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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Activities. 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
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

3. Health Risks Associated With the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

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 Development and Enrollment Services 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 Rules 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:

  1. Disciplinary Warning: An official warning that the student’s behavior is in violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct, and that if the student is subsequently found in violation of this rule; subsequent action may be more severe.
  2. Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation status shall be for a specific length of time extending from a week to a number of semesters. Restrictive conditions may be imposed and vary according to the severity of the offense. Restrictive conditions may include, but may not be limited to the following: loss of good standing, which may become a matter of record; ineligibility to receive any University award, scholarship, loan, honorary recognition, or initiation into any local or national organizations, and denial of the privilege to occupy a position of leadership or responsibility in any University student organization, publication, or activity, or ability to represent the University in an official capacity or position. Under disciplinary probation, the student may continue to attend classes and is given a chance to show capability and willingness to live in accordance with University rules. However, if the student is subsequently found in violation of a rule while on disciplinary probation, the University may suspend or expel the student from the University.
  3. Disciplinary Suspension: A student involved in an offense warranting consideration of action more serious than disciplinary probation or one involved in repeated misconduct may face suspension. The length of the suspension period shall be defined and may extend from days to a number of semesters. During the period of suspension, a student may not attend classes and may not otherwise be present on University premises unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by the Director of the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities. Further, an overlay will be placed on a student’s record during the period of suspension. In determining if and to what extent suspended students shall be authorized to be on University premises, the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or designee shall consider whether the suspension creates an undue hardship on the suspended student in regard to considerations that include, but are not limited to, the medical needs of the student.
  4. Disciplinary Expulsion: When an offense is of such severity that the University will not allow the student to re-enroll, the student will be expelled. When a student has been expelled from the University for disciplinary reasons, a full report will be placed in the permanent record of the individual concerned. Further, an overlay will be permanently placed on the students records.
  5. Disciplinary Sanction Review Request:

    1. Disciplinary Probation

      After a student has completed a semester of their disciplinary probation they have the opportunity to request a review of their probation status. This request can only be submitted once a semester. Such a review shall allow the student the opportunity to discuss what he/she has done to proactively address their behavior. In considering this request a student’s good behavior shall assume that the student is performing above and beyond the basic requirements of their sanction(s). Students that simply fulfill the minimum requirements of their sanction(s) will not have their probation re-evaluated. If the student decides to use this procedure they must submit a written statement to the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities explaining why they feel their probation should end early. Such a written statement should include but is not limited to:

      • Involuntary and or voluntary psychological testing
      • Counseling
      • Educational programs
      • Community involvement/service
      • Occupational growth

      This statement will then be reviewed by the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or designee and he/she shall issue a decision within 14 calendar days. The decision shall include an assessment of the student’s progress and if rejected a rationale of the decision.

    2. Disciplinary Suspension

      After a student has completed half of their disciplinary suspension they have the opportunity to request a review of their suspension status. This request can only be submitted once a semester. Such a review shall allow the student the opportunity to discuss what he/she has done to proactively address their behavior. In considering this request a student’s good behavior shall assume that the student is performing above and beyond the basic requirements of their sanction(s). Students that simply fulfill the minimum requirements of their sanction(s) will not have their suspension re-evaluated. If the student decides to use this procedure they must submit a written statement to the Director of OSRR explaining why they feel their suspension should end early. Such a written statement should include but is not limited to:

      • Involuntary and or voluntary psychological testing
      • Counseling
      • Educational programs
      • Community involvement/service
      • Occupational growth

This statement will then be reviewed by the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or designee and they shall issue a decision within 14 calendar days. The decision shall include an assessment of the student’s progress and if rejected a rationale of the 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 (407) 823-4638.

B. 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.