1.6 Health and Safety Policies
1.6.1 Drugs
North Cyprus Laws
North Cyprus state law classifies heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, marijuana, and hashish, among other substances, as “controlled dangerous substances.” The possession, use, sale, or manufacture of such substances may be subject to mandatory penalties. References to current laws may be consulted at the Office of Public Safety. (North Cyprus law does provide some immunity for those who seek immediate medical assistance on behalf of themselves or others in drug overdose situations.)
University Policy Concerning Use of Illegal Drugs
The University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance of any kind in any amount on University property, or while in the conduct of University business away from the campus. This prohibition includes the manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of prescription drugs without a prescription. Penalties for these acts will be administered by the appropriate University administrator or committee, and in accordance with rules and procedures administered by them (for the faculty and other academic staffs, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty; for graduate students, the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School; for undergraduates, the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students; and for administrators and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources). Penalties range from warning to permanent separation from the University depending on the seriousness of the infraction and the degree to which violation of the policy adversely affects the well-being of the community or the fulfilment of the University’s educational mission.
Violations of local ordinances or of state or federal laws regarding controlled dangerous substances by members of the University community may entail criminal charges and University disciplinary actions regardless of where such violations occur, if they are of a serious nature. The manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, any involvement in illegal drug use or traffic with minors, and possession or use of the more dangerous or highly addictive drugs, are all considered serious offenses and will be handled accordingly. Depending on the particular circumstances, continued association with the University by violators of this policy may be made contingent upon satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
It is also University policy, in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of EU that all employees, as a condition of employment on projects supported out of federal funds, abide by this University policy regarding controlled dangerous substances and notify the University within five (5) days of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at the workplace.
All members of the University community should be aware that North Cyprus State law prohibits the illegal possession, use, sale, or manufacture of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia and those violators may be subject to criminal charges as well as mandatory penalties in addition to University disciplinary action. Federal law also provides for loss of certain federal benefits (including student loans and research grants) for conviction under any criminal drug statute. More information about North Cyprus and EU drug laws may be obtained at the Department of Public Safety, or the Office of the General Counsel.
1.6.2 Alcoholic Beverages
Members of the Mesarya Technical University community are expected to be acquainted with and to abide by both North Cyprus and University regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol. They are also expected to be aware of the social, physiological, and psychological consequences of excessive drinking in order to make responsible and informed decisions about the serving and consumption of alcohol. The University provides regular educational programs on alcohol and drug abuse as well as counselling services.
The University alcoholic beverage policy is designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of North Cyprus, which, in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages by and to persons less than 21 years of age. The policy also reflects the need for mutual respect and personal responsibility within a diverse community. Under no circumstances will the consumption of alcohol constitute a mitigating circumstance when it contributes to the violation of University regulations. Alcoholic beverages will not normally be provided at University events where persons under the legal drinking age for consumption of alcoholic beverages are present, including those sponsored by the University, the residential colleges, the University centres, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the classes. (See section2.2.9 in the Orange Pages for a more detailed description of the alcohol policy.)
1.6.3 Smoking
Smoking is prohibited by law and by University policy in all workplaces, places of public access in University buildings, and outdoor spaces within 25 meters of all such buildings, including but not limited to all academic, residential, and administrative buildings and elevators; individual offices and rooms; athletic sporting facilities; spectator areas at outdoor University events; University-owned vehicles, shuttle buses, and vans; dining facilities and bars; theatres and concert halls; partially enclosed areas such as archways, weather protected ramps, and tents; and outdoor dining areas. As per North Cyprus regulations, this prohibition extends to e-cigarettes. All smoking materials must be disposed of in appropriate receptacles. Questions, concerns, or complaints about smoking on campus should be directed to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. For more information about this policy