Georgia Southwestern State University is committed to support and comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226, Section 22, subpart B) as an Institution of Higher Education. The law under this act now covers both drugs and alcohol and relates to faculty, staff, and students. Therefore, the entire campus community of Georgia Southwestern State University is under the mandate to comply.

The Task Force on Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee is a committee appointed by the President of Georgia Southwestern State University.

The Task Force shall be generally concerned with alcohol and other drug education, prevention and intervention for the GSW student body. The Task Force shall:

• provide continual guidance and support to ensure that the 1989 amendments (Part 86) to the "Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act" regulations are being followed.
• develop a strategic plan for GSW on AOD issues. This plan will include the assignment of sub-committees to accomplish strategic plan tasks.
• establish and monitor the Student Assistance Program to educate and provide interventions to students who violate current GSW alcohol and other drug policies.
• provide financial support for GSW education and prevention programs.
• forward any recommendations or modifications in any current GSW drug/alcohol policies to the President.

To achieve the maximum benefit under this program, Georgia Southwestern State University expects faculty, staff, and students to meet appropriate standards of performance, to observe basic rules of good conduct, to comply with Institutional personnel policies and procedures as contained in the Personnel Policy Manual, the Faculty Handbook (as amended), and the GSWeathervane: A Student Handbook (as amended).

As an institution of higher education, the primary focus of the University is on the health and safety of all faculty, staff, and students. It is well substantiated that the health risks in using illicit drugs and abusing alcohol are enormous to the individual, as well as devastating to family, friends, and the community.

Georgia Southwestern provides a confidential counseling and referral program and encourages faculty, staff, and students who feel they have a potential alcohol or other drug-related problem to utilize these services. An important part of this program includes the Student Assistant Program (SAP) which is a coordinated effort by the Office of Student Life, Counseling Center, and the Task Force on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

In the discharge of its responsibilities as an employer and an institution of higher education, Georgia Southwestern State University aggressively promotes and requires a drug free campus among its faculty, staff, and student body. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs or alcohol by Georgia Southwestern State University employees and students is prohibited by Institutional policy. Violations of this policy, including felony and/or misdemeanor drug or alcohol convictions during the course of employment or enrollment in any academic program at Georgia Southwestern State University, may result in appropriate disciplinary penalties being imposed by the University, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion and referral for prosecution.

This policy shall be communicated to new faculty by appropriate Department Chairs, to classified staff by the Director of Human Resources, to all new entering students and all other students by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Each contractor engaged in the performance of Federal contract or grant will be provided with a copy of this policy. The institutional Personnel Policy Manual, Faculty Handbook, and GSWeathervane are amended to incorporate this policy.

Click here to see Policy on Alcohol & Other Drugs Flyer.