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In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, this serves as the annual notice to all faculty, staff and students that the unauthorized purchase, manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, storage or use of an illegal drug or controlled substance while on duty, while in or on premises or property owned or controlled by the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, or while in vehicles used for Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é business is prohibited.

The abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs by members of The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso community are incompatible with the goals of the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. In order to further the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é’s commitment to provide a healthy and productive educational environment, it is the policy of The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (). The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations () require universities receiving any form of federal funding to develop and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

In addition, UTEP’s Drug and Alcohol policy for students’ states:

Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é regulations prohibit the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é property without prior written authorization by appropriate administrative officials. Residents of Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Housing are authorized to possess and consume beer and wine in the privacy of their living quarters, if they are of legal age under state law.

• Any student who is found responsible for the illegal use, possession and/or sale of a drug or narcotic is subject to discipline. If a student is found responsible for the illegal use, possession, and/or sale of a drug or narcotic on campus, the minimum sanction assessed shall be suspension from the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é for a specified period of time and/or suspension of rights and privileges.

In addition, UTEP’s Drug and Alcohol policy for faculty and staff states:

• The unauthorized use or possession of alcohol while on duty or while in vehicles used for Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é business is prohibited.
• Use of alcohol or an illegal drug or controlled substance while not on duty which adversely affects job performance or may adversely affect the health or safety of other employees, students, visitors is prohibited.
• Use of alcohol at an authorized Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é function, in the course of official Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é business, or at an authorized Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é site, which adversely affect job performance or may adversely affect the health or safety of any other person is prohibited.

• Faculty, Staff and Students Employees in violation of these policies may face disciplinary action up to and including termination and expulsion, in addition to facing sanctions under local, State, or federal law applicable to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol: Health hazards associated with the excessive use of alcohol or with alcohol dependency include dramatic behavioral changes, retardation of motor skills, and impairment of reasoning and rational thinking. These factors result in a higher incidence of accidents and accidental death for such persons than for non-users of alcohol. Nutrition also suffers and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are frequent. Prolonged alcohol abuse causes bleeding from the intestinal tract, damage to nerves and the brain, psychotic behavior, loss of memory and coordination, damage to the liver often resulting in cirrhosis, impotence, severe inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the bone marrow, heart, testes, ovaries, and muscles. Damage to the nerves and organs is usually irreversible. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in alcoholics and is 10 times more frequent than in non-alcoholics. Sudden withdrawal of alcohol from persons dependent on it will cause serious physical withdrawal symptoms.  Drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome.  Overdoses of alcohol can result in respiratory arrest and death.

Drugs: The use of illicit drugs usually causes the same general type of physiological and mental changes as alcohol, though frequently those changes are more severe and more sudden. Death or coma resulting from overdose of drugs is more frequent than from alcohol.

When an individual becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol, the effects can be devastating and widespread. Physical and mental health is damaged. Relationships with family, friends and colleagues suffer. Quality of work diminishes. The toll exacted by substance abuse is indeed heavy —and avoidable.

If you need help in dealing with an alcohol or substance abuse issues, options to seek treatment and counseling include the following:

For Students:

• Visit Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 915-747-5302
• Contact UTEP Collegiate Recovery Program 915-747-8370
• Contact Brief Alcohol Screening Intervention for College Students (BASICS) 915-747-8370

For additional assistance or questions regarding the policy or further support, please contact the Dean of Students Office 915-747-5648 or DOS@utep.edu

For Faculty and Staff:

• Contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 866-327-2400. It’s free and confidential.
• Contact your healthcare provider for assistance via your insurance plan.

For additional assistance or questions regarding the policy or further support, please contact Employee Relations @ employeerelations@utep.edu or Benefits @ benefits@utep.edu in the Office of Human Resources.

PENALTIES UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

Texas Statutes

Federal Statutes