University Policies Governing Student Life


ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

It is the policy of the University that illicit drug use including their manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation or possession is prohibited in the workplace, on the campus, or as part of any University activity. Consequently the use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the campus or as part of any University activity unless for an approved sponsored event where alcoholic beverages may be legally distributed. For more information review, University policy A-41, Alcoholic Beverage Use on Campus,
(http://www.uhv.edu/fin/policy/A/a-41.aspx)

This policy applies to the University of Houston-Victoria employees and students. Reference the University of Houston Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy for additional prevention information.

The unlawful use of drugs or abuse of other drugs and alcohol is inconsistent with the behavior expected of members of the University community. The University is committed to the development and maintenance of a drug-free environment on the campus as well as an environment that prohibits the abuse of other drugs and alcohol. The University has a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program in operation and it is accessible to all members of the University community. The University is committed to the further expansion of that program and the dissemination of drug awareness information to the members of the University community. In addition, the University is committed to enforcing the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1989 and believes that these acts provide the proper framework for the drug and alcohol abuse policies of the University.

The effects and health risks associated with illegal use of drugs and alcohol and a summary of penalties under federal and Texas law are also described within the policy. Please review the complete Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention policy at, (http://www.uhv.edu/fin/policy/C/c-19.aspx).

Student Resources

The University Counseling Center empowers a very diverse UHV student body as competent adults to better mediate the multiple, often competing, factors required to positively affect personal change, and enhance quality of life. The University Counseling Center offers short term, episodic care to help students.

Penalties for Violation of the Policy (excerpts)

Any student who admits to or is found to have violated the University’s Student Code of Conduct regarding the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on campus or at university-sponsored events held off-campus, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, may be referred for prosecution, and/or may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug and alcohol assistance or rehabilitation program as agreed upon by the student and the university.

Loss of Student Eligibility for Federal Aid due to
Drug Conviction

The 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 includes a revised student eligibility provision. It provides that a student is ineligible for federal student aid if convicted, under federal or state law, of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance during a period of enrollment in which federal student aid was received. Federal aid can be grants, student loans, and/or college work study. The period of ineligibility begins on the date of conviction and lasts until the end of a statutorily specified period. The student may regain eligibility early by completing a drug rehabilitation program or if the conviction is overturned.

Section 484®*, Higher Education Act, detailing the suspension of eligibility for drug-related offenses and rehabilitation follows: