Alchohol & Substance Abuse Policies

Regis University permits no use of illegal or controlled substances anywhere on its campus at any time. As written in the Student Handbook, the following activities are prohibited:

  • Sale, use, distribution, or possession of any controlled substance, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
  • Knowing presence in an area of a University building or University property where such substances are being used or are present.
  • Attempted sale, use, distribution or acquisition of any controlled substance, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.

Alcoholic beverage use is restricted to the Walker Pub for those 21 years of age or older with proper identification. Students may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages anywhere else on campus, including residence halls, athletic facilities, or academic buildings.

Staff or faculty may consume alcoholic beverages during official University functions, but not at other times on campus.

Sanctions for violating University policies concerning alcohol or drug use include:

  • Alcohol. Students violating University policies concerning alcohol use face warnings for the first offense, and additional penalties, including probation and suspension, for subsequent offenses. Students may also be required to participate in counseling assessment and educational activities.
  • Drugs. Penalties for possession include probation and required assessment for the initial offense and suspension or expulsion for any subsequent offense. The penalty for sale or distribution of drugs is immediate expulsion.
  • Employees. Employees who violate University drug and alcohol policies face penalties including probation and dismissal from employment.

Applicable local ordinances include citations and fines for possession of alcohol by underage individuals, while penalties for possession or sale of drugs can include probation, fines and prison sentences.

Drug-Free Campus Policy

Regis University encourages all members of its community to learn proficiently, think logically and identify and choose personal standards of values which are socially responsible, and develop the skills and leadership abilities necessary for distinguished professional performance and significant contributions to the improvement and transformation of society.

In consonance with this mission, the University is committed to preventing the use of illegal substances by students, faculty and staff and to encouraging responsible behavior regarding alcohol and legal addictive substances through policy, education and treatment.

In the case of employees, the Regis University Office of Human Resources, and in the case of students, the Regis University Office of Student Life shall, at least annually, distribute to each employee, and each student who is taking one or more courses for any kind of academic credit at any Regis campus, a copy or summary of the Regis University Drug Free Campus Policy, a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, and a description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students.

The University provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for regular employees who work 1,000 hours or more a year. The primary services of this program include assessment, referral and short-term problem solving for employees who are experiencing substance abuse or other personal problems which affect job performance. Eligible employees may seek the services of the EAP on his/her own initiative, or a supervisor may direct the employee to the service when a decline in performance quality occurs. Supervisors are trained to focus on employee performance difficulties which may or may not be related to substance abuse rather than attempt to assess the cause of the problem. However, employees convicted of drug offenses may be required to utilize the services of the EAP or may be referred directly to a drug rehabilitation facility.

The Regis University Choices Program offers the services of assessment, referral and short-term counseling to traditional undergraduate students who are experiencing substance abuse problems. This department also offers referral services to other University students. A student may seek these services on his/her own initiative or may be directed to participate in the services as a result of a disciplinary sanction.

In addition, the Choices Program provides awareness programs which focus on the dangers of and health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Such programs are made available to the entire University community.

Regis University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, consumption, sale or use of controlled substances on or in University-owned or controlled property or in the course of University business or activities. Individuals including, but not limited to, students, employees, contractors, agents, volunteers, or invitees who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline, termination/dismissal, debarment, arrest or citation, and referral by University officials for prosecution, as applicable. Additionally, employees or students who violate this policy may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the University.

The University also prohibits possession or consumption of alcohol by its students and employees, except in designated locations at supervised events. No one under 21 years of age may possess or consume alcohol on campus. In addition, no alcohol possession or consumption is permitted by anyone in residence halls, classes or athletic events. Violators are subject to applicable sanctions described in the University Human Resources Manual and Student Handbook. Any employee or student guilty of violating a local, state, or federal law pertaining to unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol must notify the appropriate University official, in writing, no later the five calendar days after conviction. Failure to comply with this notification requirement will result immediate termination or dismissal.

No later than 30 calendar days after receiving notification of such conviction from an employee or student, the University shall:

  • Take action against the employee or student to include any range of authorized disciplinary actions up to termination/dismissal; and/or
  • Require the employee or student to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the University; and
  • If the employee or student is authorized to work on a grant provided by the federal government at the time of the incident, the University shall notify the agency which awarded the grant within 10 calendar days after receipt of notification from employee.

Regis University will review this Policy and the related drug and alcohol programs biennially to determine their effectiveness, implement any indicated changes and ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced. The University reserves the right to implement changes at any time by approval of the President.