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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 Policy
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 Student Life and the Office of Judicial Affairs.
I wish I had known that a Minor in Possession of alcohol (MIP) ticket means that you could lose your driver's license for one year!
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.
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 2004 Prevention Research Center (PRC) survey indicates that while most UCSB students drink alcohol (79%), more than half of UCSB students drink in moderation when they choose to drink or choose not to drink at all (21%). The same survey indicates that 46% of UCSB students 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 2004 Prevention Research Center (PRC) survey of UCSB students indicates that 39% report using marijuana in the past quarter, and 14% 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. Though most UCSB students don't use "hard drugs," getting accurate information and facts can go a long way when making choices about using or helping a friend.
Alcohol and Drug Program
UCSB's Alcohol and Drug Program uses a comprehensive science-based approach to prevention on campus and in the surrounding community. UCSB's efforts to reduce high-risk drinking and drug use among students include strategies such as education, early intervention and referral, changes to the environment on campus and in Isla Vista, and strict policies and enforcement. The Alcohol and Drug Program works in partnership with many campus departments, students, and the community to promote a healthy and safe campus environment. Using science and evaluation-based prevention 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 reduce high-risk drinking 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.
If you choose not to drink you are not alone. Approximately 21% 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 http://alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu.
Alcohol and Drug Program Services
Support, information, education, and referrals are available to students and provided in a nonjudgmental environment. Services available to UCSB students include:
- Free, confidential counseling, and support for students in recovery by calling 893-3371
- 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.
- An eight-week College Alcohol Skills Education (CASE) course (required for students who violate residence hall alcohol and drug policies).
- 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.
Call 893-5013 for more information, or visit http://alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu.
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:
Questions about alcohol? Answers 24/7. Find out how alcohol fits into your lifestyle and how to reduce your risk, if you choose to drink, at www.MyStudentBody.com (register as a first time use and enter "Gaucho" as School Code).
- Confidential risk-assessment
- Personalized content
- Blood alcohol & calorie calculators
- Ask the expert
- Emergency help
- What happens if you mix alcohol and ecstacy?
- How do blackouts happen?
- How does drinking affect the brain?
- Does alcohol really make you more sociable?
Take a Class/Get Involved
Education 191B: Alcohol and Drugs
Offered winter and summer quarters (4 units), ED 191B provides internship training on alcohol and drugs 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. Call 893-2630 for information.
Education 191D: Students Teaching Alcohol and other drug Responsibility (STAR) Health InternshipOffered 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.
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.
Signs of a Problem with Alcohol or Drugs
Some college students develop problems with alcohol or drug use. You may be concerned about your own use, or that of a friend. What constitutes a problem? Here are some warning signs:
- Blackouts
- High tolerance for alcohol or other drugs
- Family history of alcohol or other drug problems
- Loss of control and inability to predict behavior when under the influence
- Interference with school/work performance or attendance
- Turning to alcohol or drugs in response to emotional ups and downs
- Complaints from friends or family about using, or suggestions to cut down
- Legal or financial problems as a result of using
Housing for Students in Recovery
New House provides group living in Santa Barbara and is operated by a non-profit corporation with a volunteer board of directors. New House has recently purchased an apartment building located in a quiet residential section of Isla Vista and hopes to begin offering a sober living environment in Isla Vista for students in recovery. For more information, please call 682-1383 or visit www.sbnewhouse.org.
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, call 893-2714. To schedule a free appointment, call 893-3371.
Local Laws and County Ordinances
Campus Police and the Isla Vista Foot Patrol strictly enforce the law. UCSB students should be familiar with local and state laws and County ordinances that apply on campus and in the community of Isla Vista. 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 http://www.sbsheriff.org/iv/ls/index.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
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 student, 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.
Alternatives to Alcohol/Late Night Events
At UCSB there are plenty of things to do on weekends that don't involve alcohol - in fact, this handbook is full of ideas for entertainment as alternatives to partying. Arts & Lectures, the MultiCultural Center, Residence Hall Association, and A.S. Program Board present weekend concerts, films, and entertainment throughout the year. Campus entertainment options also include "RecreLate," a series of late night activities sponsored by the UCSB Recreation Department. UCSB's "IV Live" performance series offers a double-dose of improvisational comedy with two shows in Isla Vista featuring students from Improvability, UCSB's premier comedy troupe. Isla Vista is also home to the Magic Lantern film series, presenting a wide range of new, independent, and cult movies twice on Friday nights. Weekend activities in Goleta include rock 'n bowl at ZoDo's Bowling & Beyond, movies at the Camino Real Marketplace Theatre, and poetry readings at Borders. Student-initiated alcohol free or non-alcohol centered social, recreational, and entertainment-based activities and events are planned by student organizations every weekend as alternatives to the Isla Vista party scene. For weekend happenings, look for the UCSB After Dark Calendar every Thursday in the Daily Nexus. You can find even more ideas for weekend events on the following web sites:
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