to a safe
campus environment for everyone. You'll find the course is interesting and gets you
involved. It includes instant feedback, video clips, and comparisons to other college
students. It takes about 90 minutes hours to complete and can be taken on any computer
that has audio capabilities and is connected to the Internet. Complete details are
below.
- Students learn about the effects alcohol has on their academics (body, brain, etc.)
- Students learn when and how to report if a friend needs help.
- Students learn more about blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
- Students develop awareness of the need to change the way they drink in healthier and safer ways.
- Students learn about the ways alcohol affects a person’s ability to give consent.
- Reduce the number of alcohol violations and/or medical transports related to alcohol.
If you have any questions, view our frequently asked questions included on this page or email DeanofStudents@mville.edu
Please Note: The courses may include surveys to help personalize your experience and measure your attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are confidential; the school will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will never see any individual students’ answers.
Getting Started
Step 1: You will receive notification of Alcohol EDU assignment to your college email address.
Step 2: Open the email and click the button prompting to start the course
Step 3: The link will have you complete the registration with your student information through single sign on.
Step 4: After you complete registration through the email, you will be able to access the course by clicking the “Take the AlcoholEDU course” button.
If you have any questions about AlcoholEdu, please email DeanofStudents@mville.edu. You will receive a response within 1 business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I find AlcoholEdu?
You will receive an email inviting you to take the program. It will come from Manhattanville University with the subject line “Online Courses Assigned to You by Manhattanville University”. This is the only way to access the program so be sure to check your Mville email regularly!
-
How long will it take?
AlcoholEdu takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes for Part 1. Part 2 will become available 30 days after completion of Part 1 and typically takes about 15 minutes.
-
Do I have to do it?
Manhattanville University requires all incoming undergraduate students complete AlcoholEdu for University. If you do not complete this requirement, you may not be able to register for future classes.
-
What if I've already completed this or something similar?
You will need to complete AlcoholEdu for Manhattanville University. This program contains resources and information specific to Manhattanville so we require all of our new students to complete the program even if you have completed AlcoholEdu, or something similar, at your previous school.
-
Part 2 is locked, what do I do?
There is a 30 day intersession between part 1 and part 2 of AlcoholEdu.
-
What if I do not pass the exam?
All students must earn a grade of 70% or higher in the exam to successfully complete Part 1. If a student fails the exam they will have another option to compete the quiz. Students may complete the course as many times as needed to pass the final exam.
Having Trouble with AlcoholEdu?
Here are some common troubleshooting solutions:
- If you are using Internet Explorer, try a different browser such as Chrome (first choice), Firefox or Safari.
- You may be too far zoomed in. Try zooming out.
- Close all other applications and tabs. (iTunes, Facebook, YouTube, etc).
- Clear your cache.
- If on a wireless connection, try a wired connection.
- Reboot the computer.
- Disable all popup blockers and 3rd party toolbars.
- Try accessing the course from a different connection (computer lab, library, etc.).
- Try watching the videos on your phone or tablet and then switch back to your computer to finish the course.
- Try accessing the course at a different time of day (eg. during non-peak internet usage hours, i.e. morning).
What if none of these tips work?
Please contact Technical Assistance at Everfi for any technical difficulties within
the program! They can be reached at 866.384.9062 or by using the “Help” button on
each page of the program.
Reminder: AlcoholEdu is a program that we have partnered with Everfi to bring to our campus. Manhattanville University's IT department does not manage this program and is unable to assist with troubleshooting.
Resources for Families
EverFi provides a website to assist parents in ensuring their students complete the
AlcoholEdu requirements and establish healthy norms when they arrive on campus.
The content available at everfi.com/alcoholeduforparents includes:
- An overview of the AlcoholEdu for College course structure and key concepts.
- A demo video that provides you with an overview of the course experience your child will be moving through.
