Policies & Procedures
Policies & Procedures / Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

Notice and Information on the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

Willamette University abides by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program to certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. To comply with the Drug Free Schools And Communities Act of 1989, the University must annually distribute the following to each student and employee:

  • Standards of Conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on University property or as any part of University activities;
  • A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State, and Federal law for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
  • A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
  • A description of drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs that are available to students and employees; and
  • A clear statement that the University will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State, and Federal law) and a description of these sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment, and referral for prosecution for violations of the Standards of Conduct.

1. Standards of Conduct

Willamette University is committed to building and maintaining a healthy campus community that promotes the well-being and success of all its members. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispersal, possession, or use of illicit drugs by university students or employees in the workplace is prohibited. Any employee convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the workplace must notify their supervisor no later than five days after such conviction. The supervisor will immediately notify Human Resources, in writing, of this reported conviction.

Alcohol and Controlled Substance/Drugs Policies

All members of the Willamette University community are expected to abide by the University's Alcohol Policy. Alcoholic beverages may only be possessed and consumed on campus by students, employees and visitors of legal drinking age (21) and only in designated spaces. Designated spaces include residence hall rooms where all of the room occupant(s) and their guest(s) are 21, and in non-residential spaces at registered events that have been approved by the Alcohol Review Committee as set forth in the University's Alcohol Policy.

While the use and/or possession of cannabis is legal in Oregon for those over 21 years of age and regardless of whether or not an individual possesses a prescription for medical use, any possession or use of cannabis in any form or substances derived from cannabis is prohibited on University property in accordance with federal law.

Per the University's Student Code of Conduct and Drug Free Workplace Policy, Willamette University prohibits the possession or use of illegal alcohol, drugs, the possession or use of controlled substances (including cannabis/marijuana or other cannabis derived products), or the intentional misuse, unauthorized possession, theft, distribution, or sharing of prescribed medication. The possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, synthetic substances designed to intoxicate, or other drugs illegal under federal, state, or local law is strictly prohibited.  Students and/or employees who have been prescribed cannabis or THC products are not exempt from this policy and are encouraged to to find alternative treatments.

The use of so-called “hard drugs” (including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and others) poses health risks to users that are inherently unpredictable and potentially catastrophic. The probability of adverse consequences and the severity of those consequences – addiction, physical and mental illness, death – are very high. Further, the use of hard drugs also poses unacceptable and unnecessary threats to the well-being of the Willamette University community. As such, the University considers possession, manufacture, or distribution (whether by sale or gift) of any hard drug, in any amount, as a very serious violation of University policies as set forth above.

2. SANCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each individual to be aware of, and abide by, all federal, state and local ordinances. Current laws provide for severe penalties for violations which may result in criminal records. 

City of Salem Sanctions

There are a number City of Salem specific Alcohol and Controlled Substances Ordinances with which to be familiar, including:  

Sec. 90.020. - Consumption, sale, prohibited in certain places.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to drink alcoholic liquor upon any public street, alley or public way, save and except those licensed premises who have obtained the appropriate permit from the City.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or serve alcoholic liquor to any person who is standing or loitering in, on, around or about any stairway, aisle, hallway or public place of business in the City, and it shall be unlawful for any person, while drinking alcoholic liquor, to stand or loiter in, on, around or about any stairway, aisle, hallway or any public place of business in the City, except as permitted by ORS 471.402.

(c)The term "public place of business," as used in this section, means any place of business open to the public or to which the public is invited, with the exception of those places for which a license has been issued by the Liquor Control Commission for the serving of alcoholic liquor.

(d)The term "public way," as used in this section, means any public area intended, designed, or used for vehicular or pedestrian use including any landscaping strip or median separating a sidewalk from a lane of vehicular travel.

City of Portland Sanctions

There are a number of Portland Specific Alcohol and Controlled Substances Ordinances with which to be familiar, including:

Alcohol on Public Property and Rights of Way (PCC 14A.50.010): prohibits drinking alcohol or possessing a bottle, can or other receptacle that has been opened, the seal broken, or the contents partially removed upon any street, sidewalk or other public right of way. 

Streetcar (PCC 14A.110.220): prohibits a person from possessing an open container of alcoholic beverage or from being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance on a Portland Streetcar vehicle or at a Portland Streetcar station. 

Vehicle Impoundment (PCC 14B.40.010): provides that a vehicle used by a person arrested in the City for DUII may be seized and impounded.

State of Oregon Sanctions

There are many State of Oregon specific sanctions for alcohol and drug violations with which to be familiar.  More information on Oregon’s alcohol laws can be found here.

