Drug-Free Policy

1. Standards of Conduct

This is a statement of the standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions to be imposed for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by UCF students and employees on UCF property or as part of any of its activities.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance or the unlawful possession or use of alcohol is prohibited in and on UCF owned and controlled property or as part of any of its activities. Any UCF employee or student determined to have violated this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct, action which may include termination or expulsion and referral for criminal prosecution. No employee or student is to report to work, class or any University activity while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. Violation of these policies by an employee or student will be reason for evaluation and possible intervention or treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse or dependency disorders.

A. Campus Alcoholic Beverages Policy:

Policy –The sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall comply with state and federal laws, city and county ordinances, and the licensing agreement with on-campus distributors which allows for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. In addition, the University has formulated the following policies governing the sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus.
Guidelines –The sale or service of alcoholic beverages to persons younger than 21 years of age is prohibited.
1. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by persons younger than 21 years of age.
2. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in open or unsealed containers is prohibited, except in designated areas or as approved for special events.
3. Individuals are responsible for their actions, regardless of whether or not their mental or physical state may be affected by mind-altering chemicals such as alcohol and other drugs.
4. Student organizations may develop more stringent regulations regarding alcohol use.
Location –The sale of alcoholic beverages on the University campus is only permitted in licensed areas by licensed on-campus distributors.
1. The sale or service of alcoholic beverages to individuals of legal age will be permitted at other select campus locations for catered functions by properly authorized distributors.
2. The serving, possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals of legal age may be permitted in private residential rooms in the residence halls and other on-campus housing, unless otherwise prohibited by the governing organization. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public or common areas within on-campus residential units shall follow guidelines provided by their governing organization.
3. Licensed alcohol vendor staff must complete UCF approved beverage server training and maintain current certification.
Approval Procedures for Student Groups – Prior approvals for students or student organizations to host an event where alcoholic beverages are present in non-licensed campus locations must be obtained from the Associate Vice President for Campus Life or designee.The following information must be supplied by the student organization and approved by the appropriate University officials, no less than 15 calendar days prior to the event(s). The required form may be obtained from the Office of Student Involvement. These arrangements include, but are not limited to:
- Sponsoring organization and nature of event;
- Date, beginning and ending times, and location of event;
- Number in attendance and method of registering guests;
- Method of designation for those of legal drinking age / under legal drinking age;
- Contained area where alcohol consumption is permitted;
- Type and quantity of alcohol, along with food and alternative non-alcoholic beverages to be provided;
- Method of security, including the number of law enforcement personnel assigned to the event
- Person to be contacted at event in case of questions or problems
Approval Procedures for Non-Student Groups – When an event is properly scheduled to take place in a location for which a campus concession holds a license, alcoholic beverages are to be sold through the concession and their license. Groups or organizations that seek to sell beer or wine, along with a non-alcoholic beverage choices, at other locations on campus must obtain approval to secure a beer or wine license from the Director of Business Services prior to making application for the license. Once approved by the Director of Business Services, the license can then be obtained by the organization from the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Division of the Department of Business Regulations.

B. Student Organizations:

Active registered student organizations must secure, in writing, permission to serve or consume alcoholic beverages on property owned or operated by the University of Central Florida for the purpose of engaging in any activity to benefit either their own organization directly, or a program that their organization may sponsor, as follows:
1. Student Union and inside the Pegasus Circle – Director of the Student Union and Recreation and Wellness Center or designee.
2. Outdoor area immediately adjacent to any building – officially designated building manager for that facility.
3. Other outdoor open spaces on the campus – designated sponsors, i.e. Lake Claire – Director of the Student Union and Recreation and Wellness Center or designee.
4. Inside any building – officially designated building manager for that facility.
Permission by active registered student organizations to use any space at each area campus or its host institution’s campus, for the purpose of providing or consuming alcoholic beverages, must be secured in writing in advance from the Associate Vice President for Campus Life or designee for the campus.
Off campus groups or organizations, who seek to serve alcoholic beverages in a location or situation which does not require a license, are required to obtain prior approval to serve alcohol on campus from the Director of Business Services.

2. Applicable Legal Sanctions under Federal, State and Local Law for the Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

Criminal Sanctions:

Under Florida and federal law, it is a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute illegal drugs.

The Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice, is the federal enforcer of drug laws in the United States. “The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Title II and Title III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, is the legal foundation of the U.S. Government’s fight against the abuse of drugs and other substances. This law is a consolidation of numerous laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of controlled substances.” (Source: Drugs of Abuse, Drug Enforcement Administration, 2005).

