C4. Drugs and Alcohol on University Sites
On 13 February 1995, the University Council approved the Alcohol and Drug Policy below, with amendments approved by the General Manager (University Services) on 23 May 2006.
Index
A. Permission to bring, keep, or consume alcohol on University sites
B. Designated regulatory authorities
C. Jurisdiction of authorities
D. Responsibilities of authorities
A. Authorisation
B. Supply of alcoholic beverages
C. Advertising/promotion
D. Patron behaviour
E. Staffing
F. Security services
A. Aims
B. Actions
A. Employees
B. Students
Part 1 Policy objectives
The University actively encourages a responsible attitude toward the use of alcohol and other drugs within the University Community. This policy provides appropriate controls and ongoing educational programmes. The University will be responsive to the needs of staff and students with alcohol-related problems through appropriate support, intervention and referral procedures.
Part 2 Requirements in relation to alcohol consumption on University sites
A. Permission to bring, keep, or consume alcohol on University sites
The storing and/or consumption of intoxicating liquor on any University site is subject to the terms of this policy.
For the USQ Springfield Campus, "site" is defined as all areas controlled by USQ Springfield, that is, the interior of USQ buildings and other areas specifically authorised for the use of USQ for functions involving alcohol.
B. Designated regulatory authorities
This policy will be enforced by the following authorities: the General Manager (University Services) and/or nominees, the Student Guild, the Director of the Residential Colleges, management of the "USQ Club", the Director (Springfield Campus) and the Provost (Fraser Coast Campus). Overall regulation is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor.
C. Jurisdiction of authorities
Each of the designated regulatory authorities will have responsibility in the following areas:
(a) Director of Residential Colleges - McGregor, Steele Rudd and Concannon Colleges.
(b) USQ Club Management - The USQ Club.
(c) Student Guild - Functions organised by the Student Guild occurring on University sites other than those listed in items (a) and (b).
(d) General Manager (University Services) and/or nominees - Functions organised by students and/or staff not covered by (a), (b) and, (c).
(e) Director (Springfield) and Provost (Fraser Coast) – Functions organised by students and/or staff on site at the relevant campus.
(f) Small functions where alcohol is not sold will be the responsibility of the Category 4 Delegate or above of the areas where the functions are held.
D. Responsibilities of authorities
1. Authorisation and supervision of entertainment and functions
Authorities will be responsible within their jurisdiction for:
(a) Liaison with each other, as necessary, to ensure appropriate function and entertainment timetabling.
(b) Providing function and entertainment organisers with a copy of the University Alcohol and Drug Policy and Procedures.
(c) Authorising entertainment or function proposals that are appropriately timetabled and comply with University Policy and Procedures and, as applicable, the policies and procedures of the relevant Springfield and Fraser Coast site management.
(d) Notifying University security of the whereabouts of unauthorised entertainment or functions which violate University Policy and Procedures.
2. Monitoring of advertising and promotion of entertainment and functions on University sites
Authorities will:
(a) Sight any proposed promotional and advertising materials to ensure that they comply with University Policy and Procedures.
(b) In the event of knowledge of unauthorised advertising of promotional activities order the cessation of these activities and notify the Office of Facilities Management section, and/or other relevant security personnel, indicating where possible the location of such advertising.
(c) In the event of non-compliance regarding item D2 (b) notify University security and/or other securitiy personnel of the whereabouts of such unauthorised activities.
Part 3 Responsibility of function or entertainment organisers
Organisers of functions and entertainment to be conducted on a University site must comply with the University Alcohol and Drug Policy. With regard to authorisation, organisers must take note of the following requirements:
A. Authorisation
(a) The provisions of the Liquor Act applies to Universities. It is, therefore, illegal to sell liquor on University sites, either directly or indirectly (eg through an admission charge or the sale of tickets to functions), unless the relevant permit has been obtained from the Licensing Division of the Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development.
(b) A copy of the relevant permit, together with any special terms or conditions must be supplied to the relevant regulating authority before any function requiring a permit is held.
(c) The permits must be displayed prominently at function venues.
B. Supply of alcoholic beverages
(a) Alcoholic beverages must not be provided to anyone under the age of 18 years.
(b) Alcoholic beverages must not be provided to anyone who is, or appears to be, intoxicated.
(c) Alcoholic beverages may be consumed only in the area designated for the function.