Alcohol 

MIP - Minor in Possession No minor under 21 years of age shall attempt to purchase or be in possession of alcoholic liquor. Possession may include holding, consuming or attempting to purchase alcohol. Personal possession of alcoholic liquor includes consumption of liquor.
Fine: Up to $1,000 (Class B Violation) ORS 471.430 (1) 

Controlling an Area Where Minors are Permitted to Consume Alcohol No person in control of property may knowingly allow minor(s) to consume alcohol or allow minor(s) to remain on the property after consuming. Private property may include a hotel room, camp site, or any rented/leased location.
Penalty:  Fine: 1st offense up to $2,000 (Class A Violation), 2nd and subsequent violation is specific fine violation with presumptive fine of $1,000 ORS 471.410 (3) 

Furnishing Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor No one shall sell, give or otherwise make available any alcoholic liquor to a person under the age of 21 years. 
Penalty: Fine up to $6,250 (or double the gain from commission of offense) and/or jail or both (Class A Misdemeanor) ORS 471.410(2) 

Driving Under the Influence A person commits the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicants if the person drives a vehicle while the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more and/or under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/ or controlled substance.  Under state of Oregon DUII statutes, for a person under 21 years of age, any amount of alcohol in the blood constitutes being under the influence of intoxicating liquor. 
Penalty: Fine up to $6,250 and/or jail or both (Class A Misdemeanor) and subject to statute requiring minimum fine of $1,000 for 1st offense, $1,500 fine for 2nd offense, and $2,000 fine for the 3rd or subsequent conviction if the person is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Additional penalties may include: fee to be paid on conviction, suspension of license, mandatory alcohol education, screening and treatment, mandatory imprisonment or community service, attendance at victim impact treatment session and session fee, and ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle ORS 813.010 

Misrepresentation of Age by a Minor When minors misrepresent their age, purposely are not truthful about their age to purchase alcohol, enter a lounge or evade detection by law enforcement, the minor may be fined. If DMV identification is used in misrepresentation, the minor’s driving privileges may be suspended for up to one year and/or the minor will have to wait for up to one year to apply for a driver’s license and the minor may be required to perform community service. 
Penalty: Fine up to $1,250 and/or jail or both (Class C Misdemeanor) ORS 165.805 

False Swearing 
Falsifying information knowing that what you say is untrue. Anyone purchasing a keg using a false name or any other deceitful information shall be subject to this definition.
Penalty: Fine up to $6,250 and/or jail or both (Class A Misdemeanor) ORS 162.075 (1) 

Entry of Licensed Premises by Persons Under 21 
No one under 21 years of age shall enter or attempt to enter any area of a licensed premise that is posted or otherwise identified as prohibited to minors.
Penalty:  Fine: Up to $1,000 (Class B Violation) ORS 471.430 (3 and 4) 

Mixing, Storing or Serving Alcohol Without a License 
No person who owns, operates or conducts a private or public club and who is not in possession of a license issued by the commission permitting the mixing, storing, and serving of alcoholic liquor at said premises, and no agent, servant or employee of such person, for a financial consideration by way of a charge for service, membership fee, admission fee, initiation fee, club dues, contributions or other fee or charge, shall serve or permit to be serve.
Penalty: Fine up to $6,250 and/or jail or both (Class A Misdemeanor) ORS 471.475 

Illicit drugs
In Oregon, penalties for possession and distribution are determined by the controlled Substance Schedule upon which the drug appears. Examples from the drug schedules appear below. (Note: Most drugs appear on the same federal and state schedules. On July 1, 2015, changes in Oregon law came into effect regarding marijuana; however, that substance continues to be a controlled substance under federal law. As a federally-controlled substance, the use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of marijuana in any form is prohibited on campus).

  • Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, Marijuana, Peyote, Mescaline, Psilocybin
  • Schedule II: Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine
  • Schedule III: Anabolic Steroids, Buprenorphine
  • Schedule IV: Various prescription drugs 
  • Schedule V: Other less dangerous prescription drugs and small amounts of certain drugs

Penalties are established in ORS 475.752 et seq. and are generally set forth below. Certain penalties are increased if unlawful act is within 1,000 feet of a school.

