Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol and Other Drugs

The use of any drugs in the Davenport University community must be within the limits of federal and state laws. Davenport University reminds students and staff of their responsibility to know and obey those federal and state laws prohibiting the use of illegal drugs and alcohol.

While Davenport University is not specifically responsible for the enforcement of federal and state drug laws, those agencies charged with this legal responsibility have the authority to carry out their duties on campus. Individuals who illegally possess, use, or supply prohibited drugs or alcohol within the academic community will be held to the standards laid out in the Student Code of Conduct, and risk further action by the appropriate civil authorities.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Amendments of 1989 require all federal grant recipients to certify a drug-free environment. Davenport University has a vital interest in maintaining a safe learning environment for the benefit of its students and employees and to ensure its successful operation as an educational institution. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989, Davenport University has established the following policy, which reinforces the University’s commitment toward promoting a drug-free learning environment:

It is the policy of Davenport University that the unlawful production, distribution, sale, transfer, or gift of controlled substances, illicit drugs, or any substance used as a drug with the intent to alter a persons natural mental state is prohibited on University property and related functions.

As a condition of receiving an education at Davenport University, each student is required by federal law to comply with the terms of this statement. Any student or employee who is found to have violated the policy will be subject to sanctions by the University, which may include mandated counseling, suspension, expulsion, and/or referral for prosecution.

Federal Law

Federal law also requires that students be advised of the following:

Legal Sanctions – Federal and state law prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs, and alcohol. Specific criminal penalties are applicable to unlawful activities as identified above and may include imprisonment and fines.

Health Risks – Significant health risks are associated with and result from the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol, including raised blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of sleep, anxiety, depression, heart or respiratory failure, and liver, brain, and stomach destruction. In addition, there can be serious health risks to an unborn child.

Counseling and Treatment – Davenport University is committed to assisting students and employees with substance abuse problems through the utilization of available drug and alcohol counseling, and referrals to outside agencies as appropriate. Davenport offers FREE on-site or TeleTherapy counseling. Same day support is also available for students who cannot wait for a regularly scheduled appointment. Information about scheduling an appointment or speaking with a counselor via phone the same day can be found here. 

DAAPP- Click this link to review the University's annual report on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs.

Federal guidelines- Information on controlled substances and federal guidelines can be found on the following sites: DEA Web site and Drug Fact Sheets

Alcohol and Other Drug Sanctioning Model 

All students are individuals, and all cases are adjudicated based on the specific and unique merits of each.  The following is meant to inform choice and decision-making on behalf of the student participating in the action as well as provide a consistent philosophy for the Hearing Officer in developing sanctions.  Please know that for egregious offenses, lesser sanctions may be circumvented and a student may be suspended from the University or University housing after only one offense.

Keep in mind, the purpose of sanctioning is to educationally redirect inappropriate behavior.  In so doing, Hearing Officers are provided a wide range of sanction options for any given violation including additional educational sanctions not included below.  The final decision regarding a sanctioning plan is held by the Hearing Officer.

Parental notifications are assessed if the student is under the age of 21 and/or based on the severity of the incident.