Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP)

University Regulations

Some regulations apply to all members of the University community or the University campus, while others may apply only to certain segments of the University community, such as students:

Regulation 4.04(4) Violations of the Student Conduct Code.

(a) Alcoholic Beverages Violations.

1. Under-age possession or consumption. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a Student under twenty-one (21) years old.

2. Distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages. Distribution or sale of an alcoholic beverage to any person under twenty-one (21) years old.

3. Possession of common source containers. Unless explicitly approved in advance in writing by the Division of Student Life or Business Affairs for a particular occasion, a Student or Student Organization cannot possess or use of kegs, mini kegs, or other common source containers of alcoholic beverages, such as trash cans, tubs, or similar containers of alcohol, when such possession or use occurs on campus, in the housing of any University of Florida organization or group, or in connection with a University Activity.

4. Alcohol abuse. Regardless of the age of those involved, facilitating, arranging, or participating in any extreme alcohol consumption activity that constitutes, facilitates, or encourages competitive, rapid, or excessive consumption of alcohol when such activity occurs on campus, in the housing of any University of Florida organization or group, or in connection with a University Activity.

5. Any other violation of the Alcoholic Beverages Regulation, University of Florida Regulation 2.019

(d) Driving under the Influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substance. Operation of a motor vehicle while Impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other mind-altering substance or while having an unlawful blood or breath alcohol level.

(e) Drug Violations.

1. Use, possession, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of a controlled substance that is prohibited by Law. Knowingly inhaling or ingesting substances that will alter a Student’s mental state. Use of legal medication outside the parameters of the medical authorization. Possession or use of prescription medications not prescribed to the user.

2. Possession of drug paraphernalia

Employee-Related Policies:

Student-Related Policies:

Miscellaneous:

Links to PDF documents:

Local Ordinances

City of Gainesville Ordinances (PDF)

Alachua County Ordinances (PDF)

Florida State Statutes

FSS Chapter 381.986: Medical use of marijuana (PDF)

FSS Chapter 500.92: Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act (PDF)

FSS Chapter 561: Beverage Law, Administration (PDF)

FSS Chapter 562: Beverage Law, Enforcement (PDF)

FSS Chapter 596: Tobacco and Nicotine Products (PDF)

FSS Chapter 893: Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (PDF)

Federal Enforcement

Drug Enforcement Agency Federal Trafficking Penalties (PDF)

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

Source: Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses of alcohol significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. The use of small amounts of alcohol by a pregnant woman can damage the fetus. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts.

Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairment in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Heavy use may result in chronic depression and suicide and also may be associated with the abuse of other drugs. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described. Even occasional heavy drinking may be associated with the harmful effects described above. Binge drinking, which occurs over an extended period of time, involves repeated use of alcohol to the point of intoxication. A person may give up usual activities and responsibilities during this time in order to use the alcohol, and serious impairment in all areas of functioning may occur.

Long-term heavy alcohol use can cause digestive disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, circulatory system disorders, and impairment of the central nervous system—all of which may lead to early death. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence, and at least 15 to 20 percent of heavy users eventually will become problem drinkers or alcoholics if they continue drinking. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions, which can be life threatening.

The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other drugs also pose a serious threat to health. The use of marijuana (cannabis) may cause impairment of short-term memory, comprehension, and ability to perform tasks requiring concentration. Marijuana use also may cause lung damage, paranoia, and possible psychosis. The use of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens may cause nervous system disorders and possible death as the result of an overdose. Illicit inhalants can cause liver damage.

Any person taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication is personally responsible for ensuring that while taking such drugs or medications, he or she is not a safety risk to themselves and others while on University property, while driving a University or privately owned vehicle, or while otherwise engaged in University business.  It is illegal to misuse prescription medication, i.e. continue to use medication when the prescription is no longer valid, use prescribed drugs contrary to the prescription, and give or sell prescribed drugs to another person. Individuals that have been prescribed medication must present a fit for duty document from their medical provider indicating that they can safely return to work if continued use of the prescribed medication is required.

For more information on health risks, please visit GatorWell's Health Topics Alcohol & Other Drugs. 

