Standards of Conduct
SUNY Morrisville, in a compliant effort with the 1989 Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Amendment Act (U.S. Public Law 101-226), is committed to an environment that supports the academic success and the health of all students. The sale, purchase, distribution, possession and/or use of illicit drugs (defined below) or alcohol (except as permitted) is a violation of College regulations as well as State and Federal laws. Students and their guests are not allowed to possess or consume alcoholic beverages on College property or property operated for the benefit of the College. Exception to this policy is granted to the Morrisville Auxiliary Corporation. Upon approval by the College President, Vice President, or Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, alcohol may be served at College sponsored events or specifically approved student functions in the College restaurant, the Copper Turret. These functions must be serviced by the Auxiliary Corporation and operated in accordance with Federal, State and local laws under the license obtained by the Auxiliary Corporation.
It is the policy of SUNY Morrisville that no employee shall use, sell, distribute, dispense, possess, or manufacture any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug on the job site, on SUNY Morrisville property (including property leased or rented by SUNY Morrisville), while on duty, in a State vehicle, a vehicle leased or rented for State business, or a private vehicle being used for State business during the employees' work hours. An exception to the provision regarding alcoholic beverage manufacture will be made for classes requiring such or providing instruction on such. In this case, the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages will be permitted on campus property only in the classroom or educational setting. No employee shall report for work unfit for duty at the beginning of a shift or upon returning from any break, lunch or rest period, as a result of consuming alcohol and/or illegal drugs. No employee notified of being in a safety sensitive position as defined by the OTETA shall report to work in a condition that violates the Act and the corresponding rules. This policy is meant to assist employees in guiding their conduct which will increase productivity at work, and protect co-workers and students. These efforts will contribute to a safer work and learning environment for the SUNY Morrisville community.
It is the policy of Morrisville Auxiliary Corporation (MAC) to provide our employees and customers with a safe and productive workplace which is free of alcohol and drug abuse. MAC feels strongly that alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace can undermine individual performance, the security of other employees, and the company business. The establishment of a Drug-Free Workplace Policy is consistent with MAC’s desired culture and is in the best interest of MAC. For these reasons MAC is implementing a Drug-Free Workplace Program which applies to all employees as well as applicants for employment with MAC. Our policy formally states that the abuse of alcohol and/or illegal use of drugs by any of our employees while on MAC or College premises or on company business will not be tolerated.
Alcohol Policy in Morrisville Commons Buildings
Students and their guests regardless of age are not allowed to possess or consume alcoholic beverages on College property or property operated for the benefit of the College including state operated Residence Halls which include (Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, East, and Fountain View).
Persons of legal age (21 or older) are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages within the Morrisville Commons suites and bedrooms, providing all occupants of the suite are 21 or older.
In suites where occupants are over 21 years of age and others are under 21, the over 21 residents are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages in their assigned bedroom only. No alcoholic beverages shall be left in common areas or appliances.
The rules for possession or consumption of alcohol by any guest are the same as above and the host is responsible for their behavior of their guest.
Residents may not consume or have in their possession any open container (seal broken) of alcoholic beverage in hallways, lounges, or other public areas.
At no time are residents or guests over the age of 21 to possess more than one six pack of beer (6-12 oz. containers) or equivalent amounts of the following: malt liquor (about three 16- ounce containers), wine (about one liter) hard liquor (250 milliliters) per person in any room/suite.
Empty containers must be recycled promptly.
Behavior that encourages or contributes to excessive alcohol consumption is prohibited. Binge drinking is strictly prohibited. Individuals of legal drinking age may not provide alcohol to underage roommates, suitemates, visitors or guests. Drinking games and other activities that may promote the irresponsible use of alcohol are prohibited.
Alcohol paraphernalia (e.g., kegs, wine coolers, flasks, taps, funnels, bottle cap collections) are not permitted. Collection of bottles/cans for display is also not permitted. Alcohol promotional/decorative items (beer signs, lamp shades, etc.) are not permitted.
