STUDENT RIGHT TO KNOW &
CAMPUS SECURITY ACT OF 1990

Sam Houston State University provides this report to comply with the Students Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990. Sam Houston State University is a state-assisted institution of higher education located in Huntsville, Texas. The campus, including its agriculture facilities, consists of approximately 225 acres in and outside the city of Huntsville, Texas, which has a population of approximately 35,000. The university enrolls approximately 12,700 students supported by 1,000 faculty and staff.

The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act, in Section 103, Title I requires institutions to provide information about the completion or graduation rate of degree seeking, full time undergraduate students entering the institution. In place of completion or graduation rates, institutions may elect to publish the percentage of students in each entering class who re-enroll each successive year until completion or graduation. These are called persistence rates. SHSU has elected to provide both forms of information.

The persistence rates for first time freshmen who entered Sam Houston State University in summer or fall semester and also who were enrolled for 12 or more hours of credit during their first fall semester are reflected in this table.

PERSISTENCE RATES OF NEW FRESHMEN AT SHSU

GRADUATION RATES OF NEW FRESHMEN AT SHSU

DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS

Title II, § 204(A-I), Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, provides for disclosure of the following:

Reporting Crimes and Emergencies. [§ 204(A)] All criminal offenses that occur on campus should be reported to the University Police Department immediately. The Sam Houston State University Police is operational twenty-four hours a day, year around. University Police is housed on campus. You have easy access either by telephone, (936) 294-1794, or by going to the University Police Building, Sam South, located at 843 South Sam Houston Avenue. This location is clearly marked on University campus maps. University police officers are licensed police officers and are trained to respond to criminal actions or other emergencies that may occur on campus. All University Police reports are entered into computers and are printed on approved standard forms for criminal offense. A copy of every University Police offense report is forwarded to the Office of Student Life.

Emergency Call Boxes and Telephones. The University currently has six emergency free standing call boxes located at strategic locations on campus. In addition, most residence halls have emergency telephone boxes outside the main entrance to the halls. The call boxes allow direct communication with the police department and provide a rapid means for reporting emergencies and crimes, in addition to requesting police assistance. University telephones, after punching "9" for an outside line, may be used to dial 911 (i.e., 9,911).

Access to Campus Facilities. [§ 204(B)] Section 51.209 of the Texas Educational Code states "The governing board of a state institution of higher education or it's authorized representatives may refuse to allow persons having no legitimate business to enter on property under the board's control, and may eject any unauthorized person from the property on his refusal to leave peaceably on request. Identification may be required of any person on the property". It is advised that members of the University community should have their University issued identification card with them at all times. The Sam Houston State University Police have been vested with the above authority by the Board of Regents.

Patrol of Campus, Student Patrol, & Hall Safety Personnel. Uniformed University Police Officers patrol the campus area twenty-four hours each day in marked police units with a superior police radio system. In addition, during the day, uniformed student parking control personnel are on patrol in the parking areas; each person is issued a two-way radio for contact within the university police system. In the evening and early morning hours there are uniformed student foot patrol personnel patrolling the main campus who will provide escort service to anyone whom may be concerned with their safety. The university assigns housing safety personnel to each housing facility to unlock the entry for the residents. The housing units are locked from 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM, except on Saturday when the buildings are locked at 1:00 AM. Residents must have a key or be admitted by the Housing Safety Personnel on duty. Housing Managers and Residents Assistants are on duty in the Housing Units.

Electronic Alarm System. The University Police monitor a comprehensive system of intrusion and fire alarms.

Operation Identification. The University Police may provide, on loan, engravers for engraving driver's license numbers onto high-value items to deter theft.

Surveys. The University Police conduct surveys of security and safety of buildings throughout the year, an annual lighting survey of the campus, and an annual survey to see that shrubbery, trees and vegetation are properly trimmed.

Crime Victims Assistance. The SHSU Crisis Team is available to assist crime victims and family members in dealing with the emotional and psychological aftermath of violent crime.

