Drug addiction and/or substance abuse is a disease. The drug addict is a sick person. The drug pusher is most probably a user as well and sells drugs to support the addiction. Like other person, drug addicts need treatment. This is the premise of the University’s policy on the issue of drugs and prohibited substance in the community. Drug addiction is one of the biggest threats that the University and the country are facing. Arresting this threat will require the cooperation of the entire community.
The University will extend support to those in the community affected by the disease of drug addiction or substance abuse. It will help students who voluntarily seek assistance on drug addiction or substance abuse by referring them to appropriate treatment centers and through the following mechanisms:
- Possession of drugs and prohibited substances, as well as use of the same are considered as major offenses under the Student Code of Conduct.
- The student caught in possession of or under the influence of drugs and/or prohibited substance will be subjected to drug test, upon a valid waiver (issued by him/her, or by his/her parents in case of a minor)
- Voluntary appearance of the student and his/her parents or guardians, if any, at the scheduled date and time of drug test constitutes valid waiver.
- The student caught in possession of drugs and/or prohibited substance and who tested negative for drug use, shall upon due process, be advised to take a leave of absence for up to one year, without prejudice to the disciplinary action to be taken against him/her.
- The student caught in possession of or under the influence of drugs and/or prohibited substance and who tested positive for drug use shall, upon due process, be excluded or dismissed from the University.
- A student who was excluded or dismissed but sought rehabilitation may be readmitted to the University upon certification by a rehabilitation center that the student has completed the prescribed course of treatment. The student must also agree to participate in the post-treatment counseling and support group session provided by the center.
The University, however, will not tolerate individuals who attempt to introduce drugs into the community. Those found guilty of this offense will be expelled or dismissed. National laws covering these offenses will also be applied.