DRUG POLICY

http://osa.tamuk.edu/studenthandbook/drugalcoholpolicy.html

Texas A&M University-Kingsville strives to assist students in achieving their potential as human beings and in becoming self-directed in all activities. Because growth and development are shaped by a student’s experience, the university seeks to develop an environment where students can learn how to live fulfilling and productive lives. Substance abuse disrupts this environment and threatens not only the lives and well-being of our students, faculty and staff but also their potential for contribution to society. It is important for all members of the university community to take responsibility for preventing substance abuse from negatively affecting the community’s learning environment and the academic, physical and emotional well-being of its membership.

In recognition of the problems of substance abuse, members of the university community have developed a university-wide drug policy. These policies deal with education, prevention, intervention and treatment activities as well as disciplinary sanctions for those found in violation of the policy. The university has established comprehensive substance abuse prevention programs to help eliminate the threat that substance abuse poses. Through education, the university is committed to helping individuals achieve their personal and academic goals.

 

I.   Legal Aspects and Consequences Concerning Controlled Substances and Illegal Drugs

     All members of the university community are expected to abide by local, state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and illegal drugs. More specifically, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Code of Conduct prohibits “manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using or being party thereto any illegal drug, controlled substance or drug paraphernalia on university premises or at university-sponsored activities.”

     The term “controlled substances,” when used in this policy, shall refer to those drugs and substances whose possession, sale or delivery results in criminal sanctions under the Texas Controlled Substance Act (Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4476-15), as well as substances that possess a chemical structure similar to that of a controlled substance (e.g., “designer drugs”).

 

II.   Education, Prevention and Referral for Treatment

     Texas A&M University-Kingsville is committed to providing comprehensive drug education and prevention as well as early intervention and treatment referral services.  Life Services and Wellness provides a broad-based educational program to assist in the prevention of substance abuse.

     The university realizes the importance of treatment services in assisting faculty, staff and students to overcome substance abuse problems. Assessment and intervention services are available through Life Services and Wellness. If further treatment is necessary, the student may be referred to outside counselors and programs.

 

III.    University Disciplinary Process

     University disciplinary charges may be pursued against faculty, staff and students alleged to have violated university regulations and/or local, state and federal laws concerning controlled substances. Violations of any local, state or federal law pertaining to controlled substances that occur off campus and are not associated with a university-connected activity may result in disciplinary charges in situations in which the continued presence of the individual on campus is likely to interfere with the educational process and the orderly operation of the university.

            University disciplinary proceedings will be in accordance with procedures outlined in the university Student Code of Conduct and the Policy and Procedures Manual (faculty and staff). Voluntary admission to a substance abuse treatment program prior to the issuance of charges may be looked upon favorably in disciplinary cases. Disciplinary action in cases involving drug-related violations will result in suspension, dismissal or expulsion from the university, depending on the nature and seriousness of the case. Participation in a substance abuse education or treatment program may be required in addition to other sanctions. Any disciplinary action imposed by the university may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority.

 

 

 

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