Emergency Physical Plant Services. The Physical Plant has an emergency after normal hours call out policy for maintenance and repair for educational and non-residence buildings on campus. These calls are received and processed through the University Police dispatcher. In residence halls, the Hall Director will determine if the physical plant personnel should handle the emergency. The responding physical plant personnel shall sign in at the University Police Department. In most cases this should be before responding to the emergency call. However, if this would cause an unnecessary delay resulting in further damages, injuries, losses, etc. the craftsmen may log in at the University Police upon completion of the emergency work. Every craftsman who is called out will log their arrival and exit times with the University Police. A call-out sheet is provided to the University Police for the purpose of logging all information regarding an emergency call-out. Physical Plant personnel will at all times, while on duty wear their photo identification badge in a manner that it is plainly visible to others.

Law Enforcement Authority. [§ 204(C)(I)] University police officers have full law enforcement authority on property owned and controlled by the University, including streets contiguous to and running through the campus. University Police Officers are licensed "Peace Officers" by the State of Texas. University Police Officers are authorized by State statute to enforce federal and state laws within their jurisdiction, in addition to rules and regulations issued by the Board of Regents of Sam Houston State University on property under the control and jurisdiction of Sam Houston State University. Under Section 51.203, Texas Education Code; Campus Peace Officers, states in part, "The governing boards of each state institution of higher education and public technical institute may employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subchapter. The primary jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned under this section includes all counties in which property is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of the institution of higher education or technical institute that employs the peace officer or otherwise in the performance of their duties". The University Police enjoy a good working relationship with federal, state, local, city and county law enforcement authorities. SHSU fraternities have housing off-campus. The University Police Department's working relationship with other area law enforcement agencies ensures that crimes and alcohol violations at these off-campus sites are reported to the University Police.

Code of Conduct Requirement. [§ 204(C)(ii)] Sam Houston State University's Code of Student Conduct and Discipline 5.1, Acquaintance with Policies, Rules, and Regulations, states the following: Each Student is expected to be fully acquainted with all published policies, rules, and regulations of the University, copies of which shall be available to each student for review in a specific place on each campus. The University will hold each student responsible for compliance with these policies, rules, and regulations. Students are also expected to comply with all federal and state laws. THIS PRINCIPLE EXTENDS TO CONDUCT OFF CAMPUS WHICH IS LIKELY TO HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE UNIVERSITY OR ON THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS.

Rights and Responsibilities on Campus. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are expected to maintain standards of personal discipline that are in harmony with the educational goals of Sam Houston State University, to observe federal, state, and local laws, University rules and regulations, and to respect the rights, privileges, and property of others. Students, Staff, and Faculty are encouraged to give accurate information to the University Police when reporting crimes, as The Texas Penal Code, Chapter 37., Section 37.08. False Report to Peace Officer, states: (a) A person commits an offense if he: (1) reports to a peace officer an offense or incident within the officer's concern, knowing that the offense or incident did not occur; or (2) makes a report to a peace officer relating to an offense or incident within the officer's concern knowing that he has no information relating to the offense or incident. (b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Filing a false report to the University Police could place a student in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline, under section 5.2, (1). The University Police may request a copy of an offense report from any law enforcement agency, if such report reflects conduct of a student which is deemed to have an adverse effect on Sam Houston State University or the educational process. The University Police may forward a report regarding such incident to the Office of Student Life.

Security Awareness and Presentations. [§ 204(D)] An example of the type of information given to students during each semester is provided below. This information is presented by the Residence Life Department during their housing unit group meetings with residents. Officers meeting with students on campus supply this information to students. This information is also published in the campus newspaper. Student Life Personnel also discuss this information at all orientation sessions for new students.

Crime Prevention on Campus. If a crime is to be committed, the offender must have the desire, ability, and opportunity to commit the crime. Law enforcement can do little to remove the offender's desire and ability to commit crimes, but together WE can remove the element of opportunity. THIS IS CRIME PREVENTION. Together we can remove the temptation of opportunity by taking a few simple precautions.

Protect Your Property: 1. Lock your residence every time you leave, even for a short time. This includes your motor vehicle. 2. Do not leave valuables lying out in the open or in unlocked vehicles. 3. Engrave your driver's license number on all valuable property. 4. Record the serial numbers and brand names of all property of value.

Protect Yourself: 1. Lock your doors when you take a nap or retire for the evening. Do not block open entry doors to residence halls after hours. 2. Require identification before admitting someone unfamiliar into your residence or your vehicle. 3. Avoid walking alone at night, if possible, and stay on lighted routes. 4. Report suspicious persons or circumstances. This could stop a crime before it happens. 5. You may offer confidential assistance to the University Police directly or through an Assistant Dean of Student Life. Crime prevention is important to the campus community and you can help by reporting any crime or suspected crime to your University Police immediately. By doing so, you may be preventing someone from becoming a victim of a serious crime.

