About Us
DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND CAMPUSES PREVENTION PROGRAM
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
In keeping with the religious heritage of the Church of the Nazarene and in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, it is the policy of Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) that abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and non-medical uses of controlled substances is the positive ideal for persons and communities. It is MVNU’s policy to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus.
Moreover, MVNU has a vital interest in maintaining safe, healthful, and efficient working conditions for its employees. The University is committed to a drug-free school and work environment for its students and employees and furthermore supports the applicable laws governing the use of alcohol and illicit drugs.
EMPLOYEES
The MVNU Faculty and Staff Handbooks describe acceptable behavior of all faculty and staff, both on and off campus.
In addition to the personal, moral, and religious lifestyle guidelines provided in the Faculty and Staff Handbooks, which prohibit the use of the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, MVNU staff and faculty must comply with the following Drug-Free Workplace Policy as a condition for continued employment.
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance (including but not limited to marijuana/medical marijuana) is prohibited on campus and/or while conducting MVNU business and/or while otherwise representing MVNU to the public.
Employees are also required to report any conviction under a criminal drug statute, no later than five days after the conviction, to the Vice President for Finance. MVNU will notify the appropriate government granting agency within then days after receiving such notice. The employee will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.
Smoking is prohibited on campus. All employees are expected to adhere to this policy and are requested to advise campus guests of this policy. Violations will be considered employee misconduct and will be subject an employee to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.
STUDENTS
The MVNU Student Handbook describes the behavior expected of all students, both on and off campus. The Student Handbook is available on the MVNU website. The drug and alcohol policies can be found in the Community Expectations chapter of the Student Handbook. The unlawful manufacture, possession, use, dispensation, or distribution of illicit drugs (including but not limited to marijuana/medical marijuana) and alcohol by students on MVNU property or as part of any of MVNU activities is prohibited. Violations of these drug and alcohol policies will result in institutional disciplinary sanctions consistent with MVNU policies and federal, state, and local laws specified below, up to and including potential expulsion and/or referral for prosecution. MVNU reserves the right to update and revise the Student Handbook at any time.
HEALTH RISKS
In addition to MVNU disciplinary actions, potential criminal penalties, and workplace hazards, specific serious health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. All drugs, including alcohol, can cause marked changes in behavior and have side effects. Their influences can affect the safety and well-being of the users and those around them.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that is absorbed into the bloodstream and transmitted to all parts of the body. Even low doses can impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that a driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses reduce physical coordination and mental alertness, while increasing the incidence of aggressive behavior. Moderate to high doses of alcohol drastically impair an individual’s availability to function, sometimes rendering them unconscious.
Illicit drugs, including but not limited to stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics, or inhalants, can interfere with important brain activities, including coordination, memory, and learning. They increase the risk of lung cancer, destroy liver cells, initiate severe weight loss, and may weaken the immune system. Users may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and irregular breathing. Convulsions, coma, and death are also possible. Combining drugs can be fatal.
APPLICABLE LEGAL SANCTIONS
For both students and employees, federal, state, and local laws provide a variety of penalties for the unlawful possession or distribution (i.e., trafficking) of illicit drugs or alcohol. Penalties under federal and Ohio law for various alcohol and illicit drug-related offenses are described within the full policy that can be located above.
ASSISTANT, TREATMENT, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
MVNU Student Resources
- Counseling and Wellness: Counselingcenter@mvnu.edu, Tel: 740-397-9000, Ext. 4610
Community Resources
- Riverside Recovery Services: https://www.riversiderecovery.rehab/, Tel: 740-326-9255
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 740-393-2439
- The Freedom Center: https://freedomctr.net/, Tel: 740-397-2660
- Knox Recovery: https://knoxrecovery.com/, Tel: 740-326-9099
- New Vision at Knox Community Hospital: https://specialcarecorp.com/locations/mount-vernon-ohio/, Tel: 740-212-1887
SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Any MVNU student determined to have violated the standards of conduct applicable to students will be subject to disciplinary actions. Penalties may include suspension or dismissal. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the infraction, the authorities may be contacted for criminal prosecution. Students also may be required to participate in and/or successfully complete a drug or alcohol evaluation, assistance, or rehabilitation program, either in conjunction with such discipline or otherwise.
Any MVNU employee determined to have violated the standards of conduct of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. An employee who is determined to have violated these rules further may be required to participate in and/or successfully complete, a drug or alcohol evaluation, assistance, or rehabilitation program, either in conjunction with such discipline or otherwise. Depending on the nature of the violation, the authorities may be contacted for criminal prosecution.
PROGRAM REVIEW
In accordance with federal law, MVNU will conduct a biennial review of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program to determine the program's effectiveness.
By providing the above information each year to each student and employee, the University is making a good faith effort to implement an alcohol-drug program as required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989.