NUMBER: STAF 3.18
SECTION: Division of Student Affairs
SUBJECT: Drug Policy for University Students
DATE: June 1, 1992 (revised)
Policy for: Columbia Campus
Procedure for : Columbia Campus
Authorized by: Dennis A. Pruitt
Issued by: Student Life
___________________________________________________
I. DRUG POLICY FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
The University of South Carolina, as a matter of policy,
prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation,
possession or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances by
University students as set forth in South Carolina Code of
Laws, Section 44-53-110 et seq. This policy prohibits possession
or sale of drug paraphernalia (such as roach clips, bongs, water
pipes, cocaine spoons) as defined in South Carolina Code of Laws,
Section 44-53-110 and Section 44-53-391; the non-prescribed use
of anabolic steroids as defined in South Carolina Code of Laws,
Section 44-53-1510 et seq; and the distribution or delivery of
an imitation ("look alike") noncontrolled substance represented
as a controlled substance as defined in South Carolina Code of
Laws, Section 44-53-390. The University must maintain its primary
function as a center of learning. At the same time, it must be
clear that local, state, and federal laws apply equally off campus
as well as on campus.
II. PHILOSOPHY
The University of South Carolina is concerned with both the
welfare of the University community and the academic and personal
development of each student. The University strives to create a
healthy environment where the illegal and/or improper use of drugs
does not interfere with learning, performance or development.
Abuse of drugs disrupts this environment and places at risk the
lives and well-being of the members of the University community as
well as the potential for coments to contribute to society. It is
important for all members of the University community to take
responsibility for preventing the illegal and/or improper use of
drugs from negatively affecting the community's learning
environment and the academic, physical and emotional well-being
of its students. Since there are numerous means by which the use
of drugs may adversely affect both students and the University
community, it is important that the University issue to all
students a clear statement of policy concerning the illegal and/or
improper use of drugs. This policy is intended to accomplish the
following:
A. To promote a healthy and safe learning environment;
B. To demonstrate the commitment of the University to the
provision of:
1. Education and prevention services designed to help prevent
illegal and/or improper use of drugs;
2. Referral services related to the illegal and/or improper use
of drugs;
C. To encourage and facilitate the use of treatment and support
services by those students who seek or are in need of
assistance;
D. To define expectations for student behavior with respect to
the illegal and/or improper use of drugs;
E. To identify appropriate disciplinary procedures for those
students who engage in illegal and/or improper drug-
related behaviors.
III. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: EDUCATION, PREVENTION,
INTERVENTION, AND TREATMENT
The University's first obligation in dealing with drug problems is
to educate the University community. This obligation is addressed
by a variety of prevention and education programs which are
offered, including formal and informal classes, lectures,
discussions and activities which address both drug abuse
prevention and drug-related problems. Students are encouraged to
participate in the numerous campus organizations and activities
which promote drug-free experiences. A list of student
organizations is available in the Campus Activities Center.
Current information about the risks and statistics related to
drug use are available for students. Educational efforts also
address personal intervention skills to help members of the
University community to better respond to students demonstrating
problems related to the use of drugs. As drug abuse is a
societal issue, the University will also conduct research and
offer expertise in this area as a public service.
A second responsibility of the University is to promote an
atmosphere where students seeking assistance will be offered
information on, or referral to appropriate services which address
the improper use of drugs, including the misuse of prescription
or over the counter drugs. Available services may include
educational activities, structured groups, counseling, inpatient
treatment and self-help groups. Some of these services are
offered on campus at no cost to the student. The cost of off
campus services is the responsibility of the student.
Students may receive referral and educational services from the
Office of Alcohol & Drug Programs (Student Affairs) and the Office
of Alcohol and Drug Studies (School of Medicine). Counseling
services are available through the Counseling and Human
Development Center, the Thomson Student Health Center, and off
campus entities.
This policy is not intended to create obligations or restrictions
which may interfere with the confidential nature of counseling,
clinical or therapeutic relationships. Confidentiality will be
maintained in accordance with state and federal laws.
IV. LEGAL ASPECTS AND CONSEQUENCES
This policy prohibits (1) the unlawful manufacture, distribution,
dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs or controlled
substances, including the non-prescription use of anabolic
steroids, (2) the possession or sale of drug paraphernalia
(such as roach clips, bongs, water pipes, cocaine spoons), and (3)
the distribution or delivery of an imitation ("look alike")
noncontrolled substance represented as a controlled substance by
University students as set forth in the South Carolina Code
of Laws. 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 South
Carolina law.
As citizens, students have responsibility for knowing of and
complying with the provisions of state law referenced above.
Any student who violates any of these laws is subject to
prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities as well as to
disciplinary procedures conducted by the University, which may
precede criminal or civil proceedings. It is not "double
jeopardy" for both the civil authorities and the University to
proceed against and sanction a person for the same specified
conduct.
Students who are apprehended and charged by law enforcement
agencies with felony criminal conduct (which includes drug
related offenses) on or off campus, are required to inform the
Associate Director of Student Development of such matters, as
stated in the student arrest policy in the Carolina Community.
V. UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
The University considers any violation of the drug policy to be
a serious offense. The University will respond to all reported
violations of this policy in accordance with disciplinary
procedures published in the Carolina Community. Sanctions
imposed may be influenced, in part, by mitigating or aggravating
circumstances. The sanctions imposed by the University include,
but are not limited to: suspension held in abeyance with
conditions; summary suspension; removal from University Housing;
and permanent suspension from the University. The continued
enrollment of students not immediately suspended may be subject
to conditions and restrictions.
A. Trafficking in Illegal Drugs
1. Prior to hearing: Because the distribution of illegal
drugs is a threat and danger to the health and safety of
the community, (when reasonable cause exists )when there
is reason to believe, based on available facts, that the
student represents an immediate threat to the safety,
health, or welfare of herself/himself, other persons, or
property, the University will immediately suspend alleged
offenders prior to a hearing, in accordance with Summary
Suspension policies as published in the Carolina Community.
2. Following the hearing: Students found responsible for the
illegal distribution of drugs or controlled substances will
be permanently suspended in accordance with disciplinary
procedures as published in the Carolina Community.
B. Possession or Use of Illegal Drugs:
In the adjudication of all cases involving the possession or
use of illegal drugs, the University's presumptive response
will be suspension (as defined within this section).
Residents of University Housing suspected to be in violation
of any policy will also be subject to immediate removal in
keeping with "procedures for responding to contract
violations" as published in the Carolina Community.
C. Possession or Sale of Drug Paraphernalia :
For students found in violation of the drug paraphernalia
sections of this policy, the University's response will be
determined on a case by case basis in accordance with
disciplinary procedures as published in the Carolina Community.
VI. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
The Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 prohibits the unlawful
manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of
illegal drugs in the workplace and provides for sanctions against
faculty, staff, and student employees, permanent or temporary,
who violate this policy. Pursuant to federal law, the policy also
requires grant or contract employees to notify the employer of
any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in
the workplace no later than five days after the conviction. Any
student employee who violates the Drug-Free Workplace policy is
subject to prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities as
well as to disciplinary procedures by the University and may also
be terminated from his or her position of employment by the
supervising department.
VII. ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID
Students found in violation of the drug policy jeopardize their
ability to receive federal financial aid for which they might
otherwise be eligible.
VIII. FUTURE REVISIONS
The University of South Carolina reserves the right to update this
policy. Students are responsible for being aware of changes as
they are published and disseminated to the University community.
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Dennis A. Pruitt
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