Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Southern Methodist University in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) provides students and employees with information about the policies and resources of the University regarding alcohol and drugs.SMU students and employees are also subject to federal and Texas state laws.

In this section you will find information about the University’s policy on alcohol and substance abuse, consequences of policy violations, health risks and legal sanctions, as well as community resources for individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse problems.  

Beyond complying with legal obligations, we provide this information in hopes that it will help you understand the health risks posed by alcohol and illicit drugs and encourage you to make informed decisions about your life and to care about the lives of others. As members of this caring community, we all should be aware of the potential for abuse problems and familiar with the following information, provided here in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act:

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.
• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to students or employees.
• The University will review its alcohol and other drugs programs biennially for effectiveness and consistency of application and, where necessary, make appropriate changes.