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SJC Security and Safety

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information

Saint Joseph's College has adopted polices regarding alcohol (Puma Guide pp. 9-11, 22, 30), and that prohibit the possession or use or illegal drugs (Puma Guide pp. 23, 30). The Saint Joseph's College alcohol policy although permitting the consumption of alcohol in some situations by those of legal age, specifically prohibits the possession, use, or sale of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21. Possible sanctions for students violating the alcohol or drug policies can be found on pages 32, 33 & 34 of the Puma Guide and include sanctions up to and including dismissal from the College.

An alcohol education program (Alcohol 101) may be used in the Student Development Office (2nd floor Halleck) by any member of the SJC Community, and is required for students who have violated the College alcohol policy.

The U. S. Department of Education notes that:
"Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics."