Policies

Alcohol and Drugs Policy

Both federal and state laws prohibit the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. In the state of California, anyone under the age of 21 cannot be served or be in possession of alcohol. CalArts also has standards that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, transport, manufacture or distribution of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia or simulated drugs and alcohol by students, staff and faculty on Institute property or as part of the Institute’s activities. Alcohol may not be sold anywhere on the CalArts campus. Violations of the Institutes alcohol and drug policy will be addressed as disciplinary actions.

Reference to alcohol includes any beverage, mixture or preparation containing ethyl alcohol such as beer, wine and all forms of distilled liquor. Drugs are any substance that have known mind or function altering effects on a human subject, specifically including psychoactive substances and including but not limited to substances controlled, regulated or prohibited by state and federal laws.

CalArts permits the lawful serving of alcoholic beverages at parties and receptions that have been approved by the Vice President of Facilities. Students, faculty and staff who wish to host receptions in connection with approved events should fill out the appropriate application with the Institute Schedulers in the Service Center/Mailroom at least one week prior to the proposed event. In the public areas of campus, the only permitted alcohol is alcohol served at approved receptions or parties. Alcohol is generally not approved for events before 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Vice President of Facilities makes the final decision on any issues regarding the date, time or nature of an event. After approval from the relevant offices, the host of the reception must discuss the event with the Activities Coordinator in the Student Experience Office in order to schedule a trained bartender to serve the alcohol to those of legal drinking age.

Responsible Action: CalArts is concerned that in a medical emergency involving alcohol or drugs, students may refrain from calling for help because of fear that doing so might subject them to disciplinary action. Therefore, in order to encourage responsible actions, students for whom medical assistance is sought or those who seek medical assistance for themselves or others, will not be disciplined by CalArts for violating the Alcohol and Drug Policy. This Responsible Action policy applies only to alcohol and drug-related emergencies. Students granted amnesty will not be exempt from disciplinary sanctions resulting from other policies that they violate while under the influence. The use of alcohol and drugs can adversely affect one’s health and may negatively impede the learning process and creative art making. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, CalArts is informing you of the Institute’s policies of drugs and alcohol and the health risks associated with use.

 

 

Drug	Known Possible Effects
Alcohol	Hangover, psychosis, ulcers, malnutrition, liver damage
Amphetamines	Nervousness, paranoia, hallucinations, dizziness, tremors, decreased mental ability, delusions, seizures, death
Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish)	Increased heart rate, blood-shot eyes, dry mouth & throat,increased appetite, short term memory loss, reduced coordination, long term effects: chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer
Cocaine/Crack	Tremors, nasal bleeding & inflammation, toxic psychosis, convulsions, death
Hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline & psilocybin)	Dilated pupils, increased heart rate & blood pressure, & psilocybin) hallucinations, Violent episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries, paranoid & violent behavior
Heroin (opiate drug)	Slowing of heart-rate so that coma or death may occur
Inhalants, Nitrates	Headaches, dizziness, accelerated heart rate, hallucinations
Narcotics	Respiratory & circulatory depression, dizziness, vomiting, withdrawal, stupor, death
Psychedelics	Impaired driving ability, depression, paranoia, psychosis
Tranquilizers	Hangover, jaundice, coma, death

Referrals

 

 

 

Psychological Counseling Services, located in F201H, offers licensed Therapists for current students to talk with in a confidential setting. https://calarts.edu/life-at-calarts/support-and-advocacy/health-and-wellness/counseling

You may also contact the after hours counseling line at 855-364-7981.

Please check with your medical insurance benefits coordinator to determine if counseling services are available within your plan.

Off-campus referral information about Alcoholics Anonymous can be obtained by visiting www.alcoholics-anonymous.org. Other treatment options (such as SMART Recovery) may also be available.

Additional off-campus referrals and resources can be obtained by contacting: Santa Clarita Valley Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous 24 Hour Phone: (661) 250-9922 26951 Ruether Ave. Suite B-6 Santa Clarita, CA 91351 www.aascv.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Newhall/Saugus Santa Clarita (661) 299-5599