Use of Alcoholic Beverages and Prohibition of Other Drugs Policy

To All UVA Students and Academic Division Faculty and Staff:

The U.S. Department of Education requires that each institution of higher education annually distribute its alcohol and other drug policy, in writing, to every student and employee. Faculty and staff who supervise employees who do not have regular access to email, please print this message and distribute it to them. The following is a summary of the policy.

The University's Use of Alcoholic Beverages and Prohibition of Other Drugs Policy regulates the sale and service of alcoholic beverages on University property and informs the University community of state and federal laws and penalties concerning unlawful substance use and misuse; health and behavioral risks of alcohol misuse and other drug use; and resources for treatment and educational programming in accordance with federal law.

The University of Virginia prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to know the risks associated with substance use and misuse. This responsibility obligates students and employees to know relevant University policies and federal, state, and local laws, and to conduct themselves in accordance with these laws and policies.

With recent changes to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s cannabis laws, students and employees should be aware of the impact of these laws both on and off University Grounds. The University’s alcohol and other drug policy has not changed and continues to prohibit possession and use of cannabis on Grounds. Federal law classifies cannabis/marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. As such, possession, use, and distribution of cannabis remains prohibited on all University Property and at all University Functions under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. This prohibition includes dorms and other student residences on University property. For additional information regarding the Commonwealth’s new marijuana laws, please visit Cannabis in Virginia | Cannabis.Virginia.gov

Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy (including but not limited to prohibitions surrounding tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and illegal drugs/controlled substances as specified above) and the requirements as an event sponsor may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with relevant University policies. Certain violations may be referred by University authorities for criminal prosecution. In addition, there may be consequences imposed under local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause blackouts, poisoning, overdose, and death; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems, including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety.

Assistance with Substance Misuse and Recovery Support

Student Resources

WahooWell in the Office of Health Promotion in the Department of Student Health and Wellness is a positive, free, and confidential resource that helps empower students to enhance their well-being by exploring strengths and self-selected goals. WahooWell visits are a good way to check in on a variety of areas including stress, sleep, connection, substance use, and general well-being. 434-924-1509

Collegiate Recovery Program – A vibrant, unified community that supports, values, and celebrates recovery journeys. Direct services to students include, but are not limited to, weekly meetings, a seminar class, recovery coaching, and social events. Recovery ally trainings are offered across Grounds to students, faculty, and staff. 434-924-1509

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in Student Health provides assessment, counseling, medication management and referral assistance for students seeking help with substance use concerns. CAPS is also available to consult with staff, faculty, family members, and friends who may be concerned about a student’s substance use. 434-243-5150

Faculty and Staff Resources

Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) — Through FEAP, the University offers employees and their families assessment, brief counseling, referral, and follow-up with common concerns at no cost to the employee. FEAP will also provide consultation to supervisors and managers to assist in addressing employee/team challenges. 434-243-2643

Hoos Well – UVA’s well-being program offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help employees and their families excel and thrive. Through Hoos Well’s web-based portal, participants in the UVA Health Plan or UPG Anthem Health Plan can access tobacco cessation specialists, online self-directed modules, and mindfulness resources that help foster lasting behavior change. 434-243-3344


Ian Baucom
Provost 

J.J. Davis
Chief Operating Officer 

Robyn S. Hadley
Vice President and Dean of Students
Chief Student Affairs Officer