(d) Food should always be on hand and be reasonably inexpensive.
(e) At functions and venues, low alcohol drinks and attractive non-alcoholic drinks should be available in adequate quantities and must be displayed as prominently as alcoholic drinks.
(f) Drinks with high alcohol content should not be discounted in price.
C. Advertising/promotion
(a) The advertising or promotion of functions should not over-emphasise the availability of alcohol, or refer to the amount of alcohol available.
(b) Advertising or promotion should not encourage in any way the excessive consumption of alcohol.
(c) Equal reference should be made to the availability of non-alcoholic drinks.
(d) Advertising should not induce or encourage attendance by offering free alcoholic drinks.
D. Patron behaviour
(a) At all times patrons will be responsible and accountable for their own behaviour. However, patrons of functions should be advised of the standards of appropriate behaviour expected at that function and venue.
(b) Adequate supervision must be provided during and following a function in order to control poor behaviour and eliminate damage to property.
(c) It is the responsibility of the function organisers to ensure that competitive drinking practices (eg boat races) as well as any situations that exert pressure on patrons to drink to excess do not occur.
E. Staffing
(a) Larger functions should utilise trained bar staff whose serving practices are consistent with the "Code of Practice for Responsible Service, Supply and Promotion of Alcohol".
(b) The trained bar staff utilised at a function should have completed the Responsible Service of Alcohol Program conducted by the Liquor Licensing Division.
(c) Function organisers who may be required to deal with disciplinary issues will be adequately trained in negotiation and mediation skills which are appropriate to the predominant client age groups.
F. Security services
(a) The University Security Service, and/or external security personnel as appropriate, is to be notified of all functions commencing or continuing after 6:00pm on University sites.
(b) Security staff will not consume alcohol or join in the social activities of the function.
Part 4 Illegal drugs
Any person who is known to be using or distributing illegal drugs must be reported to the appropriate designated authority, who will inform the police.
Part 5 Health, education and promotion
A. Aims
The provision of health education is intended to encourage a responsible attitude to alcohol and drugs by both the students and employees of the University. This will be achieved by:
(a) Demonstrating that a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle requires the employee to make positive choices and personal decisions.
(b) Assisting individuals to make informed decisions about alcohol and drug consumption.
(c) Reducing any perceived glamour and excitement associated with alcohol and drug use.
(d) Reducing the harmful effects associated with alcohol and drug usage on the user and the University environment.
Oversight of the provision of this service is the responsibility of Student Services staff.
B. Actions
The University will undertake an integrated approach to health education and promotion by:
(a) Encouraging employees to provide educational material to students.
(b) Providing relevant employees with training in detection, referral and channelling of employees and students to appropriate services.
(c) Providing, through Student Services staff, educational programmes, literature and events to promote a responsible attitude to alcohol, and discourage the utilisation of drugs.
(d) Using visual displays and the use of various media to encourage awareness.
(e) Providing a registered needle exchange programme at the Toowoomba Campus.
Part 6 Counselling
The University, through Student Services staff, will:
(a) Encourage students and employees who suspect that they may have, or are known to have, an alcohol or drug problem to seek assistance.
(b) Provide counselling for students and employees regarding alcohol or drug abuse and associated problems.
(c) Provide referrals to appropriate agencies with the cooperation of the client including, the Alcohol and Drug Unit at the appropriate Hospital facility, Drug Arm, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
(d) Conduct confidential research into the utilisation of alcohol and other drugs by University students and employees in order to provide better University based assistance.
Part 7 Disciplinary action
A. Employees
USQ employees are governed by the provisions of the University's Code of Conduct in relation to personal and professional behaviour. Failure to comply with the Code's provisions will be managed and dealt with under the relevant University policy and procedure and employment contracts as applicable. A failure to comply with this Code may result in disciplinary action. The University may also report any illegal matters to the police, and must report official misconduct to the Crime and Misconduct Commission.
B. Students
The University may take action as set out in Statute 3, Student Discipline, of the University of Southern Queensland Act for behaviour constituting misconduct, including but not limited to:
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the unlawful use, possession, cultivation of distribution of narcotic or other dangerous drugs;
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the use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by the law and University regulations;
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conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting or procuring another person to breach the peace on University premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the University.
Civil action may also be taken against students to recover damages to University property resulting from the above conduct.