College Policy

I. What is College policy?

Lewis & Clark College seeks to assure the health and well-being of the entire College community. Therefore, consistent with state and federal laws, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the College has adopted the following policy designed to prevent the illicit use of drugs and alcohol and the abuse of alcohol, and to provide opportunities for education and assistance to members of the College community.

The College prohibits the unlawful use, abuse, sale, purchase, transfer, possession, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on College property or as part of any College activity. In accordance with Oregon law, the service of alcohol to, or consumption by, any person who is under the age of 21, or is intoxicated, is prohibited.

Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in the course of any class, laboratory, or other activity at which attendance is required as part of a student's course or degree requirements.

Alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed under certain circumstances in designated areas with prior approval. All members of the Lewis & Clark community and guests, and the sponsors of any on-campus or College-sponsored activity or social event at which alcoholic beverages are served, must abide by all applicable laws and must obtain and follow procedures available from the Office of the Associate Dean of the Northwestern School of Law for law school events, and the Office of the Dean of Students for all other circumstances.

What are the laws?

The trend in the state of Oregon is toward stiffer drug penalties. This is in direct opposition to the decriminalization trend of the 1970s.

The penalties for manufacure and distribution of drugs tend to be much more severe than for possession. For example, the maximum penalty for the manufacture and/or distribution of marijuana (under federal law) is 10 years in prison and a fine of $125,000. For complete information on the manufacture, possession, and distribution penalties at the local, state, and federal level, contact the Counseling Center.

Penalties for possession

Oregon has strong new laws allowing cars, boats, and other forms of transportation used to transport illegal drugs to be seized and forfeited.

Oregon law also provides for a penalty of not more than one year in jail if a person frequents or remains at a place where controlled substances are used. If the only drug found is less than one ounce, then the penalty is a fine of not more than $100.

It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol if you are under 21 of age.

Many more laws pertain to alcohol and other drugs, and a criminal conviction may bar students from their chosen career path.

Portland Municipal Code

In addition to these state and federal laws, the city of Portland's Municipal Code also addresses the use of drugs and alcohol. The following violations of the code are punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months and a fine of not more than $500, or both

• Section 16.12.010: Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs.
• Section 20.12.040: Sell, possess, or consume any alcoholic beverage in any park without a permit.
• Section 16.12.012: Driving while intoxicated (.08 percent.)

Blood Alcohol Levels

If drinking — be responsible about driving.

The chart below shows approximate blood alcohol percentage according to body weight. One drink equals one ounce of 80 proof liquor, or 12 ounces of beer, or 5 ounces of table wine. Subtract 10 percent for each 40 minutes of drinking.