Students

Individual Based Programs/Interventions

Group Based Programs/Interventions

• Peer Education
  • GatorWell Health Hut: GatorWell’s Health Hut peer education program offers brief educational interventions with students regarding alcohol use during the fall semester (October) and the week before Spring Break.
  • Florida Greek Ambassadors: FGA is a peer education organization that is comprised of UF students affiliated with the Florida Greek Community. This group provides education and outreach on relevant issues and community/university policies as they pertain to Greek Life, including hazing and general bystander intervention education.
• Outreach Programming
  • GatorWell partners on multiple projects/events with Housing/Residence Life, Sorority/Fraternity Life, and many other departments on general outreach education events 
  • Take Back Day: Take Back Day is in line with the DEA’s National Take Back Day that collects unused/expired medications as well as educating the community around general areas of concern around the topic of misusing prescription medications. 
  • Adderall Safety Awareness Event: Adderall Safety Awareness event promotes responsible use of Adderall for those prescribed for and dangers of misusing Adderall. This event also focuses around myths of using Adderall to help studying and additionally providing effective study habits for students to curtail this.  
  • Caffeine Responsibly Event: GatorWell partnered with the Arts & Crafts Center to provide activities and information to students around responsible caffeine intake, risks of using consuming/using caffeine products.  
  • Recovery Tailgates: GatorWell and the Counseling & Wellness Center partnered on providing sober tailgates for the UF community before and during UF home football games.  
  • Safe Night Out: GatorWell partnered with the Office of Victim Services, UFPD, and IRHA to promote safe night out strategies, drink safety, drink spiking prevention, and ways to get connected in the community not centered around drinking.  
  • National Hazing Prevention Week: GatorWell & SFL partnered to provide Anti-hazing facts and building healthy social connections. 
• Health Communication Campaigns: GatorWell provides health communication campaigns regularly throughout the year. During this biennial review, the following campaigns were created alongside standard messaging during the alcohol biweekly message in fall and spring semesters:
  • GatorWell Implemented a brand-new cannabis health communication campaign titled “Using Less, Gaining More”. This campaign aimed at providing a “gain-frame” messaging style to curtailing/reducing cannabis usage among students.  
• Group Presentations: Presentations on alcohol and other drug use for the general student body have been provided primarily by GatorWell and Counseling and Wellness Center, with occasional presentations by the University of Florida Police Department.
• University Athletics Education/Presentations: The University Athletic Association and the Substance Abuse Committee are committed to informing student-athletes on this issue. Examples include:
  • Arranging speakers and seminars for coaches and staff in order for them to be more familiar with areas of substance abuse
  • Educational programming conducted by the Hawkins Center as part of the student athlete life skills program. Presentations and seminars include topics relative to substance abuse, alcohol use and steroid and supplement education.
  • Disseminating information and materials available from NCAA, campus, and community resources on the topic of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, as well as materials related to general health and well-being.
  • Providing opportunities for student-athletes to discuss health, legal, and ethical risks of alcohol and other drug use during freshman orientation and preseason meetings. Providing opportunities for review and input by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
  • Communicating with independent committees on campus dealing with substance abuse.
• Workshops and Seminars:
  • Substance Use and Abuse Seminar
  • Success Not Excess: Group workshop discussing use of alcohol and other drugs, developing an understanding of drugs and potential effects, identify warning signs for developing an addiction, and clarify values.
• AA or Recovery based groups
  • UF Collegiate Recovery Community
• Educational programs usually reserved for policy violators that individuals can voluntarily participate in include:
  • UF Collegiate Recovery Community  
  • Substance Abuse Screening and Intervention Program: Provides students with the opportunity to speak with a mental health counselor to explore the student’s current and past substance abuse, family history of substance abuse, and other factors that may affect their risk of developing a substance use disorder.
  • Back on TRAC (Treatment, Responsibility, and Accountability)

