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SNHU Drug And Alcohol Policy

Southern New Hampshire University is committed to maintaining an environment of teaching and learning that is free of illicit drugs and alcohol. The Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989 require that Southern New Hampshire University, as a recipient of federal funds, including federally provided student financial aid, notify its students and employees annually that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on university property or property rented for the purpose of holding classes is prohibited. In compliance with the requirements of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, all students and employees of Southern New Hampshire University are notified of the following:

  1. The unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on any University property or property being used for classes or during university-sponsored activities are prohibited.
  2. Students and employees who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition may be subject to arrest and conviction under the applicable criminal laws of local municipalities, the State of New Hampshire, or the United States. Conviction can result in sanctions including probation, fines, and imprisonment.
  3. Students who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition are subject to discipline in accordance with established university procedures. Discipline may include disciplinary probation or dismissal from the university.
  4. Faculty and staff employees who are found to be in violation of the stated prohibition are subject to discipline in accordance with the applicable university employment rules and procedures. Discipline may include probation, suspension, or termination of employment.

In addition to the above requirements, and in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, all employees are notified that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance by university employees on university premises, or off our premises while conducting university business, is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may have further legal consequences.

Description of Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Drugs

Serious health and personal risks are associated with the use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol. They may include temporary or permanent physical or mental impairment, and injury or death. Use and abuse of such substances may also give rise to conduct which causes injury, death or damage to the user/abuser or to the person or property of others, resulting in criminal or civil prosecution and liability. Use and abuse of such substances may also lead to unsafe and/or nonconsensual sex, unwanted pregnancy, and may cause defects, injury or death in unborn children. Consequences may also include temporary or permanent loss of educational or employment opportunities.

Alcohol and its Effects on the Body
  • Impairment of brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination, and reflexes.
  • Attitude and/or behavioral changes, such as uncharacteristic hostility, or increased risk taking, such as driving recklessly.
  • Alcohol taken with other drugs can intensify the effects of the drug, alter the desired effect of the drug, cause nausea, sweating, severe headaches and convulsions.
  • Addiction or chemical dependency.
  • Memory blackouts.
  • Uncharacteristic family, school, work and/or legal problems.
  • Health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Birth defects and mental retardation in users' children.
Drugs and Their Effects on the Body

Narcotics (Heroin):

  • Initial euphoria followed by drowsiness and nausea.
  • Constricted pupils, watery eyes, dazed look.
  • Overdose may produce slow, shallow breathing, clammy skin, loss of appetite and weight, and possible death.

Depressants (Barbiturates, Tranquilizers):

  • Relaxed muscles, calmness, and drowsiness.
  • Confusion, disorientation, slurred speech.
  • Overdose may produce shallow breathing, clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.

Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine):

  • Increased heart and respiratory rate, elevated blood pressure, decreased appetite.
  • Blurred vision, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety.
  • High doses can cause physical collapse, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and possible death.

Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, Mushrooms):

  • Illusions and Hallucinations.
  • Confusion, panic, anxiety, depression, and poor perception of time and distance.
  • Respiratory failure, death due to careless behavior.

Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish):

  • Increase in heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite.
  • Interferes with memory, speech, coordination, and perception of time.
  • Increased risk of lung cancer, weakened immune system, and affects reproductive system.

Alcohol/Drug Assistance Services

Due to the nature of the University, we utilize a system of community referrals if a learner is in need of services. Staff members are key links in the communities where we are located and a network of medical, psychological, and human service agencies are accessible in local areas. Contact your academic advisor if you need assistance.

Please also visit the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to connect with the following resources:

  • The Resource Guide for Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Treatment Services provides a listing of state-funded alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment programs and other resources related to alcohol and other drugs.
  • Drugfree NH is designed to help individuals, families, and communities to get informed, get involved, and get help.

Federal Drug Laws

The possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction.

Denial of Federal Benefits 21 U.S.C. 862
A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, scholarships, contracts, and licenses. Federal Drug Trafficking convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to 5 years for a first conviction, 10 years for a second conviction, and permanent denial of federal benefits for a third conviction. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to 1 year for a first conviction and up to 5 years for subsequent convictions.

Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate 21 U.S.C 853
Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than 1 year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure is issued and property is seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties 21 U.S.C. 841
Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The list below is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe. If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of a controlled substance which has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces a mandatory life sentence and fines ranging up to $8 million. Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a university or university (21 U.S.C. 845a) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least 1 year.

Federal Drug Possession Penalties
Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to 1 year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than 2 years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than 3 years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000.

New Hampshire State Laws

The legal drinking age in New Hampshire is 21. If you are under 21, it is illegal to

  1. have in your personal possession any alcoholic beverages
  2. misrepresent your age for purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages
  3. drive in a car having alcoholic beverages except when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse 21 years of age
  4. be in an area where alcoholic beverages are served unless accompanied by person 21 years of age.

Penalty for violation/conviction may include a fine and/or time in jail.

It is illegal for anyone to

  1. sell to, give to, or procure for a minor or an intoxicated individual any alcoholic beverages
  2. charge for alcoholic beverages without a license
  3. manufacture, sell, possess or use a falsified ID
  4. lend a driver’s license to be used for an unlawful purpose. Penalty for violation/conviction may include a fine and/or time in jail.

(DWI) Driving While Intoxicated and (DUI) Driving Under the Influence (New Hampshire)

You may be found guilty of DWI if you drive a vehicle while you have a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration if 21 years of age or 0.04% if under the age of 21 (effective January 1, 1994).

SNHU Wellness Center is available to provide onsite counseling or treatment options; additionally, there are many resources available.

Overview of Alcohol and Other Drug Education Offered by the Wellness Center

Mantra Care Hub A student assistance program that offers one-on-one coaching and counseling support to students to support overall well-being. The service can also connect students with community-based resources for more on-going and intensive treatment.

SNHU: How Are U? Is a Mental Health, Suicide Awareness and Alcohol and Other Drug Bystander Intervention program offered to students, faculty and staff to help learn skills related to identifying, recognizing and providing resources to students.

Greek Mental Health and AOD Wellness Programs. Partnership with Greek life to provide programming focused around Mental Health Awareness, Suicide Prevention, Stress Management and Alcohol and Other Drug impacts on wellbeing.

Wellness Related Activities with on-campus students. Programming geared towards residential students focused on Mental Health, Physical Health, Suicide Prevention and Social engagement.

BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) is a harm reduction preventative intervention designed for college students 18-24 years old who have high-risk substance use patterns and have experienced negative consequences from their use of alcohol or other drugs. BASICS uses motivational interviewing. BASIC interventions can be individually self-paced through an online platform or through individual sessions with a counselor depending on severity of event, risk or use or pattern of risk. It is an intervention strategy that helps a student to look at their high-risk behaviors and work toward lowering their risk level.

Other Programming and Events regarding alcohol and drug education classes and training are conducted as needed throughout the year.

Social Media Utilization of social media platforms to provide education around Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs and various Wellness related topics.

Narcan Training is education and training focused on front-line staff at the University who may be able to respond to a student in the possible case of an opiate overdose.

University Community Resources

CAMPUS BASED: The Office of Human Resources – Belknap Hall - offers confidential assistance with referrals for staff as well as benefit information. The Office of Human Resources – Global Campus – offers confidential assistance with referrals for staff as well as benefit information. The Wellness Center – Student Center - (603) 645-9679 offers limited short-term outpatient service and referral information for students.

COMMUNITY BASED: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered through Anthem provides assessment and referral for a wide range of concerns facing employees and their loved ones including substance use disorders. All interactions provided by our EAP are private and confidential. To speak with a consultant please call 1-800-647-9151. If you are covered by the SNHU health insurance (HMO Blue or Blue Choice) you may contact the Behavior Health Network at 1-800-228-5975 for a referral.

These policies are available in the following documents in the Office of Human Resources:

  • SNHU Policy Statement
  • The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
  • Substance Abuse Policy
  • Description of the Applicable Sanctions under Local, State, and Federal Laws for the Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
  • Drugs and Alcohol Treatment and Counseling Centers
  • Health Risks of Drug Use