- Helpful resources, such as tips on talking to your University student about alcohol, warning signs of an alcohol problem and links to add
Click the link to view the Resources for Parents page.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Health Risks
The illegal use of alcohol and the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances may
lead to permanent health conditions including, but not limited to, disorders of the
central nervous system, reproductive functioning, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems,
and endocrine functioning. In addition, there may be both short-term and long-term
effects on cognition, memory, retention, information processing, coordination, athletic
performance, academic performance, and the exercise of judgment.
Alcohol
Inappropriate use and abuse of alcohol is often associated with lower academic performance
and failures, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, vandalism,
aggressive behaviors including sexual assault and rape, injuries, death, and prosecution
for crimes related to the consumption of alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol may
impair the ability to concentrate, as well as the judgment and coordination required
to drive a car safely thus increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved
in an accident. Small to moderate amounts of alcohol may also increase the incidence
of a variety of aggressive acts, including spousal and child abuse. Moderate to high
doses of alcohol can cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely
altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses may
result in respiratory depression and even death. When used in conjunction with other
depressants of the nervous system, even a small amount of alcohol can result in these
effects.
Repeated use of alcohol may lead to dependence or addiction. The sudden cessation
of alcohol consumption produces withdrawal symptoms such as severe anxiety, tremors,
hallucinations and convulsions, and can be life threatening. Long-term consumption
of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, may
also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.
Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol
syndrome. Infants with fetal alcohol syndrome have irreversible physical abnormalities
and mental retardation. Further, research shows that children of alcoholic parents
are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics themselves.
Controlled Substances
All drugs, whether illegal or prescribed, alter the chemical balance of the body.
The misuse of drugs may lead to addiction and even death. Drug addiction and abuse
can cause serious damage to the brain, stomach, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and
the immune and reproductive systems.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Resources
Assistance and information can be obtained from the following:
On-campus
Counseling and Wellness Center — 914.323.5155
Health Center — 914.323.5245
Campus Safety — 914.323.5244
Office of Residence Life —914.323.5217
Dean of Students — 914.323.3134
Off-campus
About.com: Alcoholism — Alcoholism 101
Alcohol Anonymous — 914.949.1200
Al-Anon — 914.946.1748
ECheckup to Go –Alcohol | Drugs
Go Ask Alice! — Alcohol and other drugs Q and A
(Emotional health; fitness and nutrition; general health; relationships; and sexual
and reproductive health)
National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drugs — 914.683.1213
Narcotics Anonymous — 718.601.5817
www.drugwatch.com — Keeping your medication safe
Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Sanctions
Any violation of the University's Drug and Alcohol Policy may be disciplined in accordance
with the University's disciplinary procedures for students. Further, the University
may refer the student for criminal prosecution. Any sanction imposed by the University
is independent of, and is in addition to, any penalty imposed in connection with a
criminal conviction.
The sanctions that may be imposed on a student include, but are not limited to, warning, educational, disciplinary probation, mandated counseling/alcohol or drug use prevention program, deferred suspension, suspension, dismissal and expulsion from University housing and/or the University. In determining a sanction, the University will consider the nature and severity of the violation, the impact of the transaction on the campus community, and the student's disciplinary history.
AlcoholEdu for Sanctions helps students who have violated alcohol policies make safer and healthier choices – and avoid getting in trouble again. The course provides a strong educational foundation to support campus judicial programs and is an essential component of a comprehensive alcohol prevention initiative.
AlcoholEdu for Sanctions engages students by integrating prevention techniques with non-opinionated, science
based interactive alcohol education.
Course Features
- Provides highly personalized and customized educational experience
- Produces strategic learning gains
- Changes perceptions
- Motivates behavior change
- Supports healthy decisions
AlcoholEdu for Sanctions is a two-part course. Part 1 can take approximately one hour to complete and Part 2 can take approximately 15 minutes. Students will be given one week to complete the course with a passing score of 70% or higher to be in compliance. At the end of the course, a Feedback Report is generated and the student will need to share this report with the Conduct Officer. The Conduct Officer may have the student share the report with the University’s Counseling & Wellness or Health Centers as part of the sanction process.