Controlled Substance Response Policy (2024)

The purpose of the UNLV Controlled Substance Response Policy is to:

• Protect the safety of students and the UNLV community.
• Provide a consistent and fair framework of acceptable behavior to uphold the standard of responsibility.
• Address the misuse of controlled substances not in accordance with the standard.

The following levels of outcomes/sanctions will be determined on a case-by-case basis with each individual student. These levels are not necessarily used in order of the number of violations committed. For example, a student’s first violation would most often result in the “Level One” responses for determining sanctions. In the event, however, that a student’s situation is deemed more serious (even if it is the first violation), the student may face sanctions from any or all of these levels.
For the purposes of providing the most appropriate educational response, controlled substance violation cases will be handled:

1. according to category of controlled substance.
2. whether this is a first violation or a recurring violation.
3. seriousness of the violation. In general, seriousness of the violation shall be considered in terms of threat to self and/or the campus community.

Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team

In cases involving anything more serious than a Level One marijuana violation; the Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team may first review any available documentation to discuss the most developmentally sound approach to the case and how best to contact/work with the student.

The Consultation Team shall be comprised of professionals from areas within the UNLV campus community that are identified stakeholders in the controlled substance response policy enforcement. For example; one representative each from Student Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Student Conduct, and Public Safety. A Campus Housing representative may participate when the alleged violator is a resident. Terms to serve on the Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team could be for a specified time (i.e. 2-3 years).

When a case arises, the OSC representative shall be responsible for calling the Consultation Team together for a case review, assessment, and recommended process of case investigation/adjudication.

Marijuana

1. Level One– Under the influence. Possession and/or use of marijuana and/or paraphernalia. Repeat of UNLV Student Conduct Code Guest Policy/Passive participation or multiple letter of suspicion.
   1. Administrative Response:
      • Disciplinary Probation for the equivalent of one (1) calendar year of attendance
      • Parental Notification *Optional* (See Parental Notification Policy)
      • Notice to all applicable entities specific to the student’s status/position on campus (e.g. Athletics, Campus Housing)
   2. Educational Response:
      • Level 1 Alcohol and Other Drug Education program ($50 cost of program)
      • Reflection Letter of Understanding upon completion of educational program.
   3. Restitution:
      • 10 hours of community restitution service – to be determined by discretion of the review board or conduct officer.
      • Additional community restitution service hours may be applied at the discretion of the conduct officer should aggravating circ*mstances exist
   4. Total consequences to charged student:
      • At least one meeting with Office of Student Conduct (OSC); and potentially others with members of Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team.
      • All Educational Responses and Restitution that are sanctioned (see B. and C. above)
2. Level Two– Repeated violation of Level 1.
   1. Administrative Response:
      • Disciplinary Probation ranging from three academic semesters (not including Summer Terms) up to Disciplinary Suspension with conditions of readmission.
      • Parental Notification * Optional * (See Parental Notification Policy)
      • Notice to all applicable entities specific to the student’s status/position on campus (e.g. Athletics, Campus Housing)
      • If a student employee, the student’s supervisor will be notified of the violation
   2. Educational Response:
      • CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) Intake Assessment
      • Reflection Letter of Understanding (it is recommended that the areas of reflection to be addressed in the letter be discussed with CAPS)
      • Restriction of student leadership activities and/or privileges (e.g., Executive Board or positional leadership role[s]). Student will not be allowed to represent UNLV within/outside of the University (included student athletes, Greek activities, etc.).
   3. Restitution:
      • 20 hours of community restitution service – to be determined by discretion of the review board or conduct officer.
      • Additional community restitution service hours may be applied at the discretion of the conduct officer should aggravating circ*mstances exist
      • Total consequences to charged student:
      • At least one meeting with Office of Student Conduct (OSC); and potentially others with members of Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team.
      • All Educational Responses and Restitution that are sanctioned (see B. and C. above)
3. Level Three– Distributing, Selling, or Growing marijuana. Setting up or possessing laboratory equipment or the materials for the purpose of distributing marijuana. Repeated violations of Level 2.
   1. Administrative Response:
      • Student disciplinarily suspended, could be indefinite depending upon the student’s desire to complete the Conditional Readmission.
      • Completion of items listed on a Conditional Readmission Checklist formulated by the Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team that may include any of the items listed in the Educational Response
      • Parental Notification * Optional * (See Parental Notification Policy)
      • If a UNLV student employee, the student’s supervisor will be notified of the violation
      • Egregious and/or multiple cases may result in Expulsion.
   2. Educational Response(items on checklist):
      • Controlled Substance intake and successful participation/completion of recommended follow-up treatment with ability to share student history with appropriate counselor
      • Communication with counselor to determine if student is fit to return to University community
      • Reflection Letter of Understanding
      • Student will be on probationary status upon readmission
      • 40 hours of community restitution service– to be determined by discretion of the review board or conduct officer.
   3. Total consequences to charged student:
      • Varies depending upon each case (e.g., financial aid, scholarships, tuition, housing costs, etc.)

Other/Controlled Substances/Scheduled Drugs

1. Level One– Using, possessing, or being under the influence of any illegal drug or narcotic other than marijuana. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of any controlled substance not lawfully prescribed to that individual. Possessing drug paraphernalia.
   1. Administrative Response:
      • Student Disciplinary Suspended, could be indefinite depending upon the student’s desire to complete the Conditional Readmission Checklist
      • Parental Notification * Optional * (See Parental Notification Policy)
   2. Condition of readmission/Educational Response:
      • online program ($ fee)
      • Letter of Reflection
        C. Restitution:
      • 20 hours of community restitution service – to be determined by discretion of the review board or conduct officer.
      • Additional community restitution service hours may be applied at the discretion of the conduct officer should aggravating circ*mstances exist.
   3. Total consequences to charged student:
      • At least one meeting with Office of Student Conduct (OSC); and potentially others with members of Controlled Substance Response Consultation Team.
      • All Educational Responses and Restitution that are sanctioned (see B. and C. above)
2. Level Two– Repeat of Level One. Distributing, selling, manufacturing, growing or synthesizing an illegal drug or narcotic. Setting up or possessing laboratory equipment or the materials for the purpose of making or distributing an illegal drug or narcotic.
   Expulsion.