Student Handbook - Substance Abuse Policy

DeVry forbids the use, possession, distribution, or sale of drugs or alcohol by students anywhere on Institute property. Students in violation of state, federal, or other local regulations with respect to illegal drugs or alcohol may be subject to both criminal prosecution and campus disciplinary action.

Substances and Effects of Occasional and Extended Use:

• Alcohol (at .10 Blood Alcohol Concentration and Above):

  Impaired motor abilities; reduced judgment; sleepiness; increased sexual desire but reduced ability to perform; nausea; vomiting; liver disorders such as alcoholic hepatitis and alcohol cirrhosis; cancer of the tongue, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and breast; fetal alcohol syndrome, most commonly exhibited in mental retardation.

• Cannabis (Marijuana, Hash, Hash Oil and THC):

  Diminished short-term memory, motivation and cognition, coordination and concentration, oral communication and reaction time; anxiety and panic reactions; damaged lungs and respiratory system; effects of carcinogenic elements in smoke.

• Cocaine Including Crack Cocaine:

  Increased likelihood of risk-taking; seizures, sleeplessness, paranoia, irregular heartbeat; the possibility of sudden death by stroke or heart failure, even in young users; cocaine psychosis in the form of paranoia and hallucinations; ulceration of mucous membrane in the nose; sexual dysfunction; if taken during pregnancy, severe physical and emotional problems in babies.

• Depressants (Tranquilizers, Barbiturates, Methaqualone):

  Dangerous effects when mixed with alcohol; calmness and relaxed muscles; slurred speech; staggering gait; loss of motor coordination; altered perceptions; respiratory depression which can result in coma or death; disruption of normal sleep cycle; if taken during pregnancy, birth defects and brain tumors in babies; severe withdrawal symptoms and physical and psychological dependence based on tolerance.

• Other Stimulants Excluding Cocaine (Amphetamine and Methamphetamine):

  Increased heart and respiratory rates; elevated blood pressure; decreased appetite; headaches; blurred vision; dizziness, sleepiness; anxiety; amphetamine psychosis consisting of violent behavior and hallucinations, delusions and paranoia; drug tolerance and dependency; mood swings; ulcers; mental confusion.

• Psychedelics (LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin, Phencyclidine [PCP], MDMA [Ecstasy], MDA):

  Distorted sense of distance, space and time; blockage of pain sensations; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; severe mood disorders; panic depression; anxiety; greater suggestibility and feelings of invulnerability; unpredictable reactions if drugs are "cut" with impurities; higher doses required to produce same effect after three to four daily does build up tolerance.

• Narcotics (Opium, Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine, Heroin, Methadone, Darvon, Demoral):

  Feeling of euphoria followed by drowsiness; nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, central nervous system depression; AIDS, hepatitis and endocarditis (infection in the heart) promoted by use of unsterile needles; multiple pregnancy complications, including abortion, still births, anemia and diabetes.

Arizona State Criminal Sanctions:*

Alcohol:

Consumption of beer or intoxicating liquor in a motor vehicle or driving under the influence will result in a fine not less than $250 and possible confinement (misdemeanor).

Marijuana:

The amount possessed will determine the penalty, with a minimum $750 fine and confinement of one to ten years (felony).

All Other Drug Violations:

The amount possessed will determine the penalty, with a minimum $750 fine and confinement of one to ten years (felony).

DeVry Sanctions Applied to All Categories of Substances:**

Students:

Possession, use, or sale of any amount on Institute property or as part of any Institute activity will result in sanctions up to and including expulsion.

Employees:

Under the influence, possession, use, furnishing to a minor (all while performing Institute business) will result in sanctions up to and including dismissal.

*Information is given for first offense only. Repeat offenses carry progressively greater sanctions. Trafficking (selling) any of the above drugs, excluding alcohol, are all felonies. The amount and type of drug possessed will determine penalties. The above is presented as guidelines for education purposes but is not binding. Actual penalties and sanctions imposed will be determined by the facts relating to each individual case.

**These sanctions are in addition to any criminal sanctions that may be imposed. Student employees are subject to both employee and student sanctions.

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