Federal law sanctions the illegal possession of drugs. Sanctions may include imprisonment; civil fines; forfeiture of real and personal property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if the offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment; forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used, or intended for use, to transport or conceal drugs; denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses; successful completion of a drug treatment program; community service; and ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm. Federal sentencing guidelines provide for minimum sentences and fines.

Florida law Statute 893:

Makes all drug trafficking illegal and considers such activity to constitute a felony. Felony level penalties include substantial terms of imprisonment, civil fines, and civil forfeiture of all real or personal property used in the illegal activity or obtained with the proceeds of the illegal activity.

Florida law also prohibits the purchase or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, or the furnishing of alcohol to such a person. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs also is illegal. It is against Florida law, under certain circumstances, to walk or be upon a roadway while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The punishment for these offenses may include imprisonment, payment of a fine, mandatory treatment and education programs, community service, and mandatory loss of one’s driver’s license.

The following information on health risks is from What Works: Schools Without Drugs, U. S. Department of Education (1992):

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including sexual assault, and spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described above. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk of developing alcoholism than are other children.
The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other over-the-counter drugs also pose a serious threat to health. The use of marijuana (cannabis) may cause impairment of short-term memory, comprehension, and ability to perform tasks requiring concentration. Marijuana use may cause lung damage, paranoia, and possible psychosis. The use of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens may cause nervous system disorders and possible death as the result of an overdose. Illicit inhalants can cause respiratory, liver and brain damage.
The following lists the possible effects and health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and controlled substances.

4. Drug/Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation and/or Re-entry Programs Available to UCF Student and Employees

A broad range of student services are provided through UCF’s Division of Student Success and Well-Being are available to assist students with non-academic problems that negatively affect their performances.

A variety of counseling services and treatment centers are available throughout the state for anyone experiencing problems related to substance abuse. Although most counseling and treatment centers charge for their services, some programs are free of charge.

For students, the Student Health Center offers a variety of substance abuse prevention programs, substance-free social activities, and intervention, and treatment, services. Students in recovery from substance or process addictions have access to recovery coaching, academic, and career advising as well as on-campus self-help groups. The Recreation and Wellness Center also provides substance-free programs and activities to enhance students’ health and wellbeing.

The UCF Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides services to personnel employed at all campuses. EAP services are available at no charge to UCF employees (except OPS personnel which include adjunct faculty, graduate and student assistants) and immediate family who live in their household as defined by the State Employee’s Group insurance. UCF’s EAP is an employee benefit designed to provide initial confidential assessment, counseling and referral services to employees whose personal problems are adversely affecting their job performance and overall wellbeing. The program is designed to identify problems and assist employees (with the support of their affected dependents) by providing professional assistance while the problems are still in the early stages. EAP services offered or referred address a broad range of issues that trouble employees and/or dependents and include the illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol abuse. Specifically, the EAP is designed to:

Refer troubled employees/dependents;
Motivate employees/dependents to seek and accept assistance;
Assess troubled employee/dependents’ problems and personal resources;
Recommend plan of action;
Provide initial counseling, and/or referral to such individuals.

For additional information regarding substance abuse:

Contact the Behavioral Health Clinic in Student Health Services, (407) 823-2924 for more information about substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services for students.
Contact the Employee Relations Coordinator, (407) 823-5184 or contact the Employee Assistance Program offered by Horizon Health for information about counseling and treatment resources for employees and the University’s policies on alcohol and other drugs as they pertain to employees. Horizon Health may be reached at (407)788-8822 or (800)272-7252.
TDD phone numbers are available, which will be directly answered by a counselor. The numbers are (407) 788-1186 if you are in the (407) area and 1-888-883-2017, internationally. They also have VCO and HCO capabilities. Please only use these numbers if you are hearing or speech impaired.

5. Disciplinary Sanctions

A. Student Misconduct:

The University of Central Florida’s student conduct regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. The regulations also prohibit other alcohol-related misconduct. All students under the age of 21 are prohibited from possession and consumption of alcohol. All students are prohibited from the use and possession of illegal drugs. In addition, student organizations sponsoring events where alcohol is present are subject to the requirements and guidelines of the University’s Social Events policy and registration form. Sanctions for violations of these student conduct regulations may include alcohol and/or other drug education, mandated evaluation and treatment, community service, suspension, and/or expulsion.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) have given colleges/universities the option to notify parents/guardians about specific types of information from a student’s judicial record.

