Eastern Mennonite University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs. It is the university’s policy and commitment to provide a learning, living, and work environment that is free of illicit drugs, tobacco smoke, and the unlawful use or abuse of alcohol. Because the university is located within a city, county, and commonwealth, the university works with local authorities, including law enforcement authorities, in dealing with alcohol and illegal drug issues. The unlawful possession or use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs is prohibited from the EMU campus as well as all university-related functions.
The university believes that the misuse of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs is counterproductive to the educational process and contributes to behaviors that may be harmful to individuals and/or the campus community. Not only is the use of alcohol illegal for those under age 21, but alcohol may create unhealthy dependencies, generate behavior offensive to others, waste money, and take lives. Because of the significant personal and societal dangers associated with alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, the university chooses to take a strong stand against their use. For these reasons, Eastern Mennonite University supports non use as the most appropriate and responsible lifestyle choice.
Persons who use, obtain for others to use or distribute alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs on campus will be held responsible in accordance with the University policy. Students who misuse alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs off campus will also be in violation of the university policy and may be held responsible by the appropriate university officials. Misuse is identified as consumption that compromises the safety of oneself or others, underage drinking and/or drinking to excess, intoxication, illegal personal use and/or rowdiness, and damage or destruction of property.
NOTE on Self-Reporting/Amnesty for Alcohol and Other Drugs: Individuals who self-report consumption or potential misuse of alcohol and other drugs will not face university disciplinary action. In cases of self-reporting, a member of the student life staff will meet with the student to determine the best educational and/or recovery options available for the student, if needed. In cases of self-reporting, the university will offer its own resources as well as community-based resources to help.
Resources in the Community (Harrisonburg)
A number of services are available in the area for persons dealing with addictions to alcohol or other substances.
The following are treatment & rehabilitation programs and support services:
Support Groups
AA, Al-Anon, Alateen
Websites for complete list of meetings:
Al-Anon: www.vaalanon.org
AA: www.aavirginia.org
Blue Ridge Area Intergroup (Winchester)
24 hour hotline AA HOTLINES (540) 667-0322 or (800) 835-6130
Twelfth Step Intergroup (Harrisonburg)
24-hour answering service in English & Español (540) 434-8870
Valley Intergroup (Staunton, Verona, and Waynesboro)
Contacts:
(540) 885-6912 - Staunton, Verona
(540) 949-7777 - Waynesboro
Augusta Health (540) 213-2509 or (540) 941-2509 Fishersville
Substance abuse services
Cambios (540) 434-1941 Harrisonburg
A Spanish-speaking group for people with alcohol or drug problems in the Harrisonburg area. Please call Allison Garcia at the number listed above.
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board
(540) 434-1941 (Office)
(540) 434-1766 (Emergency Services)
Offers information regarding substance abuse services
Narcotics Anonymous (800) 777-1515
Please check the following website for a complete list of meetings in the Shenandoah Valley Area: www.shevana.org
Sentara RMH Addiction Services: (540) 564-5960
The EMU Counseling Center (counselingservices@emu.edu) will assist any student in making contact with any of these agencies. Any such referral is confidential.