Universal or Entire Population Based Programs/Interventions

 Environmental/Socio-Ecological Based Programs

• Game Day Texting System: University Athletic Association uses a game day texting system for any guest to report problems or request help in the stands. This system allows guests to also report any tobacco, drug, or alcohol use in the stadium, as all three are prohibited.
• Responsible Beverage Service/Server Education Programs: The state of Florida does not require alcohol server training, though there are opportunities to take trainings throughout the year in the community through Gainesville Police Department and the Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition.
• Enforcing Underage Drinking Law Programs: With combined efforts from University of Florida Police Department, Gainesville Police Department, and Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, the following enforcement programs occur regularly:
• Compliance Checks
• Party patrols: Gainesville Police Department established a Party Patrol program where officers monitor neighborhoods with higher student population for noise violations and other factors that could contribute to an unsafe house party environment.
• DUI enforcement
• ID Checks at on and off- campus bars and establishments
• Student Activities and Involvement risk management policies: Student Activities and Involvement requires that all on-campus events sponsored by student organizations have a permit through their office to hold such an event. On-campus events that serve alcohol must submit their permit application at least 21 days in advance and approved 3 days prior to the event dates.
• Parent/Family Services: GatorWell provides the Parent/Family handbook for talking with College Students about Alcohol, distributed during Preview.  
• Sorority and Fraternity Affairs (SFA) Risk Management: SFA requires that all Greek Life recruitment/intake/new member events are required to be alcohol-free. Along with following SAI permitting for on-campus events with alcohol, there are extra requirements for Greek Life events (on- and off-campus) regarding guest management and alcohol availability.

Staff and Faculty:

Employees, Standard of Conduct

Source: Drug-Free Workplace Policy

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or the unlawful possession and use of alcohol are harmful and strictly prohibited in and on property owned and controlled by the university. In addition, the possession, manufacturing, purchase, sale or distribution of controlled substances by an employee or student away from the University’s premises, while off duty, may also result in significant disciplinary action since such conduct may reflect unfavorably on the University.

No employee or student is to report to work, class, or any university activity while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, or operate a university vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. Additionally, the University also prohibits employees from making arrangements for such acts while conducting University business, on or off University premises. The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the university is at all times subject to the alcoholic beverage laws of the state of Florida, applicable county and city regulations, and UF Regulation 2.019, Alcohol Policy.

The possession and use of controlled drugs by members of the university community must at all times be in accordance with the provisions of Florida law, the regulations of the Board of Education, and the regulations of the university. Under Florida law, no person may possess substances regulated under the provisions of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes (controlled substances and “designer drugs”), unless dispensed and used pursuant to prescription or otherwise authorized by law. Sale and delivery of such substances are prohibited unless authorized by law.

Policy Violations

Violation of the policies and laws described in the Drug-Free Workplace Policy by an employee is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination in accordance with applicable university and the Florida Board of Education regulations and/or collective bargaining agreements. Such disciplinary actions also may include reprimand or suspension.

Additionally, a violation may be reason for evaluation and treatment of a drug- and/or alcohol-use disorder or referral for prosecution consistent with local, state, and federal criminal law. Disciplinary action by the university does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges against an employee. The filing of criminal charges similarly does not preclude action by the university.

State law prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21. State law also makes it a crime for any person to possess or distribute controlled substances/drugs.

Individuals who have been convicted of a felony involving the sale of or trafficking in, or conspiracy to sell or traffic in, a controlled substance under certain circumstances may be disqualified from applying for state employment. Penalties under federal law for drug trafficking generally are greater than penalties under state law.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and/or referral to law enforcement for prosecution.

Additional information on reporting suspected HIPAA violations and enforcement can be found on the UF Health Privacy Page.

Students, Sanctions

Source: University Regulation 4.04: Student Honor Code and Student Code of Conduct

(7) Sanctions. Students/Student Organizations found responsible for violating the Student Honor Code or the Student Conduct Code will be subject to Sanctions appropriate for the violation(s), with consideration of any mitigating circumstances; including but not limited to the Student’s/Student Organization’s previous conduct record. Sanctions include any combination of the following outcomes dependent on the violation itself: For a violation(s) of the Student Honor Code, a Student/Student Organization will receive one or more of the following academic Sanctions, in addition to any appropriate status and educational Sanctions. For a violation(s) of the Student Conduct Code, a Student/Student Organization will receive one or more of the following appropriate status and educational Sanctions:

(a) Academic Sanctions: outcomes that impact official University of Florida course grades where violation(s) under the Student Honor Code have occurred.

1. Assignment grade penalty with resubmission: A point/grade reduction on the assignment/assessment in question, and with the permission of the Faculty member, an opportunity to resubmit the assignment/assessment with the addition of the implemented point/grade reduction.
2. Assignment grade penalty: A point/grade reduction on the assignment/assessment in question.
3. Course grade penalty with drop: A point/grade reduction for the entire course. However, the Student will be permitted to drop or withdraw the course with approval from the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution or designee. Requests for drop consideration must be submitted in writing with rationale to the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution or designee, where the final approval rests and is not eligible for independent appeal outside of the formal conduct appeal process.
4. Course grade penalty without drop: A point/grade reduction for the entire course. There will be no ability to drop or withdraw from the course for any reason.