Parental Notification Policy: The University of Central Florida will notify parents or guardians of dependent students, defined in F.S. 228.093 under the age of 21, when the student is found responsible for violating University alcohol or other drug policies as found in the student handbook, The Golden Rule.

The sanctions which may be imposed on students for violation of any of the Code of Conduct of this University shall include any of the sanctions listed under informal disposition or any of the following. Review boards may recommend any sanction listed below:

Disciplinary Warning: An official warning that the student’s behavior is in violation of the UCF Code of Conduct.
Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary Probation status shall be for a specific length of time in which any further violation of the Code of Conduct puts the student’s status with the University in jeopardy. While on Disciplinary Probation, the student may continue to attend classes and is given a chance to show capability and willingness to live in accordance with the Code of Conduct. If the student is found responsible for another violation of the Code of Conduct, while on Disciplinary Probation, more severe sanctions may be imposed. Restrictive conditions may be imposed and vary according to the severity of the offense. A non-exhaustive list of possible restrictive conditions shall be listed on the SCAI website (scai.sdes.ucf.edu). Student leadership eligibility shall be governed by the eligibility requirements outlined by the Office of Student Involvement and their eligibility appeal process. While on Disciplinary Probation, a service indicator will be placed on a student’s record for record keeping purposes.
Deferred Disciplinary Suspension: Deferred Disciplinary Suspension is a designated period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the Code of Conduct. Deferred Disciplinary Suspension is used for offenses found serious enough to warrant Disciplinary Suspension, but where the specific circumstances of the case mitigate the offense or for repeated offenses of a less serious nature. During a Deferred Disciplinary Suspension, the student will be officially suspended from the university, but the suspension will be deferred, meaning that the student may continue to attend classes. Students placed on Deferred Disciplinary Suspension will have a conduct overlay placed on their transcripts for the period of time that the Deferred Disciplinary Suspension is in effect. The conduct overlay is a notation indicating that the student is not in good standing. Restrictive conditions may be imposed and vary according to the severity of the offense. A non-exhaustive list of possible restrictive conditions shall be listed on the SCAI website (scai.sdes.ucf.edu). Student leadership eligibility shall be governed by the eligibility requirements outlined by the Office of Student Involvement and their eligibility appeal process. A disciplinary suspension will be enforced for failure to complete any assigned educational sanctions by the deadline(s) and/or for any subsequent violation of the Code of Conduct, unless the Director of SCAI or designee determines otherwise in exceptional circumstances. If the student is found responsible for any violation(s) of the Code of Conduct that occurred while on Deferred Disciplinary Suspension status, including failure to complete any assigned educational sanctions by the deadline(s), the student will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) semester, in addition to the educational sanctions imposed for the subsequent violation. While on Deferred Disciplinary Suspension, a service indicator will be placed on a student’s record for recordkeeping purposes.
Disciplinary Suspension: A student involved in an offense warranting consideration of action more serious than Deferred Disciplinary Suspension or one involved in repeated misconduct may face Disciplinary Suspension. During the period of Disciplinary Suspension, a student may not be enrolled in classes, participate in University related activities, whether they occur on or off campus. A student under Disciplinary Suspension may not otherwise be present on University premises unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by the Director of SCAI or designee. Upon being withdrawn, the student may no longer enroll in classes, may not be an active member of a Registered Student Organization, may no longer use university facilities, must vacate university owned housing, may no longer be permitted on university property, may not be employed by the University, and may be entitled to whatever refunds of tuition, fees, and room and board charges as would be appropriate given the timing of the withdrawal. In determining if and to what extent suspended students shall be authorized to be on University premises, the Director of SCAI or designee shall consider whether the suspension creates an undue hardship on the disciplinary suspended student. Students placed on Disciplinary Suspension will have a conduct overlay placed on their transcript for the period of time that the Disciplinary Suspension is in effect. The conduct overlay is a notation indicating that the student is not in good standing. Further, while on Disciplinary Suspension, a hold will be placed on a student’s record for record keeping purposes. All assigned educational sanctions must be completed prior to the conclusion of Disciplinary Suspension; otherwise, the Disciplinary Suspension will remain in effect.
Disciplinary Dismissal: Disciplinary Dismissal is a sanction which removes the student from the individual’s academic program and separates the student from the University for a period of at least two years and up to seven years. A dismissed student has none of the rights or privileges of a student of the University. A student under Disciplinary Dismissal may not otherwise be present on University premises for the duration of the dismissal unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by the Director of SCAI or designee. Following Disciplinary Dismissal, the individual must apply for readmission to the University. Readmission is possible but not guaranteed and will only be considered after the two-to-seven-year time allotted from the effective date of the Dismissal, based on meeting all readmission criteria and obtaining clearance from the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students or designee. This may include restricted access to campus and/or other specified activities. Students placed on Disciplinary Dismissal will have a conduct overlay placed on their transcript for the period of time that the Disciplinary Dismissal is in effect. The conduct overlay is a notation indicating that the student is not in good standing. Further, while on Disciplinary Dismissal, a hold will be placed on a student’s record for record keeping purposes. All assigned educational sanctions must be completed prior to the conclusion of Disciplinary Dismissal; otherwise, the Disciplinary Dismissal will remain in effect.
Disciplinary Expulsion: Disciplinary Expulsion is a sanction which removes the student from the individual’s academic program and permanently separates a student from the University without opportunity to graduate or re-enroll at the university in the future. A student under Disciplinary Expulsion may not otherwise be present on University premises. An overlay will be permanently placed on the student’s record. Further, a hold will be permanently placed on a student’s record for record keeping purposes.

B. Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED) Program:

The Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED) Program is designated for a student to have the opportunity to demonstrate that in the period following the conclusion of the Student Conduct Review Process, they have taken steps to become a productive and engaged member of the UCF Community.
Upon completion of one semester of Disciplinary Probation, Deferred Disciplinary Suspension, or Disciplinary Suspension and completion of all educational sanctions, a student can request a review of their disciplinary status through the Community ReEngagement and Educational Development (CREED) Program. Students who have a Z Designation on their transcript are eligible to apply once the duration of their Disciplinary Suspension has ended and all educational sanctions are complete.
1. Students who have been found responsible of Sex-Based Misconduct (Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment) or Title IX Sexual Harassment are ineligible to apply for relief under the CREED Program.
2. Students who have been found responsible of a violation of the Code of Conduct that had a substantially negative impact on a person or group of people, as determined by SCAI, are ineligible to seek relief under the CREED Program.
Requests must be submitted to the Director of SCAI or designee via an online CREED Program submission form available at www.scai.sdes.ucf.edu/creed. This request can only be submitted once a semester.
The Director of SCAI or designee will review applications submitted before the semesterly deadline(s) during the application review period(s). Information on application deadlines and review periods can be found at https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/creed-program . The Director of SCAI or designee shall conduct a preliminary review to ensure that the student’s request meets the necessary eligibility and application requirements. The Director of SCAI or designee must communicate the finding of the preliminary review of the application as well as the date and time of the CREED Review Meeting that has been scheduled for a committee to conduct a review of the student’s application, if applicable. The student has three (3) business days from when the Director of SCAI or designee sent their preliminary findings to request an alternate date and time of the CREED Review Meeting.
Prior to this meeting, the committee will have reviewed the submitted packet and will prepare questions for the student to address, as well as provide the student with the opportunity to further discuss why their disciplinary status should be altered or terminated or why the Z Designation should be removed from the student’s transcript. No alterations shall be made to include new or increased sanctions. Should the committee feel that further information and/or documentation is necessary in order to render a recommendation, the review may be temporarily recessed. The student will be given ten (10) business days to produce the information and/or documentation. Upon receipt of the requested information and/or documentation, the committee will reconvene the CREED Review Meeting with the student.
After the meeting, the committee will issue a recommendation to the Director of SCAI or designee. The Director of SCAI or designee will provide a final decision to the student in writing within ten (10) business days of receiving the recommendation.
If the request is denied by the Director of SCAI or designee the final decision shall include a concise and explicit written statement that explains the basis for that decision and suggested action items for the student’s success.
There is no appeal process for a CREED Review Meeting decision.

For additional information regarding:

The University’s policies on alcohol and other drugs as they pertain to students, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity at (407) 823-4638.

C. Faculty/Staff Misconduct

In order to comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, the University of Central Florida requires that an employee employed on a grant or contract notify the Office of Human Resources of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after such conviction. The University will notify the federal contracting agency within 10 days of having received notice that an employee engaged in the performance of such a contract or grant has had a criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace. The University will discipline any employee who is so convicted and/or require the employee’s satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.