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Dear UCI Students,

This is an annual notification sent out to all students about UCI’s alcohol and substance misuse policies for keeping our campus community and worksites free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol and controlled substances. As a public institution, the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/house-bill/3614) mandates that we send this information annually to all students.

University Policy and Sanctions

The University strives to maintain campus communities and worksites free from the illegal use, possession, and/or distribution of alcohol and other illicit drugs, including prescription drugs not prescribed for the individual, and all forms of cannabis products, which are not allowed on campus, any campus-owned property, or at any university-sponsored off-campus activity. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use or sale of alcohol or controlled substances by University employees and students, on University premises, at official University functions, or while on University business is prohibited. Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to University sanctions and/or may be referred for criminal prosecution. Sanctions include:

  • Warning/censure
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Loss of privileges and exclusion from university-sponsored activities
  • Suspension
  • Dismissal
  • Exclusion from areas of the campus or from official university functions
  • Restitution
  • Revocation of award of degree
  • Requiring participation as a volunteer in activities that serve the University
  • Specifying requirements relating to expectations of behavior in a contract
  • Reflection papers
  • Other actions as set forth in campus regulations

Specific University policies are listed below:

University of California, Irvine - Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students - Section 102.17 (Controlled Substances)
https://aisc.uci.edu/policies/pacaos/index.php

University of California, Irvine - Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students - Section 102.18 (Alcohol)
https://aisc.uci.edu/policies/pacaos/index.php

UC Irvine Administrative Policies & Procedures
Section 900-13: Policy on Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
https://www.policies.uci.edu/policies/pols/900-13.php

University of California Policy on Substance Abuse
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/2710530/PACAOS-100

Loss of Financial Aid for Conviction Involving Possession/Sale of Illegal Drugs

A conviction under federal or state law for any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs during a period of enrollment at UCI for which a student receives Title IV, Higher Education Act Federal Student Aid (i.e., grants, loans, or work study), renders the student ineligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance from the date of the conviction for the period of time specified in 20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(1).

Additionally under the Higher Education Act, a student whose eligibility has been suspended may resume eligibility before the end of the ineligibility period if the student satisfactorily completes a drug rehabilitation program that complies with certain criteria and includes two unannounced drug tests; or the conviction is reversed, set aside, or otherwise rendered futile. More information can be found by viewing the entire legislation: 20 U.S.C 1091(r):

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1091%20edition:prelim)

Federal Laws and Sanctions

Under federal law, it is a felony offense to sell or intend to sell, manufacture, or distribute Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scheduled drugs or mixtures containing them (e.g., fentanyl, all forms of cannabis products, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, heroin, MDMA [Ecstasy], GHB, Methadone, LSD, PCP, Ketamine, so-called “designer drugs,” and “counterfeits” (purported to be such drugs.) Penalties depend on the quantity of drugs involved (https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=30). Note that illegal trafficking in over-the-counter or prescription drugs that are listed as DEA Schedules II-V are included in the above penalties and files.

Any student convicted of possession or distribution of controlled substances can be barred from receiving benefits of federal programs, including student grants, loans, work-study, and contracts, ability to conduct teaching and research using controlled substances, and professional and commercial licenses. Furthermore, any student convicted may be subject to forfeiture of property used in or traceable to illegal controlled substance transactions. Non-citizens are subject to deportation.

California Laws and Sanctions

California law prohibits furnishing or selling alcoholic beverages to anyone younger than 21 or to obviously intoxicated individuals. Thus, anyone younger than 21 may not buy alcoholic beverages or possess them on campus or anywhere else, and the penalties for violation of these laws may include substantial fines and/or jail time. California law prohibits the sale of alcohol without a license or permit.

State law also prohibits driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs (legal or illegal drugs, if ability to drive safely is impaired), or alcohol (a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is considered intoxicated for those 21 and over operating a regular passenger vehicle, but a person can be charged with a lower level; a blood alcohol level of 0.01% or higher is illegal for those under 21); drinking or possessing an open container of alcohol or any cannabis product while driving; and operating a bicycle while intoxicated. Penalties for driving while intoxicated can include incarceration, fines of $1,000 or more, and suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license. Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test can result in a driver’s license suspension of up to three years.

Health Risks Associated with Substance Misuse

Misuse of alcohol or other drugs can cause serious health problems, including both short- and long-term impairment of learning ability, memory, and performance. Even one-time use, or moderate use, can cause serious reactions. Mixing drugs can compound toxic effects, and illegal drugs can be contaminated or have impurities that can be lethal. Short-term consequences can include heart and/or lung damage, spikes in blood pressure, stroke, destruction of brain cells, permanent memory loss, kidney failure, and liver cirrhosis. Substance misuse can also increase the likelihood of accidents and injury.

Information regarding specific drugs and their actions and policies related to alcohol and drugs are located in the link below:

National Institute on Drug Abuse Information About Specific Drugs and Their Actions
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse

Education and Prevention Programs, Assistance Services & Resources

Free campus resources for students:

Free community resources for everyone:

If you have questions regarding this notification, please email deanstu@uci.edu.


Sincerely,

Ellen Whitehead, Ed.D.
 Acting Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students
Student Life & Leadership

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