Crime Prevention Programs and Other Law Enforcement Interaction. [§ 204(E)] Throughout the academic year there will be group programs and individual counseling on crime prevention presented by the University Police, Huntsville Police, the local Sheriff's Department, University Housing, and Student Life. There are also programs given by the College of Criminal Justice.

Disseminating Information on Campus Crime. The University has taken measures to ensure that the University community is fully aware of campus crime. These measures include:
Media Relations: Public Information prepares news release on crimes for distribution to campus and Huntsville news media.
University Newspaper: The Houstonian carries stories on serious criminal offenses.
Crime Stoppers: Huntsville Police, working with the University Police, develop crime stopper information for local news media.

CRIME STATISTICS

Monitoring of Criminal Activity. [§ 204(G)] The office of Student Life attempts to monitor any criminal activity of off-campus student organizations which are recognized by the institution and that are engaged in by students attending the institution, including those student organizations with off-campus housing facilities. Refer to University's Code of Student Conduct and Discipline 5.1, which states in part, Students are also expected to comply with all federal and state laws. THIS PRINCIPLE EXTENDS TO CONDUCT OFF CAMPUS WHICH IS LIKELY TO HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE UNIVERSITY OR ON THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS.

Nonviolent Crimes Reported, Sam Houston State University Campus. [§ 204(H)] Nonviolent crime arrests on campus, Sam Houston State University.

*Corrections made after clarification of definitions.

Texas Concealed Handgun Law. This law does NOT apply to SHSU. Under Texas Penal Code § 46.03 "Places Weapons Prohibited," it is a FELONY OFFENSE to go on a school or educational institution with a firearm.

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES

Information for Students and Staff Regarding Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

Standards of Conduct Prohibiting Unlawful Possession, Use or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Health Risks Associated with Use of Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
University Penalties For Prohibited Conduct Related to Drugs and Alcohol
Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs
Criminal Penalties Under State and Federal Law for Unlawful Possession, Use or Distribution of Drugs and Alcohol

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Section 5.2 of Chapter VI of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, Texas State University System provides for disciplinary action against any student who engages in conduct that is prohibited by state, federal, or local law and for illegal use and for unauthorized use of intoxicating beverages, and illegal use of any drug, narcotic or controlled substance.

Section 5.9 of Chapter VI of the Regent's Rules provides that a student who has been found guilty of the illegal possession, use, sale or distribution of any drug, narcotic or controlled substance, whether the infraction is found to have occurred on or off campus, shall be suspended for a period of not less than the remainder of the semester in which the infraction occurred plus the following long semester. If the semester in which the infraction occurred has ended by the time a student is found guilty, the student shall be suspended for a period of not less than the following two long semesters. This policy is also set out in the student handbook available in the Office of Student Life in the Lowman Student Center.

The Sam Houston State University Drug-Free Work Place Policy (ER-10), which became effective March 1989, prohibits the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees. University employees who violate this prohibition are subject to the sanctions set out in the policy, including possible discharge.

HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low amounts significantly impair the judgement and coordination required to drive a car safely. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts. Moderate to high levels of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high levels cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower levels of alcohol use can lead to dependence on alcohol. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long term consumption of large quantities of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Prolonged alcohol abuse causes bleeding from the intestinal tract, damage to nerves and the brain, psychotic behavior, loss of memory and coordination, damage to the liver often resulting in cirrhosis, impotence, severe inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the bone marrow, heart, testes, ovaries, and muscles. Damage to the nerves and organs is usually irreversible. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in alcoholics and is 10 times more frequent than in non-alcoholics. Females who drink during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at a greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics.

Tobacco (Nicotine). The smoking of tobacco products is the chief avoidable cause of death in our society. Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to contract heart disease. Some 30 percent of cancer deaths are linked to smoking. Chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis are 10 times more likely to occur among smokers than nonsmokers. Smoking during pregnancy poses serious risks such as spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weights, and fetal and infant deaths. Because nicotine is highly addictive, addicts find it very difficult to stop smoking. Fewer than 20 percent of typical smokers succeed in stopping on the first try.