Description of Applicable Sanctions
Legal Sanctions
1. NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law: Article 5 – Special Provisions Relating to Liquor and NYS Vehicle and Traffic (VAT) Law: Article 31 – Alcohol & Drug-related Offenses & Procedures (from New York State Legislature web site)
| NYS ABC Law Special Provisions Relating to Liquor | Specifics | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| § 65-a. Procuring alcoholic beverages for persons under the age of 21 years | Any person who misrepresents the age of a person under the age of 21 years for inducing the sale of any alcoholic beverage, as defined in the alcoholic beverage control law, to such person. | A fine of not more than $200, or imprisonment up to five days, or both. |
| § 65-b. Offense for one under age of 21 years to purchase or attempt to purchase an alcoholic beverage through fraudulent means. | No person under the age of 21 years shall present or offer to any licensee, or to the agent or employee of such licensee, any written evidence of age, which is false, fraudulent, or not actually his own, for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase any alcoholic beverage. | 1st violation: a fine of not more than $100 and/or up to 30 hours of community service. Also may order completion of an alcohol awareness program. 2nd violation: a fine of $50 to $350 and/or up to 60 hours of community service. Also shall order completion of an alcohol awareness program if not previously completed. 3rd and subsequent violations: a fine of $50 to $750 and/or up to 90 hours of community service, shall order evaluation by an appropriate agency to determine whether the person suffers from the disease of alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Payment for such evaluation shall be made by such person. If person elects to participate in recommended treatment, the court shall order that payment of such fine and community service be suspended pending the completion of such treatment. In addition to these penalties, the court may suspend such person's license to drive a motor vehicle and the privilege of an unlicensed person of obtaining such license: |
| § 65-c. Unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume by persons under the age of 21 years. | No person under the age of 21 years shall possess any alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume such beverage. | A fine up to $50 and/or completion of an alcohol awareness program and/or up to 30 hours of community service. |
2. NYS Penal Law: Article 222 - Offenses Involving Cannabis; (from New York State Legislature web site)
| NYS Penal Law Offenses Involving Cannabis | Specifics | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
§ 222.10 Restrictions on cannabis use | Unless otherwise authorized by law or regulation, no person shall: 1. smoke or vape cannabis in a location where smoking or vaping cannabis is prohibited pursuant to article thirteen-E of the public health law; or 2. smoke, vape or ingest cannabis or concentrated cannabis in or upon the grounds of a school, as defined in subdivision ten of section eleven hundred twenty-five of the education law or in or on a school bus, as defined in section one hundred forty-two of the vehicle and traffic law; provided, however, provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to acts that are in compliance with article three of the cannabis law. | Notwithstanding any other section of law, violations of restrictions on cannabis use are subject to a civil penalty not exceeding twenty-five dollars or an amount of community service not exceeding twenty hours. |
§ 222.15 Personal cultivation and home possession of cannabis. | 1. Except as provided for in section forty-one of the cannabis law, and unless otherwise authorized by law or regulation, no person may: (a) plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, process or possess more than three mature cannabis plants and three immature cannabis plants at any one time; or (b) plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, process or possess, within his or her private residence, or on the grounds of his or her private residence, more than three mature cannabis plants and three immature cannabis plants at any one time; or (c) being under the age of twenty-one, plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, process or possess cannabis plants. 2. No more than six mature and six immature cannabis plants may be cultivated, harvested, dried, or possessed within any private residence, or on the grounds of a person's private residence. 3. The personal cultivation of cannabis shall only be permitted within, or on the grounds of, a person's private residence. 4. Any mature or immature cannabis plant described in paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision one of this section, and any cannabis produced by any such cannabis plant or plants cultivated, harvested, dried, processed or possessed pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision one of this section shall, unless otherwise authorized by law or regulation, be stored within such person's private residence or on the grounds of such person's private residence. Such person shall take reasonable steps designed to ensure that such cultivated cannabis is in a secured place and not accessible to any person under the age of twenty-one. 5. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person may lawfully possess up to five pounds of cannabis in their private residence or on the grounds of such person's private residence. Such person shall take reasonable steps designed to ensure that such cannabis is in a secured place not accessible to any person under the age of twenty-one. 6. A county, town, city or village may enact and enforce regulations to reasonably regulate the actions and conduct set forth in subdivision one of this section; provided that: | (a) a violation of any such a regulation, as approved by such county, town, city or village enacting the regulation, may constitute no more than an infraction and may be punishable by no more than a discretionary civil penalty of two hundred dollars or less; and (b) no county, town, city or village may enact or enforce any such regulation or regulations that may completely or essentially prohibit a person from engaging in the action or conduct authorized by subdivision one of this section. A violation of this section, other than paragraph (a) of subdivision six of this section, may be subject to a civil penalty of up to one hundred twenty-five dollars per violation. 7. The office of cannabis management shall issue regulations for the home cultivation of cannabis. The office of cannabis management shall enact, and may enforce, regulations to regulate the actions and conduct set forth in this section including requirements for, or restrictions and prohibitions on, the use of any compressed flammable gas solvents such as propane, butane, or other hexane gases for cannabis processing; or other forms of home cultivation, manufacturing, or cannabinoid production and processing, which the office determines poses a danger to public safety; and to ensure the home cultivation of cannabis is for personal use by an adult over the age of twenty-one in possession of cannabis plants, and not utilized for unlicensed commercial or illicit activity, provided any regulations issued by the office shall not completely or essentially prohibit a person from engaging in the action or conduct authorized by this section. 8. The office of cannabis management may issue guidance or advisories for the education and promotion of safe practices for activities and conduct authorized in subdivision one of this section. 9. Subdivisions one through five of this section shall not take effect until such a time as the office of cannabis management has issued regulations governing the home cultivation of cannabis. The office shall issue rules and regulations governing the home cultivation of cannabis by certified patients as defined in section three of the cannabis law, no later than six months after the effective date of this article and shall issue rules and regulations governing the home cultivation of cannabis for cannabis consumers as defined by section three of the cannabis law no later than eighteen months following the first authorized retail sale of adult-use cannabis products to a cannabis consumer. |
§ 222.20 Licensing of cannabis production and distribution; defense. | In any prosecution for an offense involving cannabis under this article or an authorized local law, it is a defense that the defendant was engaged in such activity in compliance with the cannabis law. | |
§ 222.25 Unlawful possession of cannabis. | Knowingly and unlawfully possesses cannabis and such cannabis weighs more than three ounces or concentrated cannabis and such concentrated cannabis weighs more than twenty-four grams. | A fine of not more than one hundred twenty-five dollars. |
§ 222.30 Criminal possession of cannabis in the third degree | Knowingly and unlawfully possesses cannabis and such cannabis weighs more than sixteen ounces; or concentrated cannabis and such concentrated cannabis weighs more than five ounces. | Class A misdemeanor: imprisonment up to one year. |
§ 222.35 Criminal possession of cannabis in the second degree | Knowingly and unlawfully possesses cannabis and such cannabis weighs more than five pounds; or concentrated cannabis and such concentrated cannabis weighs more than two pounds. | Class E felony: imprisonment 1 to 1 ½ years (may be sentenced to probation). For a 2nd time offender: imprisonment for 1 ½ and 2 years (may be sentenced to parole supervision). For a 2nd time offender previously convicted of a violent felony: imprisonment 2 to 2 ½ years. |
§ 222.40 Criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree | Knowingly and unlawfully possesses cannabis and such cannabis weighs more than ten pounds; or concentrated cannabis and such concentrated cannabis weighs more than four pounds. | Class D felony: imprisonment for 1 to 2 ½ years (may be sentenced to probation). For a 2nd time offender: imprisonment for 1 ½ to 4 years (may be sentenced to parole supervision). For a 2nd time offender previously convicted of a violent felony: imprisonment for 2 ½ to 4 ½ years. |
