Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog: Undergraduate, Graduate, and College of Law 
    
2018-2019 Catalog: Undergraduate, Graduate, and College of Law [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act


As required by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, annually the University will provide a written statement to students covering: a) standards of conduct concerning drugs and alcohol; b) federal, state and local legal sanctions governing the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol; c) health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; d) a description of counseling and treatment programs available for alcohol and drug abuse; e) University disciplinary sanctions imposed for unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Standards of Conduct

UNT Dallas students are expected to comply with laws and University policies relating to the use of drugs and alcohol. Through its Code of Conduct, the University prohibits the illicit use, sale, attempted sale, conveyance, distribution, manufacture, cultivation, dispensation, purchase, attempted purchase and possession of illegal drugs, intoxicants or controlled substances on University property at any time and in any amount or in any manner. Substances prohibited under this policy shall include, but are not limited to: marijuana, hashish, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, heroin, lysergic acid (LSD), methaqualone, morphine, pentazocine, peyote, phencyclidine, and anabolic steroids.

Using, possessing, or distributing alcoholic beverages is not allowed except as expressly permitted by law and University policy. For more information, see the University’s policy on drugs and alcohol use (7.011) at: http://www.untdallas.edu/hr/upol.

Description of Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program

The following includes a description of drug and alcohol programs available to students and employees:

Student Affairs provides support, distributes literature, and makes appropriate referrals for on and off-campus resources. Information on the health effects associated with drugs and alcohol is included in the section below.

A biennial review of this program is done to determine its effectiveness, to implement changes to the program if they are needed and to ensure that the University’s disciplinary sanctions described are consistently enforced.

For more information, contact Student Affairs at (972) 338-1775 or StudentAffairs@unt.edu. You may also refer to the University’s policy on the alcohol and substance abuse program (7.011) at: http://www.untdallas.edu/hr/upol.

University Discipline

UNT Dallas may impose disciplinary sanctions for violation of the standards of conduct relating to the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on UNT Dallas property or during UNT Dallas activities up to and including expulsion for students and termination of employment for employees and referral for prosecution.

Legal Sanctions

Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 to imprisonment for terms up to and including life.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Drugs and Alcohol

Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below. For more information contact Student Affairs at (972) 338-1775 or StudentAffairs@unt.edu.

  • Alcohol and other depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers) - addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
  • Marijuana - impairs short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
  • Cocaine - addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
  • Nicotine - tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Nicotine compromises the immune system.
  • Inhalants - inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High doses can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.
  • Prescription drug abuse - adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.
  • Resources - A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from the University, students may contact Student Affairs at (972) 338-1775, Faculty and staff members may contact the Employee Assistance Program at 800-343-3822 or Human Resources at 972-780-3037.