Designer Drugs. Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To circumvent these legal restrictions, underground chemists modify the molecular structure of certain illegal drugs to produce analogs known as designer drugs. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate. Many of the so-called designer drugs are related to amphetamines (MDMA, X, speed). Bootleg manufacture creates overdose and contamination risks. These substances can produce severe neurochemical damage to the brain. The narcotic analogs (fentanyl, china white) can cause symptoms such as those seen in Parkinson's disease: uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage. Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression and paranoia. As little as one dose can cause brain damage. The analogs of phencyclidine cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.

Cocaine. Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. The use of cocaine can cause death by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use can ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with contaminated equipment can increase the risk of AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive, and its effects are felt within ten seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increases pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures.

Other Stimulants. Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure. In addition to the physical effects, users report feeling restless, anxious and moody. Higher doses intensify the effects. Persons who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.

Anabolic Steroids. Anabolic steroids are a group of powerful compounds closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone. Steroid users subject themselves to more than 70 side effects ranging in severity from liver cancer to acne, as well as psychological as well as physical reactions. The liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems are most seriously affected by steroid use. In males, use can cause withered testicles, sterility, and impotence. In females, irreversible masculine traits can develop along with breast reduction and sterility. Psychological effects include very aggressive behavior known as "road rage" and depression. While some side effects appear quickly, others, such as heart attacks and strokes, may not show up for years.

Hallucinogens or psychedelics. Lysergic Acid (LSD) , mescaline, peyote, and phencyclidine (PCP or "angel dust") cause illusions and hallucinations, and their use impairs and distorts one's perception of surroundings, causes bizarre mood changes and results in visual hallucinations that involve geometric forms, colors, and persons or objects. The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperatures, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors, It is common to have bad psychological reactions to LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. The user may experience panic, persistent memory problems, and speech difficulties. Users who discontinue use experience "flashback" consisting of distortions of virtually any sensation for long periods after discontinued use. Mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and violent behavior, also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma, as well as heart and lung failure. Withdrawal may require psychiatric treatment for the accompanying persistent psychotic states. Suicide is not uncommon.

Solvent inhalants, e.g. glue, lacquers, plastic cement. The immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgement. Amyl and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces. Long term use may result in hepatitis or brain damage. Deeply inhaling the vapors, or using large amounts over a short time, may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High concentrations of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops. Long term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue. Repeating sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can permanently damage the nervous system. Fumes from these substances cause problems similar to alcohol. Incidents of hallucinations and permanent brain damage are more frequent

Marijuana (Cannabis). All forms of cannabis have negative physical and mental effects. Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they are "high." Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco smoke. Long term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the center of their lives.

Narcotics. Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Users may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes, and itching. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly and dependence is likely. The use of contaminated syringes may increase the risk of such diseases as AIDS, endocarditis, and hepatitis. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

UNIVERSITY PENALTIES

Students. The University will impose a minimum disciplinary penalty of suspension for a specified period of time or suspension of rights and privileges, or both, for conduct related to the use, possession, or distribution of drugs that are prohibited by state, federal, or local law. Other penalties that may be imposed for conduct related to the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of drugs or alcohol include disciplinary probation, payment for damage to or misappropriation of property, suspension of rights and privileges, suspension for a specified period of time, expulsion, or such other penalty as may be deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

Employees. The unlawful use, possession, or distribution of drugs or alcohol will result in a disciplinary penalty of disciplinary probation, demotion, suspension without pay, or termination, depending upon the circumstances.

AVAILABLE DRUG COUNSELING OR REHABILITATION SERVICES

Campus Services

Students: The University Counseling Center is available to assist students in dealing with alcohol and substance abuse problems. Confidential treatment, education, and referrals are available to students at no cost. The Counseling Center may be reached by dialing 294-1720.

Employees: The Texas State University System group health insurance program provides for treatment of drug and alcohol abuse for all benefits eligible employees. Human Resources Department will provide assistance to employees seeking treatment for drug or alcohol abuse

Community Services. Alcoholics Anonymous, 1214 12^th Street, Huntsville, TX 291-3376 Montgomery-Walker County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 724 Thomason, Huntsville, Texas 291-7433

PENALTIES UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

I. TEXAS LAW

II. FEDERAL LAW

IMMUNIZATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR HEALTH CARE.

Although Sam Houston State University does not have a mandatory immunization program at this time, we encourage all students entering the University to check immunization records to ensure that they have met all of the minimum requirements for these immunizations.

