UTHSC Faculty, Staff & Students,
The Office of Student Affairs is glad that each of you has selected UTHSC for your educational pursuits. Adding to this, we are deeply invested in your well-being. To facilitate your best health and to keep you abreast of important policies related to your health, the Office of Student Affairs would like to provide you the following information related to relevant UTHSC drug and alcohol policies. Please review this information. Should you have any questions please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 901-448-5560.
You may access additional information regarding Student Right To Know and Consumer Information notices at: https://www.uthsc.edu/students/consumer_info.php
Drug & Alcohol Policy
In accordance with local, state and federal laws and with University Regulations, Faculty, staff and students are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using, selling, manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs on University owned or controlled property. Also, persons are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, manufacturing or distributing alcoholic beverages on University owned or controlled property.
This policy extends to off-campus University sponsored (funded) events as well. At off-campus University sponsored events; students are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using, selling, manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs. Alcohol shall not be abused by those of legal drinking age, nor used, possessed or distributed by those who have not attained drinking age. Additionally, students are prohibited from being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on University owned or controlled property or while attending any University sponsored (funded) activity.
Penalties
Violation of University Policy as stated above will result in disciplinary action taken against the responsible student. A violation may result in a sanction ranging from a simple warning and referral for treatment to a full suspension or expulsion from the University and may also result in referral for prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. For a more detailed view of the disciplinary process, see “Code of Student Conduct” found in the CenterScope at https://www.uthsc.edu/centerscope/ or contact the Office of Student Affairs at 901-448-5560.
Use, possession, and/or distribution of items which violate these policies carry with them penalties which extend beyond those potentially levied by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Under the laws of the state of Tennessee, a person convicted of the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of an illicit drug or alcohol may face a fine ranging from fifty dollars ($50) to $500,000 and may face imprisonment ranging from thirty (30) days to sixty (60) years. Dependent on the offense and its classification, the fine and imprisonment may vary but will be within the limits noted. Descriptions of the offenses and sanctions listed are located in the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) in section 39-17-401 through 427 and in sections 40-35-101 through 504.
Under the laws of the United States, a person convicted of the manufacture, distribution or possession of any controlled sub-stance may face a fine of up to $100,000 and may face imprisonment of up to one (1) year for Schedule V drugs, and a fine of up to $1,000,000 and life imprisonment for Schedule I drugs. Dependent on the offense and its classification (according to the schedule of the drug), the sanction may vary but will be within the limits listed above. These sanctions are doubled when the offense involves either (i) distribution or possession at or near a school or college campus (emphasis supplied) or (ii) distribution to persons under 21 years of age. Additional sanctions include civil fines of up to $1,000,000 for simple possession and loss of eligibility for federal benefits. Descriptions of offenses and sanctions are located in the United States Code (U.S.C.), title 21, sections 801 et seq.
Health Risk
The use of illicit drugs or alcohol may result in a variety of health problems. Excessive use of alcohol, for instance has been shown to result in damage to the heart and liver; impairment of brain activity, digestion and blood circulation; impairment of judgment, memory and motor skills; and ultimately may lead to death. The use of illicit drugs has been shown to cause organic damage, impairment of physiological processes, and impairment to mental functioning. Risks of contracting hepatitis, AIDS and other infection increases when illicit drugs are injected. The use of illicit drugs may also lead to death.
Help
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center students have access to a wide variety of drug or alcohol related counseling/assistance programs, both on and off campus. On campus services free to students, include those services offered by the University Health Services (https://www.uthsc.edu/univheal/). For more information on services (both on campus and off campus), contact University Health Services at 901-448-5630.