Substance Abuse

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Andrews University is committed to providing a drug-free environment for learning and working. Such a commitment led the University to establish a Drug-Free Policy, which outlines clearly the University’s zero-tolerance position and strives to educate its student body on the advantages of a drug-free lifestyle. The University also helps chemically dependent students find resources to aid in their recovery.

Students are expected to remain drug-free. Drug-free means abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco and other mind-altering drugs. It also means refraining from the misuse and/or abuse of prescription drugs. The University also upholds all laws which prohibit the possession, use, manufacturing or distribution of controlled substances. The possession of drug paraphernalia and use of “look alike” or designer drugs including e-cigarettes are also prohibited and considered an offense of the Drug-Free Policy. A K-9 handler team is authorized by the University to conduct searches of campus facilities (see Campus Safety Services and Information ).

Students who have reportedly used alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances or who have appeared to linger in close proximity to alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances or drug paraphernalia should be prepared to participate in random, on-demand tobacco, alcohol and drug screenings as well as to engage in an educational course. In cases where there is not confirmed usage, costs related to tests required for students will be covered by the University if the results are negative and will be the responsibility of the student if the results are positive.

Voluntary Referral
All students can choose to voluntarily seek assistance in remaining drug- and alcohol-free. Faculty members, Counseling & Testing or Student Life professionals are available for consultations. No disciplinary action will typically be taken if the student initiates (without the information being already reported to or known by a University or law enforcement official) a voluntary effort to seek assistance and is faithful in following the established plan for attendance, removing triggers and for personal growth.

Substance use/abuse counseling is available from the Counseling & Testing Center. Limited services include the following:

• Professional substance abuse assessment
• Individual counseling
• Support groups for chemical dependency

Mandatory Referral
If students are found in violation of the policy, the University will activate the following response.

A first substance use offense or possession will result in a suspension from the University. To be eligible to regain and/or continue student status, the student must fulfill the following protocol:

1. Review and reaffirm commitment to a re-entry contract with a Student Life professional
2. Sign a release of information consent form with a Student Life professional
3. Serve a suspension from classes and all organized campus activities for a minimum of three class days
4. During the suspension and prior to returning to classes the student must:
   • Make an appointment with the Counseling & Testing Center within three days to begin the process to obtain a Substance Abuse Assessment and make arrangements to accept responsibility for fees related to the assessment
   • Request that the Counseling & Testing counselor submit to the referring entity a summary report of your assessment with recommendations for ongoing care
   • Request that the Counseling & Testing counselor submit verification of compliance with all recommended appointments for ongoing counseling sessions and care
   • Complete with the Counseling & Testing Center an educational course and related assignments which includes attendance of six sessions as outlined with the course counselor
   • Complete an exit interview with the course counselor
   • Submit documentation of the completion of a minimum of 12 hours of community service
5. Complete a 10-week citizenship probation that includes the removal of privileges (see Citizenship Disciplinary Procedures )

Violations related to illegal substances or to the responsibility of planning and/or hosting events where alcohol and illegal substances are served and/or consumed, or to being the seller or supplier of the substances, will result in a more major suspension. A stronger response may also be put into effect when a student is underage or provides alcohol and/or illegal substances to underage individuals. To be eligible to regain and/or continue student status the student must fulfill the following protocol:

1. Review and reaffirm commitment to a re-entry contract with a Student Life professional
2. Sign a release of information consent form with a Student Life professional
3. Serve a suspension which may be a minimum of one semester, during which time the student will be separated from the campus and all campus activities
4. Expect that a report will be made to the appropriate legal authorities if the student has violated laws regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances
5. Prior to returning to classes the student must:
   • Make an appointment with a licensed community Substance Abuse Counselor to obtain an assessment, and accept responsibility for fees related to the assessment
   • Sign a release of information consent form with the community Substance Abuse Counselor
   • Request that the Substance Abuse Counselor submit a summary report of the assessment, with recommendations for ongoing care and verification of compliance with all recommendations, to the vice president for Student Life
   • Submit documentation of the completion of a minimum of 20 hours of community service

Upon returning and registering for a future semester the student must:

• Complete with the Counseling & Testing Center an educational course and related assignments which includes attendance of six sessions as outlined with the course counselor
• Participate in random, on-demand drug testing and accept responsibility for related fees
• Complete an exit interview with the course counselor
• Complete a minimum 10-week citizenship probation that includes the removal of privileges (see Citizenship Disciplinary Procedures )

A second substance use offense or possession will result in, at minimum, a suspension from the University for the current semester and the ensuing semester during which time the student will be separated from the campus and all campus activities. A request for reinstatement will first require reapplication to the University.

Medical Marijuana
Michigan state law permits the use of medical marijuana, i.e., use by persons possessing lawfully issued medical marijuana cards. However, marijuana use, possession and/or cultivation is prohibited at educational institutions, which are recipients of federal funds and must be compliant with federal laws (including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act). The use, possession or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes is therefore not allowed on the property of Andrews University nor is it allowed at any University-sponsored event or activity off-campus.