Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

The unlawful use of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances by students, staff, and faculty adversely affects Franklin University’s educational environment. Therefore, all members of the campus community must adhere to established University policy, as well as to local, state, and federal laws.

Alcohol Policy

The following regulations apply to alcohol use at Franklin University or any co-location of the University by students and employees of the University:

• The possession or use of any alcoholic beverage, as defined by Ohio Revised Code, is prohibited on University property, co-location, or at any University sponsored activity or event by any person under the legal age as established by the State of Ohio or the applicable state laws of the campus location.
• Kegs, beer balls, and other large size containers (larger than 40 oz.) are prohibited, along with large quantities (in excess of one-half gallon) of assorted or mixed alcoholic beverages, such as punch.
• Alcohol is prohibited on University Property and campus grounds and co-locations of the University, including parking lots and roadways
• Alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited; including materials designed or modified to be used for drinking games and use of alcohol bottles, cans, or other related items as decoration
• The use of alcohol at University sponsored off campus events is prohibited unless specifically approved in writing by the University President.

Drug/Controlled Substance Policy

The following regulations apply to illegal drug use at Franklin University or any co-location of the University by students and employees of the University:

• Any and all using, possession (including trace), possession for sale, selling, abusing, distributing, manufacturing, or being under the influence of a controlled substance (including illegal drugs and the illegal use of prescription drugs) or chemical of abuse on any University property (including vehicles parked on University grounds), or at any University sponsored event is prohibited. This section excludes lawful use of medications prescribed by a licensed physician and/or permitted by federal, state, and local ordinances. Chemical abuse includes but is not limited to the abuse of chemicals, glue, paint, petroleum products, and nitrous oxide.
• Any and all using, possessing, possessing for sale, and selling any drug paraphernalia is prohibited. This includes any instrument, tool, or object designed or converted to allow ingestion by any means drugs of abuse, controlled substances, or chemicals.

Franklin University Student Sanctions

Franklin University’s Community Standards expressly prohibits the use, manufacture, distribution, sale, offer for sale, or possession of illegal drugs, narcotics, and alcohol on campus. Students found to be in violation of this standard will be subject to the full range of sanctions available under the Student Code of Conduct, including potential suspension or expulsion from the University. Being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol does not diminish or excuse the violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct can be found here.

Franklin University recognizes its responsibility to provide a safe, drug-free work environment and protection for its employees, students, and customers.  Any unlawful possession, manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of alcohol, illegal drugs or substances while on University premises or business; reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or substances, including illegally used prescription drugs, or testing positive for the same is strictly prohibited.  Any violation of Franklin University’s substance abuse control policy will result in disciplinary action, which can include termination of employment. Please notify your supervisor or Human Resources if you become aware of any activities that violate the University’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.  The complete Substance Abuse Policy is located in the Franklin University Employment handbook.

Applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol are summarized below and are available upon request from the Department of Safety and Security Services.

Federal Trafficking Penalties for Schedules I, II, III, IV and V (except Marijuana)

Substance/Quantity

Schedule l
Fentanyl Analogue (10-99 grams mixture), Heroin (100-999 grams mixture), LSD (1-9 grams mixture)

Schedule ll
Cocaine (500-4999 grams mixture), Cocaine Base (28-279 grams mixture), Methamphetamine (5-49 grams pure or 50-499 grams mixture), PCP (10-99 grams pure or 100-999 grams mixture)

Schedule lll

Schedule lV
Fentanyl (40-399 grams mixture), 

Schedule V

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.

Substance/Quantity

Schedule l
Fentanyl Analogue, (100 grams or more mixture), Heroin (1 kilogram or more mixture), LSD (10 grams or more mixture)

Schedule ll
Cocaine (5 kilograms or more mixture), Cocaine Base (280 grams or more mixture), Methamphetamine (50 grams or more pure or 500 grams or more mixture), PCP (100 grams or more pure or 1 kilogram or more mixture)

Schedule lll

Schedule lV
Fentanyl (400 grams or more mixture), Fentanyl Analogue (100 grams or more mixture), 

Schedule V

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.

 Two or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.

Substance/Quantity

• Any Amount Of Other Schedule I & II Substances
• Any Drug Product Containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid
• Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV) 1 Gram

First Offense: Not more that 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 Amount Of Other Schedule III Drugs

First Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, not more that 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.
 

Ohio Drug and Alcohol Law Sanctions:

1. Underage drinking: Violation of ORC 4301.63 will result in a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail. 
2. False identification used to purchase alcohol for someone under 21: Violation of ORC 4301.633 is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for not more than six months and a fine up to $1,000.
3. False identification used to purchase alcohol by someone under 21: Violation of ORC 4301.634 is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to six months imprisonment and fines up to $1,000.
4. Open container in a motor vehicle: Violation of ORC 4301.64 is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $250.
5. Furnishing or selling alcohol to someone under 21: Violation of ORC 4301.69(A) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, and up to six months in jail.
6. Underage purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol: Violation of ORC 4301.69(E) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The maximum penalty is imprisonment up to six months and a fine up to $1,000.
7. Driving while intoxicated: A violation of ORC Section 4511.19 is a misdemeanor of the first degree, the maximum penalty for which is a jail term of up to six months and a fine up to $1,000. The court may also impose additional fines, community rehabilitation or intervention programs, and suspend or revoke the offender’s driver’s license. Additional penalties exist for repeat offenders of O.R.C. 4511.19.
8. Selling or distributing illicit drugs: Anyone who violates this statute is guilty of drug trafficking. Violation of this statute is a felony, the level of which depends on the specific criteria set forth in O.R.C. 2925.03(C), including type and weight of drug. The minimum penalty for a fifth degree felony can include six to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. The maximum penalty for a first degree felony can include imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to $20,000.
9. Possessing or using illicit drugs: Violation of O.R.C. 2925.11 is drug abuse, which may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specific criteria set forth in O.R.C. 2925.11(C), including type and weight of drug. The minimum penalty, a fourth degree misdemeanor, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 30 days and a fine up to $250. The maximum penalty, a first degree felony, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $20,000.

The following are summaries of the major health risks and common symptoms associated with alcohol and other drug use and abuse. This is not a complete listing but does provide an overview.

Government Warning:

• According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
• Intoxication can impair brain function and motor skills; heavy use can increase risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver and heart diseases. 
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause health problems. The above statements also hold true for the consumption of controlled substances as identified by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy and include:

Schedule I Drugs:
Cannabis
Hallucinogens
Narcotics

Schedule II Drugs:
Narcotics
Barbiturates
Cocaine
Crack Cocaine
PCP
Angel Dust
Amphetamines and related stimulants

Schedule III Drugs:
Doridan  
Noludar

Schedule IV Drugs:
Darvon
Talwin
Placidyl
Dalmane
Librium
Valium
Serax

Schedule V Drugs:
Fiorinal with
Codeine

Alcohol Health Risks:
Alcohol in moderate amounts causes dizziness, dulling of the senses, and impairment of coordination, reflexes, memory and judgment. Increased amounts of alcohol produce staggering, slurred speech, double vision, mood changes and, possibly, unconsciousness. Larger amounts result in death. Alcohol causes damage to the liver, heart and pancreas. It also may lead to malnutrition, stomach irritation, lowered resistance to disease and irreversible brain or nervous system damage. Symptoms: Glazed eyes, obvious odor, pale and dry skin, broken blood vessels in facial area, slowed motor coordination and enlarged stomach.

Marijuana Health Risks:
Marijuana use leads to a substantial increase in heart rate. It impairs or reduces short-term memory and comprehension, and motivation and cognition are altered. With extended use it can produce paranoia and psychosis. Smoking marijuana damages the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco. It also lowers male sex hormones, suppresses ovulation, and causes changes in the menstrual cycle and possibly causes birth defects. Symptoms: Someone who uses marijuana may laugh inappropriately and have bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and a tell-tale odor of the drug, a poor sense of timing and increased appetite.

Cocaine and Crack Health Risks:
Cocaine and its derivative crack produce dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature. They may also cause insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, seizure and death. Symptoms: Someone using cocaine may experience muscle twitching, panic reactions, anxiety, numbness in hands and feet, loss of weight, a period of hyperactivity followed by a depression, a running or bleeding nose and sustained depression.

