In response to former President George H. W. Bush's national drug control strategy, Congress passed legislation to require schools, colleges, and universities to implement and enforce drug prevention programs and policies as a condition of eligibility to receive federal financial assistance.
On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Amendments) Public Law 101-226. Section 22 of the Amendments amends provisions for the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program after Oct. 1, 1990, a university or college must submit certification that it has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program.
As set forth in the above referenced statute, UNT Dallas is required to provide an annual distribution in writing to each employee and student the following information.
Students, faculty and staff may request this report by contacting the Dean of Students at 972-338-1775. View the full report for 2023-2024 HERE.
Standards of Conduct
UNT Dallas regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs and alcohol by all faculty, staff, students, or visitors to the campus, on UNT Dallas property, and at any University sponsored events.
University of North Texas at Dallas students are prohibited from the use of illegal drugs or alcohol on campus or as a representative of the institution of campus.
In accordance with Texas law, the legal age of alcohol consumption is 21 years of age. Based on the standards for student conduct any student found to be engaging in underage drinking will be in violation of the code of conduct. Furthermore there is an increased risk to safety when engaging in excessive drinking that could include public intoxication and driving under the influence, which can lead to additional violations.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Any student found engaging in this type of conduct may face penalties that range from a warning to expulsion. Students found to be in violation of the student code of conduct will be referred to the Office of Wellness Services to meet with a counselor for alcohol and drug related assessments, as well as comprehensive background and history evaluation that includes, familial upbringing, safety, support, substance use/abuse, health concerns, and the reason for the referral.
The counselor assigned will work with the student to assess presenting behaviors, readiness for change, and establish holistic goals targeted toward the behavior change.
Health Risks
Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below.
Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers)
Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgments, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
Marijuana
Impaired short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
Cocaine
Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Nicotine
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.
Inhalants
Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High doses can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.
Treatment Options
A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention including education, programming, counseling, and referral.
For detailed information concerning these resources available from both the university and community agencies, students may contact Student Affairs at StudentAffairs@untdallas.edu or call at 972.338.1775. Faculty and staff may contact UNT Dallas Human Resources at HumanResources@untdallas.edu or the Employee Assistance Program at 800-343-3822.
Student Health: UNT Dallas Student Center
Ground Level – Suite 26
Schedule your appointment online: https://phreesia.me/DefaultLink * Choose the UNT Dallas location *
UNT Dallas Police Department: 972.780.3000 – Presentations on legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use and related issues
Student Affairs: 972.338.1775 – Address Student Code of Conduct & Discipline, enforces policies and procedures, and provides students with resources necessary to resolve personal disputes.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 800-343-3822 – Short term counseling and referral for qualified employees. Online resources, education and training.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-784-6776 or www.addictioncareoptions.com
Narcotics Anonymous: 1-818-773-9999 or www.na.org
National Cocaine Hotline: 1-800-521-7128 or www.allaboutcounseling.com/crisis_hotlines.htm
National Institute on Drug Abuse/Treatment Hotline: 301-443-1124 or www.drugabuse.gov/nidahome.aspx
AIDS Information Hotline: 1-800-448-0440 or www.thebody.com/index/hotlines/national.aspx
National STD Hotline: 1-800-232-4636 or www.cdc.gov/std
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or www.thehotline.org
Texas Medical Board: www.tmb.state.tx.us