(b) Status Sanctions: outcomes that impact a Student’s/Student Organization’s standing with the University of Florida, including any privileges associated with being a University of Florida Student/Student Organization, which could also include the ability to be a University of Florida Student/Student Organization.

1. Written reprimand: Official notice and recognition that the behavior of a Student/Student Organization has violated the Student Honor Code and/or the Student Conduct Code.
2. Conduct review: An official notice that the Student/Student Organization conduct has violated the Student Honor Code and/or the Student Conduct Code, but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, suspension or probation. A Student/Student Organization on conduct review shall have their conduct under review for a specified period of time. This Sanction may require regular meetings with an appropriate official to ascertain and evaluate compliance with rules. Additional restrictions or conditions also may be imposed, depending on the nature and seriousness of the misconduct. Students/Student Organizations placed on this Sanction remain in good standing with the University. If there is a finding of responsibility for subsequent violations of the rules during this period of time, more severe Sanctions may be administered.
3. Probation: A period of time where a Student/Student Organization is deemed not in good standing with the University of Florida. Should the Student/Student Organization be found responsible for any additional violations of University policy or fail to complete any assigned Sanctions by the assigned deadline(s), they will be subject to additional Sanctions; including but not limited to increased status Sanctions. Probation may also include the loss of specific University privileges as deemed appropriate by the Hearing authority. Determination of whether a Student may represent the University as a Student athlete will be made by the University Athletic Association.
4. Loss of University privileges: Loss of University privileges may include but is not limited to: Attendance at athletic functions, holding leadership positions within Student Organizations as defined by Student Activities and Involvement or individual Student Organization by-Laws/constitutions, representing the University in any extracurricular activity or official function, study abroad, unrestricted University facility use, parking privileges, University computer usage, loss of social/philanthropy activities, ability to participate in intramurals, ability to reserve space for meetings/events on-campus, loss of block seating, ineligibility to receive future Institutional funding.
5. Deferred suspension: Deferred suspension from the University of Florida is a period of review where the Student/Student Organization is not in good standing with the University and must demonstrate an ability to comply with University rules, Regulations, and all other stipulated requirements; which includes a loss of University privileges. If, during the period of the deferred suspension, the Student/Student Organization is found responsible for any additional violations of University policy or fails to complete any assigned Sanctions by the assigned deadline(s), the Student/Student Organization may be immediately suspended from the University for a minimum of one Semester and until any outstanding Sanctions are complete.
6. Suspension: The Student/Student Organization will be separated from the University for a specified period of time and/or until certain conditions are met.
7. Expulsion: The Student/Student Organization will be permanently separated from the University and will not have the ability to return as a Student/Student Organization at any point in time.

(c) Educational Sanctions: outcomes that provide a Student/Student Organization with opportunities to repair the harm of their actions and to engage in meaningful developmental experiences that will help the Student/Student Organization in avoiding future violations of University policy.

1. Educational Sanctions may include but are not limited to completion of a seminar, assignment, substance consultation/evaluation, psychological consultation/evaluation, restitution and community service.
2. Residence hall transfer or removal: A requirement to transfer residence halls or leave the residence halls for a specified or indefinite period of time.
3. No contact directive: which will prohibit, for a period of time, both (all) parties from communicating directly or indirectly with one another, or through intermediaries.

(8) Withdrawing or Revoking a Degree.

(a) Withdrawing. A degree may be withdrawn after a Student has graduated where a violation of Student Conduct Code or Student Honor Code occurred before graduation in the following circumstances:

1. The Student had a pending Student Conduct Code or Student Honor Code allegation or charge that was not resolved prior to the Student’s graduation.
2. The University becomes aware of an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code or Student Honor Code that took place before the Student graduated or received a degree from the University. The Student will receive the degree once the matter is resolved and any Sanctions (where appropriate) are completed unless the Sanction is expulsion, in which case the degree may be revoked.

(b) Revoking. A former Student may have their degree revoked under the provisions above, which include but are not limited to a determination through the Student Honor Code or the Student Conduct Code process that a violation occurred and resulted in expulsion, or upon a finding of research misconduct under Regulation 1.0101.