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Introduction

Wheaton College policy on drugs complies with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Norton, as well as with federal legislation that requires the College to provide drug prevention programs for students.

Wheaton College seeks to insure the health and well-being of all members of the Wheaton Community. Wheaton’s policy on drugs reflects the College’s commitment to:

  • educate students to the health risks associated with the use of drugs
  • provide confidential counseling and/or referral for individuals concerned about their own use drugs, as well as those affected by the drug use of others
  • inform students of the applicable legal sanctions under federal, state and local laws for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs
  • prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs on College property or at College-sponsored events
The Risk to Personal Health and Well-Being

The irresponsible use or abuse drugs is dangerous and can lead to addiction or psychological dependence and serious physical health problems. Abuse is also harmful in other ways. It can destroy peer and family relationships. It results in reduced academic, athletic and work performance, and it increases the risk to personal safety because of the effect it can have on personal judgment and reaction time.

Education

The College provides regular programs of education and information for students on the risks associated with the use of drugs and ways for individuals to seek assistance for themselves and others. Programs are sponsored by the Health Services, Counseling Services, Athletics, and the Office of Residential Life.

Wheaton College considers both the welfare of its students and compliance with state and local laws to be of central importance. The policy of the College is to help anyone who is seeking assistance with a drug problem. Anyone seeking assistance, advice or information may approach the Residential Life staff, Campus Safety officers, Counseling Services, Health Services, the Dean of Students office or existing peer support groups without fear of student conduct action by the College.

Policy
  • The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances is prohibited on College property and at College-sponsored events.
  • The use, possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes is prohibited in any Wheaton College residence hall or on any other premises; nor is it allowed at any College-sponsored event or activity off campus or any Student Organization event or activity.
  • The misuse of medication or prescription drugs, including opiates/painkillers and other psychoactive drugs, is prohibited. This includes possession or consumption of medication or prescription drugs that are not prescribed to you, consumption of more than the recommended dose, sharing prescriptions, or the consumption of prescriptions for a reason other than the intended use.
  • The use and possession of drug paraphernalia are prohibited in any Wheaton College residence hall or on any other premises; nor is it allowed at any College-sponsored event or activity off campus or any Student Organization event or activity. Drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to any product which its intended use is for drug consumption (i.e. bong or pipe) or preparation for consumption (i.e. grinders and rolling papers).
Enforcement

Responsibility for compliance with the college’s Drug Policy rests with each member of the Wheaton community. Specific responsibilities for policy enforcement are as follows:

  • Campus Safety officers, as agents of the college, will investigate violation policies and regulations. Areas of jurisdiction include all grounds and property of the college.
  • Individual students are responsible for activities which occur within the privacy of their rooms and are expected to take responsibility for their residence hall/house environment.
  • The Student Affairs staff will intervene as appropriate when confronted with violations of this policy and will respond in any area (including student rooms) when there is evidence of violations, or when related behavior infringes upon the rights of other members of the college community or jeopardizes the health or well-being of any individual.

Students alleged to have violated the policies listed above will be referred to the Student Conduct Process. Behavior associated with the use of controlled substances is not considered a mitigating factor when it leads to other infractions of College Policies and the Community Standards; it is considered a separate alleged violation. Depending on the situation, the matter may also be referred to local law enforcement and is subject to referral for prosecution, independent of the College’s Student Conduct Process.

Wheaton College Resources

Students concerned about their own drug use or are affected by the drug use of others, have access to campus resources.  The Counseling Center provides a confidential opportunities to seek assistance and support both on campus, or accessing local substance abuse opportunities.  Additionally, other campus resources such as Health Services, Residential Life and the Dean of Students Office are available to provide support, outreach, and education.

Residential Life Office: 508-286-8214

Counseling Center: 508-286-3905

Dean of Students Office: 508-286-8218

Health Services: 508-285-9500