Assistance programs

Several CSU units sponsor ongoing programs specifically addressing substance abuse, responsible decision-making, security procedures and practices, sexual assault and healthy lifestyles, including the:

Relevant pamphlets are available in these offices, plus other campus locations. The university also participates in national Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, National Collegiate Drug Awareness Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Week. Numerous off-campus resources available in the Columbus area are listed in the available literature.

Students seeking assistance with alcohol or drug problems are referred to the Counseling Center and Student Health Services for initial discussion about the extent of the problem.

University employees with alcohol or drug problems should seek assistance through Human Resources. Assistance is available through local agencies and medical facilities.

CSU policy forbids drug and alcohol abuse

To prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, Columbus State University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of illicit drugs. Alcohol use is limited to those 21 years of age and older and is restricted to specific areas and events.

Health risks

Abuse and dependence upon alcohol and other psychoactive drugs are classified as organic mental disorders by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. As such, they are associated with distressing psychological, behavioral and biological symptoms; impairment in one or more important areas of functioning; or significantly increased risk of suffering, death, pain or important loss of freedom.

Substance abuse counseling services

CSU's Counseling Center provides individual counseling for students about substance abuse and other personal concerns. All services are provided without charge, and clients aren't forced to participate in assessment, treatment or other activities. When the center is unable to provide the necessary services, clients are informed of alternative resources and appropriate referrals are made. To the extent permitted by law and ethical standards, all information received in counseling is considered confidential and is not disclosed to any other person or campus unit without the written permission of the clients.

Staff refrain from unnecessary involvement in the determination and enforcement of disciplinary sanctions concerning individual students. In matters of discipline, the staff may provide assessment and consultative services to clients, colleagues or units of the university in ways that improve the campus environment, maintain the anonymity of clients and preserve the confidential nature of all counseling relationships. Employees of the university who are covered under the University System of Georgia Health Benefits and Life Insurance Plan are provided with coverage for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction through off campus agencies and medical facilities.

Legal sanctions

Georgia law provides the following penalties for violating alcohol and drug abuse laws:

Possession of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age: $300 fine and-or 30 days imprisonment.
Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 years of age: $1,000 fine and-or 12 months imprisonment.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: (first offense) $1,000 fine and-or 12 months imprisonment, loss of license for one year.
Misdemeanor drug possession: $1,000 fine and-or 12 months imprisonment.
Felony drug possession: up to 15 years imprisonment.
Trafficking in drugs: up to 30 years imprisonment.

University sanctions

In addition to fines and jail time, state law mandates the following sanctions for students and student organizations who unlawfully manufacture, distribute, sell, possess or use illicit drugs and-or alcohol:

Students may suffer forfeiture of academic credit, suspension and expulsion.
Student organizations shall be expelled from campus and prohibited from using any property or facilities of the institution for at learst one year.