Barbiturates Health Risks:
In small doses, barbiturates produce calmness, relaxed muscles and lowered anxiety. Larger doses cause slurred speech, staggering gait and altered perception. Very large doses taken in combination with other central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol) cause respiratory depression, coma and sometimes death. Symptoms: A person who uses barbiturates may have poor muscle control, appear drowsy or drunk, become confused, irritable, and inattentive or have slowed reactions.

Amphetamines Health Risks:
Amphetamine use causes increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils. Larger doses cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors and physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, high fever and heart failure. Symptoms: An individual using amphetamines might begin to lose weight, have periods of excessive sweating, and appear restless, anxious, moody and unable to focus. Extended use may produce psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.

Hallucinogens (including PCP, LSD, Mescaline, Peyote, Psilocybin) Health Risks:
PCP, or angel dust, interrupts the part of the brain that controls the intellect and impulsive behavior. PCP blocks pain receptors. Violent episodes, including self-inflected injuries, are not uncommon. Chronic users report memory loss and speech difficulty. Very large doses produce convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, or ruptured blood vessels in the brain. LSD, mescaline, peyote, etc. cause dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and tremors. Symptoms: Someone using PCP might appear moody, aggressive or violent. Such an individual may become paranoid and experience hallucinations and have time and body movements slowed. LSD users may experience loss of appetite, sleeplessness, confusion, anxiety and panic. Flashbacks may also occur.

Narcotics (including Heroin, Codeine, Morphine, Opium, Percodan) Health Risks:
Because these narcotics are generally injected, the use of contaminated needles may result in AIDS and hepatitis. Symptoms of overdose include shallow breathing, clammy skin and convulsions. An overdose may result in a coma or even death. Symptoms: Some signs of narcotic use are euphoria, drowsiness, constricted pupils and nausea. Other symptoms include itchy skin, needle or "track" marks on the arms and legs, nodding, loss of sex drive and appetite. When withdrawing from the drug, sweating, cramps and nausea occur.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Resources

Any student seeking assistance with an alcohol or substance abuse problem may contact the Office of Student Life at 614-947-4700 or at studentlife@franklin.edu. Franklin University also offers free, 24/7 counseling services through the My Student Support Program (My SSP). To access support anytime, anywhere, students can download and register using the free mobile app, or call 1.866.743.7732. Additional information can be found here. 

Any staff or faculty member who desires assistance with an alcohol or substance abuse problem should consult the appropriate employee manual for information regarding such services or contact Human Resources at hr@franklin.edu.

If you or someone you know believes they are struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, view the links below for further information on counseling and treatment resources available.

• HelpGuide: provides steps to alcohol and drug abuse treatment and self-help tools:
  • Alcohol Abuse: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/alcohol-addiction-treatment…;
  • Drug Abuse: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/overcoming-drug-addiction.h…;
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) substance abuse treatment facility locator: provides treatment options throughout the United States through a searchable database: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
• Franklin University's Wellness Resources provides off-campus referral resources (local and national)
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous, Al-Anon, and other self-help groups

For information on off-campus programs in the Central Ohio area, contact Hands On Central Ohio at (614) 221-6766 (or 211), or visit their website at https://lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio/.

Franklin University employees may seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is provided by Reliance Standard (ACI Specialty Benefits). This program provides confidential counseling services to employees, spouses, children and family members, regardless of location or relationship. These programs deal with abuse, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, family and parenting, legal, emotional, financial, and many other issues. Reliance Standard (ACI Specialty Benefits) can be reached at 1-855-RSL-HELP (1-855-775-4357), or rsli@acieap.com. Additional information can be found here.

Awareness Program

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 regulations require that the University distribute the information annually, in writing, concerning the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs at the University.  In addition to this information, the University provides related information on University sanctions for violation of its policies, on health risks of drugs and alcohol, and on resources for assistance with illicit use and abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Franklin University does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, disability, or veteran or military status.

Further, Franklin University complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the University operates.