Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

It is the desire of Western Seminary to provide the highest quality of education as well as an environment that facilitates learning and Christian growth. All students, faculty and staff are expected to live according to the highest standards of Christian behavior. In addition, participation in certain federally-funded student aid programs requires that we establish specific policies and programs in relation to particular societal issues and/or problems. Therefore, in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), Western Seminary hereby adopts this drug and alcohol abuse prevention program.

In addition to the standards of conduct written in the seminary catalog, Western Seminary specifically prohibits 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.

The unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol or disorderly conduct as a result of drug or alcohol abuse are violations of the local, state, and federal laws. Penalties for violations of these laws will be determined by the courts. Western Seminary will support all local, state, and federal laws relating to drug and alcohol abuse, including referral to local authorities for prosecution.

The use of drugs brings with it many dangers to an individual’s mental and physical health. Common results of abuse are: addiction, delusions, hallucinations, toxic psychosis, depression, convulsions, loss of appetite, cirrhosis, emphysema, heart disease, various cancers, panic reactions, brain damage, bone marrow disorders, lower resistance to disease, abscesses, infections, hepatitis, proneness to accidents and death.

Western Seminary desires to assist any student or employee in obtaining pertinent information on drug abuse or in entering an appropriate, medically supervised treatment program. Please contact the Head of Student Success (students) or your supervisor (employees) for further counseling and guidance.

Violation of these standards by an employee or student will be reason for mandatory evaluation and/or treatment for a substance use disorder or for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from school or termination of employment.

The intent of this program and our participation in it is to be preventive and remedial, not punitive. If you have questions or concerns about this policy and/or your relationship to it, please contact the Head of Student Success.