100.6 Drug-Free Campus

Date Adopted: 8/26/1988
Date Revised: 9/27/2017
Date Last Reviewed: 01/16/2024
References: Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1989
Issuing Office: Chancellor
Approved By: Office of the Chancellor

1. Policy

   The University of Montana Western is committed to providing a drug-free campus. In accordance with The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA):  The DFSCA requires that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education such as the University of Montana Western, must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.  If audited, failure to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Regulations may cause an institution to forfeit eligibility for federal funding.

2. Purpose

   The purpose of this policy is to comply with the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1989.

3. Procedures

   Any faculty member, staff member, or student who violates this prohibition, or who does not cooperate with the University in its attempts to maintain a drug-free environment, will face disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or dismissal from UMW. Such persons also may be required, as a condition of continuing their relationship with the University, to enroll, at their own expense, in a substance abuse counseling and/or treatment program.

   Individuals violating any town ordinances, state criminal laws, or federal laws relating to alcohol or drug use also risk fines and imprisonment.

   To certify its compliance with the regulations, the University of Montana Western has implemented a drug prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees both on school premises and as part of any of its activities.  Creating a program that complies with the regulations requires the University of Montana Western to do the following:

   • Prepare a written policy on alcohol and other drugs.
   • Develop a sound method of distribution of the policy to every student and IHE staff member each year.
   • Prepare a biennial review report on the effectiveness of its alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs and the consistency of policy enforcement.
   • Maintain its biennial review report on file so that it can be submitted, if requested by the U.S. Department of Education, other entity or individual.

   If questions arise related to any of these guidelines or policies, contact the Dean of Students for the appropriate department for referral. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with resources available in the area of substance abuse, counseling, and treatment. In addition, Student Counseling is available to assist students with substance-related problems.

4. Authority and References

   Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1989

5. Responsibility

   Chancellor, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Director of Student Counseling