Marijuana (affected by Measure 91)

  • Delivery for consideration (selling, dealing, or bartering) – Class B Felony (up to 10 years imprisonment and fine up to $250,000 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money).
  • Delivery not for consideration (less than 1 oz.) – Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year imprisonment and fine up to $6,250 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)
  • Delivery not for consideration (less than 5 gm.) – violation (specific fine violation with presumptive fine of $650).
  • Unlawful Possession (less than 1 oz.) – violation (specific fine violation with presumptive fine of $650) Unlawful Possession (more than 1 oz. but less than 4 oz.) – Class B Misdemeanor (up to 6 months imprisonment and fine up to $2,500 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)
  • Unlawful Possession (more than 4 oz.) – Class C Felony (up to 5 years imprisonment and fine up to $125,000 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)

Marijuana Product

  • Unlawful Possession (less than 1/4 oz.) – Class B Misdemeanor (up to 6 months imprisonment and fine up to $2,500 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money.
  • Unlawful Possession (1.4 oz. or more) – Class C Felony (up to 5 years imprisonment and fine up to $125,000 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)

SCHEDULE I DRUGS (Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse)

  • Manufacture or distribution (except marijuana) – Class A Felony (up to 20 years imprisonment and fine up to $375,000 or up to twice the value of resulting gain of property or money)
  • Unlawful Possession – Class B Felony (up to 10 years imprisonment and fine up to $250,000 or up to twice the value of resulting gain of property or money)

SCHEDULE II DRUGS  (Drugs with a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence)

  • Manufacture or distribution – Class B Felony (up to 10 years imprisonment and fine up to $250,000 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money).
  • Unlawful Possession – Class C Felony (up to 5 years imprisonment and fine up to $125,000 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)

SCHEDULE III DRUGS (Drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence)

  • Manufacture or distribution – – Class C Felony (up to 5 years imprisonment and fine up to $125,000or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)
  • Unlawful Possession – Class A Misdemeanor (up to 1 year imprisonment and fine up to $6,250 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)

SCHEDULE IV DRUGS (Drugs with a limited risk of physical or psychological dependence)

  • Manufacture or distribution – Class B Misdemeanor (up to 6 months imprisonment and fine up to $2,500 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)
  • Unlawful Possession – Class C Misdemeanor (up to 30 days imprisonment and fine up to $1,250 fine or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)

SCHEDULE V DRUGS (Drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes)

  • Manufacture or distribution – Class C Misdemeanor (up to 30 days imprisonment and fine up to $1,250 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money)
  • Unlawful Possession – Violation (unspecified violations are Class B violations under ORS 153.015 punishable by fine of up to $1,000)

It is unlawful for a person to manufacture or deliver a schedule 1, 2, or 3 controlled substance within 1,000 feet of the real property compromising a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school attended by minors. This is a Class A Felony (up to 20 years imprisonment and fine up to $375,000 or up to twice the value of any resulting gain of property or money). In addition, the court may order the defendant to pay the cost of prosecution, and the defendant’s vehicle used in the crime may be forfeited to the state. Finally, the defendant may forfeit any property used in the crime to the county in which the crime occurred.

Federal Sanctions 

The federal system establishes sanctions for unlawful distribution, possession, manufacture, etcetera, of controlled substances, based on the schedule of the drug and the amount involved. The minimum and maximum statutory penalties are driven by the type and the quantity of the drug involved, but may be increased if the offense involved death or serious bodily injury, or if the offender has a prior conviction for a felony drug offense. The statutory sanctions are also subject to the “Sentencing Guidelines for US Courts.” Imposition of the guidelines may lead to higher offense levels and, thus, more strict penalties than otherwise indicated. Attached is a chart describing the federal penalties and sanctions for illegal trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. 

In addition to criminal sanctions, the consequences of unlawful or irresponsible alcohol or drug use may include, but are not limited to: 1) Restrictions on future employment opportunities. 2) The loss of Federal Financial Aid (Mandatory for Drug Offenses) 3) Potential risks for injury, including permanent disability 4) The risk of being a victim of a crime and / or committing additional crime(s) 5) The loss of driving privileges 6) Additional sanctions on your educational record and future educational opportunities 

3. Health Risks Associated with Use and Abuse

Tobacco and Nicotine
Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to contract heart disease. Lung, larynx, esophageal, bladder, pancreatic, and kidney cancers also strike smokers at increased rates. Thirty percent of cancer deaths are linked to smoking. Chronic obstructive lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are 10 times more likely to occur among smokers than among nonsmokers. Smoking during pregnancy also poses risks, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and low birth weights. Fetal and infant deaths are more likely to occur when the pregnant woman is a smoker. Nicotine is both psychologically and physically addictive.

Alcohol
Low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination needed to operate vehicles. Small amounts can also lower inhibitions. Moderate to high doses cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, and loss of memory and the ability to learn and remember information. High doses cause respiratory depression and death. Long-term consumption, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to dependence and permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation.

Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish, Hashish Oil, Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Physical effects of cannabis include increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite. Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, and impair driving ability. Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana, hashish, THC, etc., can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Long term use may result in possible lung damage, reduced sperm count and sperm motility, and may affect ovulation cycles. Cannabis can also be psychologically addictive.

Inhalants (Nitrous Oxide, Amyl Nitrite, Butyl Nitrite, Chlorohydrocarbons, Hydrocarbons)
Immediate effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose bleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrate cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces. Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain damage. Deeply inhaling vapors, or using large amounts over a short time, may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High concentrations of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in lungs. Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, and permanent damage to the nervous system.

Cocaine (Crack)
Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause nasal irritation; chronic use can ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive. Physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. The use of cocaine can cause death by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

Stimulants (Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Crank, Ice)
Stimulants cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. Users may experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and physical collapse. Amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure. In addition to physical effects, feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and moodiness can result. Use of large amounts over a long period of time can cause amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. The use of amphetamines can cause physical and psychological dependence.

Depressants (Barbiturates, Methaqualone, Tranquilizers)
Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. Combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying risks. Babies born to mothers who abuse depressant drugs during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth. Birth defects and behavioral problems may also result. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence.

Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, Mescaline, Peyote, Psilocybin)
Phencyclidine (PCP) interrupts the functions of the neocortex, the section of the brain that controls intellect and instinct. PCP blocks pain receptors, and users can have violent PCP episodes resulting in self inflicted injuries. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors.

Narcotics (Heroin, Methadone, Codeine, Morphine, Meperidine, Opium)
Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Users may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes and itching. Overdoses may produce respiratory depression, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and death. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Use of narcotics can cause physical and psychological dependence.

Designer Drugs (Analogs of Fentanyl, Analogs of Meperidine, MDMA, Ecstasy, Analogs of PCP)
Many “designer drugs” are related to amphetamines and depressants and have mild stimulant and depressant properties. Use can produce severe neurochemical damage to the brain. Narcotic analogs can cause symptoms such as those seen in Parkinson’s disease: uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage. Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Analogs of PCP cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.

Anabolic Steroids
Steroid users subject themselves to more than 70 side effects, ranging in severity from acne to liver cancer, including psychological as well as physical reactions. The liver and cardio-vascular and reproductive systems are most seriously affected by use. In males, use can cause withered testicles, sterility, and impotence. In females, irreversible masculine traits can develop along with breast reduction and sterility. Psychological effects in both sexes include very aggressive behavior, known as “roid rage,” and depression. While some side effects appear quickly, others, such as heart attacks and strokes, may not show up for years

4. Education, Counseling, and Treatment Resources

There are a number of resources available to students and employees seeking treatment for alcohol and drug related problems.

Student Resources

The University requires all incoming students to view a comprehensive online education program designed to provide students with the information they need to make informed decisions about alcohol, link their choices about drinking to academic and personal success, and help cope with the drinking behavior of peers, as well as respond effectively in situations where others are at risk of alcohol-related harm. 

Support for alcohol or drug problems is available at the Bishop Wellness Center at 503-370-6062. Any student who has personal concerns about the use or abuse of alcohol is urged to reach out.  Help and referrals for treatment are available on a confidential basis.  Students can also utilize the PNCA Health Coach and Educator at 503-821-8921 to for help with referrals to local treatment resources and facilities.  

Employee Resources

Willamette offers an employee assistance program (EAP) that is  paid for by the University for our faculty, staff, and their families who may encounter professional and/or personal challenges:

Uprise Health

Phone: 800-386-7055
Website: https://worklife.uprisehealth.com/
Access code: worklife

With Uprise Health, your confidential employee assistance program through Guardian and Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH), you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Uprise Health provides support and guidance for matters that range from personal issues you might be facing to providing information on everyday topics that affect your life. You have unlimited access to consult with a professional counselor via telephone. Face-to-face counseling sessions are available, if needed, with an IBH network provider — and up to three sessions are free of charge. 

Benefits eligible employees may also access rehabilitation and other services through Willamette’s employee benefits plans.

Community Resources Available to All Willamette Community Members

National and Regional Resources

Self-Help Resources

Outpatient Treatment


Inpatient Treatment

  • Pacific Ridge (Salem)....................................................................... 503-580-3479
  • Pacific Ridge (Jefferson, OR)........................................................... 503-361-7758
  • Awakenings by the Sea for Women (Seaside, OR) …………….. 1-800-923-HOPE
  • Hazelden Betty Ford (Newberg, OR) ............................................ 1-866-604-0876
  • Serenity Lane - medical detox available (Eugene, OR).................... 541-470-8768