Section 2 - General Policies

Policy Number: 2.9.1 - Alcohol and Other Drug Use


Lamar University shall fully comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) Part 86 from the Department of Education General Administrative Regulations. Regulation requirements state that all institutions of higher education (IHE) which receive any form of federal funding, must:

  • Develop and implement an alcohol and other drug abuse (AOD) program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees;
  • Annually notify all students and employees in writing of:
  1. Standards of conduct
  2. Possible legal sanctions and penalties
  3. Health risks associated with alcohol and other drug abuse
  4. AOD programs available for students, staff and faculty
  5. Disciplinary sanctions for violating the standards of conduct
  • Every two years, conduct a review of its AOD program for effectiveness and consistency, identify and implement any necessary changes, and prepare a report.

Failure to comply with the regulations listed above may result in terminating all forms of federal financial assistance.

This policy outlines necessary tasks of completion which will ensure compliance with the above stated mandate.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Office of Student Engagement shall be responsible for the enforcement of this policy.

Formation and maintenance of an Alcohol and Other Drug committee (AODC).

Director of Student Health Center shall chair the Alcohol and Other Drug Committee.

Members of this committee shall include student, faculty and staff representatives from:

  • Student Government Association
  • Human Resources
  • Athletics and Recreation
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Office of the Dean of Students
  • Lamar Police Department
  • Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Health Promotion and Wellness
  • Office of New Student and Leadership
  • Residence Life
  • Student Involvement-Peer Health Educators
  • Office of Risk Management
  • Lamar Institute of Technology representative
  • Faculty representative

At least annually the AODC will:

  • Meet collectively and review existing policies and website to ensure compliance with Federal mandates.
  • Modify and implement changes as necessary.
  • Verify that the written document (Awareness and Prevention Policy Notification Letter) was emailed to all students on one of the census days in the Fall, Spring, Summer 1,2,3, & 4 semesters annually and sent to all employees on January 1st annually.
  • Verify Human Resources has the most current edition of the Awareness and Prevention Policy Notification Letter and that it is made available to all new employees as part of their hiring process.
  • Create, modify and publish the Biennial Review prior to July 1st of the even numbered years after being signed off by the President of the University.
  • Maintain hard bound and website publications of the Biennial Review.
  • Ensure the Biennial Review is available to the Department of Education in either format upon request.