§ 222.45 Unlawful sale of cannabis | Knowingly and unlawfully sells cannabis or concentrated cannabis. | A fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars. |
§ 222.50 Criminal sale of cannabis in the third degree | Knowingly and unlawfully sells more than three ounces of cannabis or more than twenty-four grams of concentrated cannabis; or being twenty-one years of age or older, he or she knowingly and unlawfully sells or gives, or causes to be given or sold, cannabis or concentrated cannabis to a person less than twenty-one years of age | Class A misdemeanor: imprisonment up to one year. |
§ 222.55 Criminal sale of cannabis in the second degree | Knowingly and unlawfully sells more than sixteen ounces of cannabis or more than five ounces of concentrated cannabis; or being twenty-one years of age or older, he or she knowingly and unlawfully sells or gives, or causes to be given or sold, more than three ounces of cannabis or more than twenty-four grams of concentrated cannabis to a person less than eighteen years of age selling, without consideration, one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing marihuana (aggregate weight of 2 g or less); or one cigarette containing marihuana. | Class E felony: imprisonment 1 to 1 ½ years (may be sentenced to probation). For a 2nd time offender: imprisonment for 1 ½ and 2 years (may be sentenced to parole supervision). For a 2nd time offender previously convicted of a violent felony: imprisonment 2 to 2 ½ years. |
§ 222.60 Criminal sale of cannabis in the first degree | Knowingly and unlawfully sells more than five pounds of cannabis or more than two pounds of concentrated cannabis. | Class D felony: imprisonment for 1 to 2 ½ years (may be sentenced to probation). For a 2nd time offender: imprisonment for 1 ½ to 4 years (may be sentenced to parole supervision). For a 2nd time offender previously convicted of a violent felony: imprisonment for 2 ½ to 4 ½ years. |
§ 222.65 Aggravated criminal sale of cannabis | Knowingly and unlawfully sells cannabis or concentrated cannabis weighing one hundred pounds or more. | Class C felony: imprisonment for 1 to 5 ½ years (may be sentenced to probation). For a 2nd time offender: imprisonment for 2 to 8 years (may be sentenced to parole supervision). For a 2nd time offender previously convicted of a violent felony imprisonment for 3 ½ to 9 years. |
3. Summary of Federal Drug Law
| Schedule | Substance/Quantity | Penalty | Substance/Quantity | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| II | Cocaine 500-4999 grams mixture | First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs. and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 yrs. or more than life. Fine of not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs. and not more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual. | Cocaine 5 kilograms or more mixture | First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs. and not more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 yrs. or more than life. Fine of not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs, and not more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual. 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual. |
| II | Cocaine Base 28-279 grams mixture | Cocaine Base 280 grams or more mixture | ||
| IV | Fentanyl 40-399 grams mixture | Fentanyl 400 grams or more mixture | ||
| I | Fentanyl Analogue 10-99 grams mixture | Fentanyl Analogue 100 grams or more mixture | ||
| I | Heroin 100-999 grams mixture | Heroin 1 kilogram or more mixture | ||
| I | LSD 1-9 grams mixture | LSD 10 grams or more mixture | ||
| II | Methamphetamine 5-49 grams pure or 50-499 grams mixture | Methamphetamine 50 grams or more pure or 500 grams or more mixture | ||
| II | PCP 10-99 grams pure or 100-999 grams mixture | PCP 100 grams or more pure or 1 kilogram or more mixture |
| Substance/Quantity | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Any Amount Of Other Schedule I & II Substances | First Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 yrs. or more than Life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual. |
| Any Drug Product Containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid | |
| Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV) 1 Gram | |
| Any Amount Of Other Schedule III Drugs | First Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, not more than 15 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2.5 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious injury, not more than 30 yrs. Fine not more than $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual. |
| Any Amount Of All Other Schedule IV Drugs (other than one gram or more of Flunitrazepam) | First Offense: Not more than 5 yrs. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than an individual. |