MEASLES: (Rubella, Red Measles, Hard Measles, 10-Day Measles) Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Antibiotics are not available to treat persons infected with this organism. Recent outbreaks of this illness have resulted in hospitalization and some deaths among college-aged persons. For these reasons it is strongly recommended that students in Texas have two doses of the vaccine prior to entering college. Most young adults have had only one dose. The measles vaccine is most often given in combination with the vaccines for mumps and rubella, which are also caused by viruses. This combination vaccine is referred to as MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).

TETANUS: (Lockjaw) The illness caused by tetanus results from the poison produced by bacteria. Again, this is a very difficult illness to treat once it occurs and prevention is the most appropriate choice. The vaccine is effective for about 10 years and needs to be boosted at that interval. It is now common for older adults to develop tetanus in the United States because many adults do not receive the recommended 10-year boosters. The tetanus vaccine should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.

POLIOMYELITIS: (Polio) In the United States, polio immunization is not routinely recommended for people 8 years of age or older. However, if travel to other parts of the world is planned, a physician should be contacted for specific recommendations.

TUBERCULOSIS: (TB) Due to the reappearance of tuberculosis as a major public health issue in the United States and particularly Texas, all students should have a yearly Mantoux skin test to assure that they are free of the disease. Main symptoms are persistent heavy cough, cough with sputum or blood, fatigue, distressed breathing, fever, or weight loss. Students doing observation, volunteer work, field placement, student teaching, or employment in a Texas school district, correctional facility or medical facility will be required to have a negative TB test before entering their placement site.

The Health Center can provide most of these immunizations and tests at a reduced rate. They will be happy to answer questions concerning any health-related issues. For more information on immunizations contact the University Health Center at 294-1805 or the Walker County Health Department (936) 295-4603.

The table below is the Texas Board of Health immunization requirement for any student doing an internship in a health care facility of any kind as part of their educational program. These Allied Health students must have the following immunizations prior to their entering the health care facility. These immunizations are not required at this time for the general student population of Sam Houston State University. However, each student at Sam Houston State University is urged to use this table to determine their individual immunity to the diseases below. If you do not meet each of the criteria in the "Schedule for Immunization," we recommend that you update your immunizations immediately.

For more information see the amended Sections 2.09 and 2.09a of the Texas Education Code and the Texas Board of Health rules including the revisions adopted July 20, 1991, or call the Texas Department of Health, Immunization Division, 1-800-252-9152.

You may be among the increasing number of people who are worried about AIDS. Although there is cause for concern, the fact is you have more control over this deadly disease than you may realize. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is caused by a virus (HIV VIRUS) that attacks the body's immune system. As the immune system becomes weaker, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections, pneumonia, and cancer. Eventually, a person becomes overwhelmed by these diseases and dies. The HIV virus is transmitted through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. During sexual relations it enters the body through the vagina, penis, mouth, rectum, or through a needle puncture during injectable drug use. In very remote cases, infection occurs through blood transfusions. It may also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding. The virus is transmitted from male to male, female to male, and male to female. It is not transmittable by everyday casual contact with a person who is infected. There is currently no known cure once infected with the HIV virus. It is estimated that well over one million Americans have the HIV virus. Your behavior determines the degree of risk that you run in becoming infected.

Maintain control of your own sexual behavior: Sexual abstinence is the only foolproof way of avoiding HIV infection. Abstinence until marriage is still very acceptable, even if some of your peers say otherwise. We strongly urge that this be the choice of all students. However, we know that some students will not follow this advice and choose to be sexually active. If you are active, be responsible. Limit the number of sexual partners. There is a lot to be said for a monogamous relationship. Do not exert pressure upon a significant person in your life, nor allow yourself to be pressured, to engage in any activity with which you/they are uncomfortable. THINK OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS!

Use protection: Always use protection if you are sexually active. Proper use of latex condoms containing spermicide lowers the risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, they do not eliminate the risk entirely.

Do not use injectable drugs: Sharing needles and syringes greatly increases your risk of infection.

Avoid all drugs: Alcohol and other drugs affect your judgment and reduce your inhibitions, leaving you vulnerable to behaviors that you may not otherwise engage in.

YOU CAN PREVENT YOURSELF FROM BECOMING INFECTED!

For further information and HIV antibody testing, contact the Health Center at 294-1805.