Standards of Conduct

All Emory University faculty, staff and students are prohibited by the university from unlawfully using, possessing, manufacturing, dispensing or distributing alcohol, controlled substances or illegal drugs on university-owned property or at university-sponsored activities.

Emory University expects all faculty, staff and students to comply with any applicable federal, state or local laws pertaining to the use, possession, manufacture, dispensation or distribution of alcohol, controlled substances, or illegal drugs.

Legal Sanctions

Information on applicable legal sanctions under local, State or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is available in Emory Policy 8.8 and includes but is not limited to:

Alcohol:

Possession or use of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age, or distribution of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age, is prohibited.
Furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons who are underage or intoxicated is prohibited.
Public intoxication and possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in public are prohibited in the State of Georgia.

Controlled Substances/Illegal Drugs:

It is illegal and prohibited by the university for an individual to manufacture, possess, use, dispense, sell or distribute controlled substances or illegal drugs (as defined by state and federal law).

False Identification:

It is illegal and prohibited by the university for an individual to provide false name, address or date of birth for the purpose of acquiring alcohol or other drugs. Members of the Emory community who allow their identification to be used by others to obtain alcohol or other drugs are also subject to disciplinary consequences.

Sanctions and Penalties:

Any member of the Emory University faculty, staff or student body who violates any of the Standards of Conduct shall be subject to corrective disciplinary actions and penalties up to and including expulsion from university academic programs, termination of employment and referral to the appropriate federal, state or local authorities for prosecution in the courts.
Depending on the nature of the infraction, alleged violations of this policy by an individual student shall also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct, Student Health Services, other appropriate programs or the appropriate school’s conduct body. The Office of Student Conduct or other appropriate school’s conduct bodies shall have the authority to make appropriate referrals and to impose on students and student organizations such sanctions for violations of the policy as it may deem appropriate, including but not limited to participating in educational programs, parental notification and/or loss of privileges. Faculty and staff will be referred to their departmental leadership, local and/or central Human Resources.
Depending upon the nature of the crime, persons convicted of violating federal and state laws prohibiting the unlawful use, possession, dispensation, and distribution of alcohol, controlled substances, or illegal drugs may face stiff sanctions such as heavy fines; incarceration for various periods of time, including life; forfeiture of assets; or suspension or loss of driver’s, business or professional licenses. Federal, state and local officials are responsible for enforcing these laws and any sanctions for such crimes will be determined by courts. The university does not manage the criminal process but will cooperate with legal authorities in a manner consistent with its legal obligations.

Additional information regarding state and federal penalties:

Penalties for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance and Dangerous Drug Laws (click "Georgia General Assembly" > select Title 16 “Crimes and Offenses” > select Chapter 13 “Controlled Substances).
Federal trafficking penalties: Drug Enforcement Agency

Drug or Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation or Re-Entry Programs

Emory’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy notes that the university sponsors several programs that provide information and professional services for its faculty, staff and students on matters related to the misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs. These programs provide education, consultation, assessment, counseling and referral in a professional environment that respects individual confidentiality and integrity. The university maintains the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) (404-727-4328 or 404-727-WELL [9355]) for faculty and staff; and the Counseling and Psychological Services – Atlanta Campus (404-727-7450), Counseling and Career Services – Oxford Campus (770-784-8394), and the Office of Health Promotion (404-727-0395) for students.

Augmenting these formal programs, a variety of other campus programs and services exist to educate and assist individuals who take the initiative to help themselves.

Common to all of these programs is the ethic that personal and professional responsibility are keys to success. Therefore, the university expects its faculty, staff, and students to take measures to prevent alcohol and drug misuse and abuse in the community. The university also encourages its members to seek assistance from the above programs if they think that they may have a problem with alcohol or drug use.

Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Other Substance Use

The scope and impact of health risks from alcohol and drug misuse and abuse are extensive and well documented, ranging from mood-altering to life-threatening, with consequences that extend beyond the individual to classmates, co-workers, family, friends, organizations, and society at large. Alcohol and drug abuse also may result in deterioration of physical health by causing or contributing to various diseases, illnesses, birth defects and even death. The mixing of drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, and/or alcohol can increase negative health outcomes. Please see Drugs of Abuse for additional information. Postponing or avoiding the onset of alcohol or marijuana use has positive benefits for one’s overall mood and wellbeing as well as one’s ability to learn, retain and apply knowledge, and perform in workplace and classroom settings.

The university is committed to wellness and therefore, conducts regular programs to educate its faculty, staff, and students that the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs alters behavior, distorts perception, impairs thinking, impedes judgment and sabotages opportunity.

Requirements for the Alcohol and Other Drug Notice