Kiosk Home > Alcohol & Other Drugs > UCSB Substance Abuse Policies

UCSB Substance Abuse Policies

End of Navigation

The fundamental purpose of the UCSB community is a dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Alcohol and other drug abuse and the resulting consequences have a significantly negative impact on campus life. UCSB strives to create an environment where choosing not to drink is as socially acceptable as choosing to drink. Unlawful drinking, excessive drinking, drunkenness, and illegal drug use are not condoned at UCSB. Intoxication or being under the influence of drugs is not an excuse for misconduct or infringing upon the rights of others.

UCSB Substance Abuse Policies

To promote an environment of academic excellence and to comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, academic and staff employees and students:

• Shall not use illegal substances and shall not abuse legal substances in a manner that impairs scholarly activities, job performance, or student life.


• Shall not use illegal or legal substances in a manner that violates applicable criminal or civil laws in the workplace, on university premises, at university activities, or while conducting university business.


• Are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol and/or a controlled substance in the workplace, on university premises, at university activities, or while conducting university business.

Students found guilty of violating the UCSB Substance Abuse Policy or the Campus Regulations Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students (http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/regulations) are subject to disciplinary sanctions which may include loss of privileges and exclusion from activities, warning, suspension, or dismissal. In addition to, or in lieu of a corrective action, a student may also be required to participate in an approved counseling or treatment program. The complete text of the UC and UCSB Substance Abuse Policies can be found at http://www.sa.ucsb. edu/Policies/SubstanceAbuse.asp

Residence Halls Alcohol and Drug Policies

In the University-owned and privately-owned residence halls each student resident is expected to abide by University policies on Substance Abuse and the Residential Life Substance Abuse policy designed to safeguard the campus living environment as stated in each housing contract. In addition, each resident receives a copy of the Residence Life Handbook detailing all policies, rules and regulations for residence hall living. Violators of these policies, rules or regulations are subject to disciplinary action by the residence halls and/or the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Greek Life Alcohol and Drug Policies

In the UCSB Fraternity and Sorority system, the InterGreek Council has established a Risk Management Policy which reflects national, regional, and University requirements. It is designed to minimize the risk and liabilities of the Greek Community and to provide a safer environment for students. This policy requires that chapters comply with local laws and national and University policy regarding alcohol, and outlines the use of third-party vendors, security companies, and wristbands to enhance compliance. Additionally, no chapter shall encourage, conduct, or condone hazing. Violations of the Risk Management Policy are referred to the Greek Conduct Board for punitive action. More specific information is available through the Office of Student Life at 893-4569.

Parental Notification

UCSB conducts parental notification as one way to address the negative consequences of high risk drinking and substance abuse in the community of Isla Vista. Using public records, UCSB sends letters of concern to undergraduate students, and informs parents, if students are arrested or cited for an alcohol or drug-related offense in Isla Vista and other areas adjacent to campus. However, in an effort not to discourage students from seeking needed medical attention, parents will not be notified if students receive emergency medical treatment in addition to the citation or arrest. Through this notification program both students and parents are provided with resource and referral assistance and information, as well as suggestions for how to address and reduce high-risk behaviors. Questions or concerns about parent notification should be addressed to the Office of Student Life at 893-4569.

local laws and county ordinances

UCSB students should be familiar with local and state laws and County ordinances that apply on campus and in the community of Isla Vista. Campus Police and the Isla Vista Foot Patrol strictly enforce the law. A list of these laws and ordinances as well as penalties and fines can be found on the Isla Vista Foot Patrol Web site at www.sbsheriff.org/lawsays.html. The following is a partial list of illegal activities that carry stiff fines and/or suspension of a driver's license; some violations will result in arrest and booking into jail:

• Minor in possession of alcohol


• Furnishing alcohol to a minor


• Driving/biking under the influence


• Public consumption of alcohol


• Display of an open container of alcohol


• Possession of alcohol in Isla Vista parks


• Public intoxication


• Possession of marijuana


• Possession of drug paraphernalia


• Possession of false identification


• Urinating in public


• Nighttime noise violation (amplified noise Sun.-Thurs. after 10pm; Fri./Sat. after 12pm)


• Disturbing the peace

About Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol has been a part of college and university life since the first colleges were founded and remains to this day the drug most abused by college students. The U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) have identified binge drinking among college students as a major public health problem in this country. Results from the highly publicized Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study (2001) reveal that 44% of college students nationwide report binge drinking (a binge is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks for females in one sitting). At UCSB, the 2006 Prevention Research Center (PRC) survey indicates that while most UCSB students drink alcohol (80%), about 20% of students choose not to drink. About half of UCSB students drink in moderation when they choose to drink, but the other half report binge drinking in the previous two weeks. This means that some UCSB students sometimes engage in high risk drinking-drinking that increases the risk of negative legal, physical, personal and/or academic consequences. Students who engage in high-risk drinking (more than four drinks in a sitting) are at the most risk for negative consequences such as academic problems, blackouts, injuries, legal and disciplinary sanctions, driving or biking under the influence, and unplanned or unprotected sex in connection with their drinking.

Most UCSB students do not use illegal drugs. The 2006 Prevention Research Center (PRC) survey of UCSB students indicates that 39% report using marijuana in the past quarter, and 11% report using an illegal drug other than marijuana in the past quarter. Drug use affects people in different ways and it's impossible to tell how a drug will affect an individual. Students who use drugs put themselves at risk for negative consequences such as academic problems, adverse health effects, drug dependence, legal and disciplinary sanctions, driving or biking under the influence, unplanned or unprotected sex, and accidental overdose in connection with their drug use.

alcohol and drug prevention at ucsb

UCSB uses a comprehensive science-based approach to reduce high-risk drinking and drug use on campus and in the surrounding community. UCSB's efforts include strategies such as education, early intervention and referral, changes to the environment on campus and in Isla Vista, and strict policies and enforcement. Many campus departments and services work in partnership with other departments, students, and the community to promote a healthy and safe campus environment. Using science and evaluation-based models, the Alcohol and Other Drug Work Group and Taskforce make recommendations for all program, policy, and enforcement issues related to alcohol and other drugs. This comprehensive effort works to create a safer campus and community by:

• educating students about responsible alcohol use;


• providing early intervention and confidential counseling for those who need help;


• altering the environment to limit access to alcohol by underage students and providing alcohol-free social options;


• ensuring compliance with substance abuse policies and laws and consequences for policy violation.

Alcohol Education Requirement for New Students

As part of UCSB's comprehensive approach to alcohol education and prevention, all new students are required to complete and pass the MyStudentBody.com First Year Alcohol Course. This requirement is intended to help ensure that students stay safe and healthy. The requirement applies to all new undergraduate first year and transfer students in their first quarter. It must be completed within the first five weeks of your first quarter at UCSB or a registration block may prevent you from registering for classes in future quarters. MyStudentBody.com was developed specifically for college students and provides personalized health information, interactive tools, and coping strategies that are up-to-date and scientifically accurate. Whether you drink or not, alcohol use is an issue that affects the entire campus community, and the information provided in the on-line First Year Alcohol Course will help you make safer choices. The only information reported to UCSB will be your name, student ID, start and completion dates, and certificate status, indicating a passing score. All other responses are confidential.

Before you begin the course, please be sure to review the information at alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu (click on Alcohol Education Requirement for New Students) and carefully follow the UCSB MyStudentBody.com Log-On Instructions. Only by following the instructions for logging on to the site will you be able to ensure that UCSB is notified that you have completed the First Year Alcohol Course. New students who have questions about their First Year Alcohol Course requirement should contact the project coordinator at alcoholcourse@sa.ucsb.edu

Isla Vista Residence Host Training

ACT-California.com provides a Resident Host Certification Course that will set you apart and give your apartment rental application an advantage when renting in Isla Vista. The on-line course teaches student residents to know the law and consequences around alcohol use, to understand their lease restrictions, and to develop appropriate practices for hosting responsible social gatherings. Listed on the Web site are the property management companies in Isla Vista that have signed agreements with ACT and will accept your certificate. These companies will treat the certificate just like a positive renter reference or high credit score and are eager to have student residents who show this kind of commitment. This course is designed by community experts and students with the aim of reaching higher levels of awareness regarding safety and responsible alcohol use in Isla Vista. Visit act-california.com for more information.

Academic Classes and Internships

Education 191B: Alcohol and Drugs Offered winter and spring quarters (4 units), ED 191B provides internship training on alcohol and drug responsibility including life skills, health skills, and peer education skills. The class examines the role party culture in college plays in a healthy lifestyle. Students who complete ED 191B are eligible to apply for an academic internship called Students Teaching Alcohol and other drug Responsibility (STAR) through ED 191D. For more information visit: studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/healtheducation/ or call 893-2630.

Education 191D: Students Teaching Alcohol and other drug Responsibility (STAR) Health Internship

Offered fall, winter and spring quarters (3 units), the STAR academic internship focuses on increasing safety at UCSB. Students put into practice the alcohol, drugs, and helping skills knowledge they learned in ED 191B. Call 893-2630 for information or visit studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/healtheducation/.

Exercise and Sports Studies 2: Substance Abuse

This three unit course is an overview designed to introduce students to physiological, psychological, and social ramifications of alcohol and drug abuse. Topics such as peer pressure, psychosocial stress, abuse patterns, intervention programs, drug testing, and utilization of local agencies are discussed.

alcohol and drug program (adp) services

Support, information, education, and referrals are available to students and provided in a nonjudgmental environment by the Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP) based in Student Health Services and co-located at Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista. Free services available to UCSB students include:

• confidential counseling by calling 893-3371;


• support for students in recovery by calling 893-3371 or 893-5013;


• drop-in seminars/information sessions on tobacco, marijuana, gambling, and study drugs;


• assessment, information, and referral by licensed counselors for students admitted to Student Health and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital for alcohol or other drug-related emergencies;


• a five-week College Alcohol Substance Education (CASE) course (required for students who violate residence hall alcohol and drug policies) and available to UCSB students referred by Santa Barbara County Courts;


• Web-based education and assessment tools (www.MyStudentBody.com, E-Chug, and E-Toke) for on-line access to alcohol information and confidential risk assessment.

If you choose not to drink you are not alone. Approximately 20% of UCSB students don't drink alcohol. If you believe in moderation and responsibility, would like to meet others who feel the same way, and want to get involved in raising awareness, call the Alcohol and Drug Program at 893-5013. For more information visit alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu/

College Alcohol and Substance Education (CASE)

Students are expected to abide by University policies on Substance Abuse and the Residential Life Substance Abuse policy while they are living in, or visiting the University-owned and privately-owned residence halls. The policies are in place to safeguard the campus living environment. If you are thinking about violating these policies, rules or regulations, be aware that you may be subject to disciplinary action by the residence halls and/or the Office of Judicial Affairs. The actions may include referral to a five session course called CASE (College Alcohol and Substance Education) offered at Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista. In addition to alcohol and drug information, such as the effects of blood alcohol concentration, CASE course content includes discussion of health, social, academic and legal consequences of college alcohol and drug use; risk reduction strategies and skills (including how to identify alcohol and drug emergencies and how to help friends); and strategies for preventing future problems with alcohol and drugs. Depending on the individual circumstances, students may also be referred to the Skills, Awareness and Motivation (SAM) Program for a series of individual visits with an alcohol and drug counselor.

Online Education and Assessment E-Chug and E-Toke

Got ten minutes? Find out what's up with your drinking or marijuana use, how alcohol and drug use affects your lifestyle, and how to be safe. Use one or both of these on-line tools to create your own profile and rate your risks:

• E-CHUG (Electronic Check-Up To Go) and E-Toke (Electronic THC Online Knowledge Experience) at alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu/

www.MyStudentBody.com

Questions about alcohol? Answers 24/7. Take a confidential risk-assessment and find out how alcohol fits into your lifestyle and how to reduce your risk, if you choose to drink. The First Year Alcohol Course is required for all new undergraduate students (be sure to follow log-on instructions at alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu.) Continuing students may register as a first time user and enter "Gaucho" as the School Code.

Recovery and Support Services

Looking for ways to strengthen your recovery efforts and connect with other students? The Alcohol and Drug Program offers individual and group support for students already in recovery and also for those students who are seeking support to make changes to their current substance use. Services are available through the Alcohol and Drug Program at Student Health Services and Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista. Counselors provide confidential counseling and referrals to community based support programs. Call 893-5013 for information.

Tobacco Prevention and Education

The Tobacco Prevention Program provides a variety of education, prevention, and cessation services to the UCSB community. The program works to raise awareness about the effects of tobacco, prevent non-smokers from becoming tobacco users, help users break their addiction to tobacco, and protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke. The program offers information and education, intake and assessment, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, monitoring and evaluation of individual progress, follow up and ongoing support, and referral services. Most adult smokers want to quit. Whether you are ready to quit smoking or just now thinking of it, the Tobacco Prevention Program can provide a safe and nonjudgmental place to talk about the challenges of overcoming nicotine addiction. Free and confidential tobacco cessation counseling is available to all UCSB students. Upon visiting the tobacco specialist, a student may try a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum, patch, lozenge) for free for two months. For more information, check the Web at alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu or call 893-5013. To schedule a free appointment, call 893-3371.