Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)
 

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program.

All members of the UNT Community are encouraged to review the information on the following pages. This information is distributed on an annual basis

Students, faculty, and staff may request information about the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Review by contacting the Dean of Students at 940-565-2648. The full report is attached here.

Standards of Conduct

The use of illegal drugs, and the illegal use of alcoholic beverages, is identified as "conduct which adversely affects the university community." University regulations prohibit any unlawful possession, use, distribution, or sale of alcohol and other drugs by University students, faculty, staff, or guests to the University, on University-owned property, and at all University-sponsored activities.

University of North Texas students are also prohibited from the illegal use of drugs or alcohol whether on or off-campus.

The legal age for the consumption of alcohol is 21 years of age. Any underage student consuming alcohol is violating standards for student conduct. Additionally, excessive alcohol use can lead to additional violations, such as driving while intoxicated or public intoxication.

Students living on campus (UNT Housing) should note that "The Housing and Residence Life Department has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drug use or possession."

Disciplinary Sanctions

The penalties for misconduct range from admonition to expulsion. Typically, students who have violated the Code of Student Conduct will be referred to the Recovery and Intervention Support and Education (RISE) Center to set up a meeting with the Substance Use Resource & Education (S.U.R.E.) program to complete an individualized education plan. A health and substance use educator will meet with the student and complete an assessment covering alcohol and other drug use history, the reason for referral, family and personal history, health concerns, safety issues, and the consequences associated with use. The educator will also assess the student's readiness for change and establish behavior change goals. 

Faculty sanctions are listed under the UNT Faculty Misconduct and Discipline Policy. 

Staff sanctions are listed under the Staff Employee Discipline and Involuntary Termination Policy.Performance Counseling and Discipline Policy. 

Health Risks

Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below. For more information contact the RISE Center by calling 940-565-3177 or visiting Chestnut Hall 301. You can also contact the Office of Health Promotion by calling 940-565-2787 or visiting Chestnut 301.

Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and tranquilizers)

Accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to heart, liver, pancreas, and a developing fetus, Increase risk on cancer, decrease effectiveness of immune system. Overdose can occur when used with other depressants. Tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal can occur.

Cannabis (also known as marijuana)

Short term effects include problems with memory, thinking, problem solving, and physical coordination. Can cause confusion, anxiety, and paranoia, and increase the risk of respiratory ailments. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence.

Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine) 

Harmful effects include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, slowed breathing. Long term effects include liver and kidney disease, lung complications, mental disorders, sleep disruption. Tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and overdose can occur. 

Stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, and methcathinone)

Chronic, high dose use can cause agitation, hostility, panic, aggression, chest pain, excessive sweating, vomiting. Tolerance, physical dependence and overdose can occur.

Nicotine

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production, and metabolism. Physical dependence and withdrawal from nicotine can occur.

Inhalants

Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. The use of these drugs slows down many body functions. Chronic use of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems. High doses can cause loss of consciousness and sudden death. 

Treatment Options

A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling, and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from the university and community agencies, students may contact the RISE Center by calling 940-565-3177 or visiting Chestnut Hall 301. You can also contact the Office of Health Promotion by calling 940-565-2787 or visiting Chestnut 301. Faculty and staff members may contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-343-3822 or Human Resources at 940-565-4817.

Individual assessment and counseling for UNT students:

  1. Early intervention, assessment, education, and referral
  2. Educational sessions for those concerned about alcohol or other drug use
  3. Code of Conduct violation referrals
  4. Harm reduction training
  5. Support Groups

Educational Programs

  1. Speakers on a wide variety of topics related to drug and alcohol use
  2. Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS)
  3. Choices
  4. Alcohol, drug, and marijuana use programs available by appointment

Events

  1. Alcohol and drug-free events
  2. Safer Spring Break
  3. Substance Free Tailgating (UNT Football games)
  4. National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
  5. International Overdose Awareness Day 
  6. Recovery Month Events

 

 

Recovery and Intervention Support & Education Center - 940-565-3177
Alcohol and other drug prevention education, early intervention, and recovery support services

Student Health and Wellness Center - 940-565-2333
Medical and Psychiatric Service

Counseling and Testing Services - 940-565-2741
Professional, confidential consultation/screenings and counseling services

UNT Police Department - 940-565-3000
Presentations on legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use and related issues

Dean of Students - 940-565-2039
Address the Code of Student Conduct, enforces policies and procedures, and provides students with resources necessary to resolve personal disputes.

Student Legal Services - 940-565-2631
Legal advice and counsel.

UNT Human Resources Department - 940-565-4817
Services, guidance, education, and training (faculty and staff), mandatory referrals to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (faculty and staff), enforces policies and procedures for staff; assistance with disciplinary action for staff; assistance with mediation procedures through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) program for faculty and staff.

EAP (Alliance Work Partners) - 1-800-343-3822
Short term counseling and referral for qualified employees. Online resources, education, and training.