| Any Amount Of All Schedule V Drugs | First Offense: Not more than 1 yr. Fine not more than $100,000 if an individual, $250,000 if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 4 yrs. Fine not more than $200,000 if an individual, $500,000 if not an individual. |
Health Risks
Source:
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects.html
| Alcohol | Short term: Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns; Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence; Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels; Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV; Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women Long term: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems; Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon; Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance; Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety; Social problems, including lost productivity, family problems, and unemployment; Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism |
|---|---|
| Marijuana | Short term: Problems with attention, memory, and learning, which can affect relationships and mood; Increased heart rate; Increase risk of bronchitis, cough and lung infections; Disorientation, unpleasant thoughts or feelings, anxiety, paranoia Long term: Permanent problems with memory and learning; Increased risk of stroke and heart disease; Damage lung tissue and cause scarring; Temporary psychosis (not knowing what is real, hallucinations, and paranoia), schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, suicide |
Drug and Alcohol Programs
| Students | On campus: Counseling Services, Health Services Off campus: Family Counseling Services (Chemical Dependence Outpatient Services), Bridges (Madison County Council on Alcoholism), Alcohol Anonymous 24 hour hotline, Narcotics Anonymous Hotline |
|---|---|
| Employees | On campus: EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Off campus: Family Counseling Services (Chemical Dependence Outpatient Services), Bridges (Madison County Council on Alcoholism), Alcohol Anonymous 24 hour hotline, Narcotics Anonymous Hotline |
Disciplinary Sanctions
- Legal: The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of a controlled sub-stance or alcohol on the college premises or as a part of any college activity is prohibited. Students and employees who unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance or alcohol will be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Institutional: The unlawful possession or use of any drug in any degree may result in sanctions as outlined in Article VI of the Student Handbook. Incidents are reviewed individually and students may be held accountable by both University Police and College Judicial Affairs for violations. Depending on severity and the circumstances of a case, College Judicial Affairs staffs have some discretion and options. Using their knowledge of a case and judgment, sanctions assigned are generally consistent with this progression:
- First offense. Student Development Module - A student may be directed to complete one or more development modules by a specific deadline. Campus Probation - Campus Probation jeopardizes housing privileges [residency and visitation in Residence Halls]. The sanction emphasizes that future violations may result in more serious disciplinary action including expulsion from the Residence Halls or the College.
- Second offense. Extended Campus Probation or College Probation. College Probation jeopardizes continued attendance at SUNY Morrisville. Again, the sanction emphasizes that future violations may result in more serious disciplinary action including expulsion from the Residence Halls or the College. Referral for Alcohol Assessment and Education Services (RAAES) and/or Referral for Drug Assessment and Education Services (RDAES), by a specific deadline. Such referrals require a student to report to the Student Health and Counseling Services Center for a consultation with a counselor regarding substance use.
- Third offense. Residence Hall Expulsion and/or College Probation. Residence Hall Expulsion carries a ban from all Residence Halls and no refund of housing charges.
Sanctions can be assigned together and may deviate from this progression. SUNY Morrisville reserves the right to furnish written notification disclosing any violation involving the use or possession of alcohol or drugs to the parents and/or guardians of students who are under the age of 21 at the time of such notification.
Where To Go For Help
The College encourages students to seek assistance if they or a friend have alcohol or other drug-related problems or questions from the following resources.
College:
- Student Health and Counseling Services Center - 315-684-6078
- Residence Life Staff - 315-684-6043
Beyond College:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) St. Joan of Arc - 315-684-9551
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) St. Joan of Arc - 315-684-9551
- Madison County Council on Alcoholism- 315-697-3947
- Madison County Mental Health Dept. Substance Abuse (ADAPT Program) - 315-363-2327