Annual Drug and Alcohol Notification

Except as allowable in Board policy 5.18 and as authorized by Minnesota Statutes in accord with established exceptions, the St. Cloud State University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy prohibits the illegal or disruptive use, possession, production, manufacture, distribution, promotion, advertising, sale, or even being in the presence of alcohol, other drugs and controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia on property owned or operated by St Cloud State University. 

Students, employees or other violators of this policy may be held accountable by university officials, St. Cloud Police, or others in accordance with other university policies, local ordinances, and state law.

Student Conduct

Per Minnesota State Board Policy 3.6, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may hold students accountable for a violation of the behavioral proscriptions contained in their Student Codes of Conduct committed off campus when:

• Hazing is involved; or
• The violation is committed while participating in a college or university sanctioned or sponsored activity; or
• The victim of the violation is a member of the college or university community; or
• The violation constitutes a felony under state or federal law; or service functions of the college or university.

Student Sanctions

Per the Student Code of Community Standards, conduct sanctions for students found in violation could include warning, University probation, discretionary sanctions, restriction and loss of privileges, etc. For a complete list of possible sanctions, please the Student Code of Community Standards.

Students that are found responsible for violation of university policy related to alcohol or drugs are typically referred to U-Choose IMPACT program through the Division of Student Affairs. For more information about this program, please visit: www.stcloudstate.edu/uchoose

Registered Student Organizations or Club Sanctions: In addition to any of the individual sanctions listed above, student organizations and/or clubs may also be subject to:

• Loss of registration as a registered student organization or club. The Department of Campus Involvement or other appropriate office shall notify any national, regional, or state governing body with whom the organization is associated or which sponsors social, academic, or sports events when such action is taken. Loss of registration includes loss of all student activity fees and University funding and all rights and privileges accorded to registered student organizations.
• Loss or withdrawal of all student activity fee funding and/or any other selected rights and privileges accorded to registered student organizations or club for a specified period of time.

Employee Conduct and Sanctions

St. Cloud State employees are expected to follow Minnesota Statutes and Board policies and procedures about employee conduct and ethics, as well as their respective collective bargaining agreements, and are subject to disciplinary action as outlined therein.

In addition to disciplinary sanctions by the University, students and employees may be subject to criminal prosecution under federal, state, and/or local laws. To ensure students and employees are aware of possible legal sanctions, this section briefly describes some relevant laws with sanctions and provides links to more information.

Federal Laws and Sanctions: Controlled substance convictions under federal laws carry a range of penalties which can include fines and/or imprisonment. Federal controlled substance convictions also can lead to forfeiture of both real and personal property; the denial of federal benefits, such as grants and student loans; and the denial of federally provided or supported professional and commercial licensures. The seriousness of the offense and the penalty imposed generally depends on the type and amount of the drugs involved.

Provisions of the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et al

Federal trafficking penalties

Minnesota Laws and Sanctions: Controlled substance convictions under Minnesota laws carry a range of penalties which can include fines and/or imprisonment.

Minnesota controlled substances laws and sanctions

The misuse of alcohol also can result in criminal penalties under Minnesota laws.

Minnesota law – violations and penalties related to liquor laws

In addition, Minnesota state law imposes stiff penalties on individuals who are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a hazardous substance. Administrative penalties for driving under the influence convictions include driver’s license suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial, or disqualification.

Minnesota law – driving while impaired, including underage drinking and driving

City of St. Cloud Laws and Sanctions: The St. Cloud City Council has passed several ordinances with the intention of discouraging underage possession and consumption of alcohol, such as the social host ordinance. The city also has a disruptive intoxication ordinance in place to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the public while prohibiting certain harmful conduct of intoxicated persons. These are considered misdemeanor offenses and those found responsible for violations may face fines and/or jail time.

Code of Ordinances for the City of St. Cloud, MN

St. Cloud State seeks to provide an excellent learning environment and to provide support and service to our community and the broader community. We recognize the best educational environments are free from the adverse effects of high-risk and illegal alcohol and other drug use. The misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs pose a serious threat to individuals and the University’s ability to fulfill its educational mission. Reducing these negative effects requires that we care for members of our community and our guests and visitors. If you or someone you know is being affected by alcohol or drug use, please use the recommended resources below.

Student Resources

• Counseling and Psychological Services Eastman Hall 305, (320) 308-3171
  • Confidential online alcohol and cannabis screening is available through the Counseling & Psychological Services website
• Medical Clinic Eastman Hall 2nd Floor, (320) 308-3191
• U-Choose Eastman Hall 111, (320) 308-4179
  • e-CHUG, on-line ALCOHOL assessment
  • e-TOKE, on-line CANNABIS assessment
• SCSU Recovery Community Eastman Hall 103, (320) 308-6119

Employee Resources

• Employees seeking treatment for substance dependence disorder may be eligible for time off from work through the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program (EAP), (800) 657-3719
• EAP for state employees and family members: Every day, LifeMatters (our EAP vendor) helps state employees and their immediate family members with a wide range of personal and workplace concerns. A call to LifeMatters' 24/7/365 connects you directly with counseling and work/life specialists who will help you assess your concerns and plan for any situation.

To make informed choices about drug and alcohol use, students and employees should educate themselves about the serious health consequences of use, misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs can cause a number of problematic changes in behavior and physiology. Alcohol or substance dependence occurs when a person continues their use despite recurrent social, interpersonal, physical and/or legal consequences. For basic information about the health risks associated with alcohol and/or other drugs please visit:

National Institutes of Health Commonly Used Drugs Charts