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Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is committed to ensuring the safety and health of its employees and students. Alcohol abuse and illicit drug use disrupt the special environment of personal growth that all universities seek to develop. We must all help prevent alcohol abuse and illicit drug use in order to avoid negative effects on our learning and living environment. This summary provides basic information on University policy, legal sanctions, and health risks associated with alcohol and other drug abuse. Also included is information on intervention, assessments, counseling, and referrals through campus programs.

Student Annual Notification

The annual notification distributed to students by the Division of Student Success is sent via University e-mail after the 20th class day of each long semester. Students are provided links to University (TAMIU Student Handbook) and informed about the University standards of conduct and preventive programming available to support their needs and decision-making process.

Faculty and Staff Annual Notification

Communication of our requirement and programs occurs on an annual basis through an all employee email message and during every new hire orientation when new employees are advised of the Texas A&M University System policy and regulation and TAMIU rule. Employees are provided links to System Policy 34.02, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, System Regulation 34.02.01, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs, and TAMIU Rule 34.02.01.L1, University Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program.

TAMIU is dedicated to cultivating an environment of respect, integrity, service, and excellence that empowers our students and employees (faculty and staff) to develop their greatest potential.

Employees (faculty and staff) can find standards of conduct within TAMIU rules and procedures available at http://www.tamiu.edu/compliance/TAMIURulesSAPs.shtml

Students can find the Standards of Conduct in the TAMIU Student Handbook available at https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml.

University Alcohol and Drug Rule

All members of the University community are expected to abide by state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and illegal drugs. More specifically, Texas A&M International University rules prohibit manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using, or being party thereto any illegal drug, controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.

“Controlled substances” refers to those drugs and substances whose possession, sale, or delivery results in criminal sanctions under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, as well as substances which possess a chemical structure similar to that of a controlled substance (e.g., “Designer Drugs”).

University Alcohol Student Rule

Individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted. University Rules state that drinking or having in possession, any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage(s) in public areas of the campus is prohibited. Students ages 21 or older who choose to consume alcoholic beverages in residence hall rooms are expected to do so in moderation to ensure residents’ rights to privacy, sleep, and study. The following behaviors are reasons for appropriate disciplinary or remedial action by the University: loud or disruptive behavior, interference with the cleanliness of the residence halls, or drinking habits which are injurious to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her.

University Illegal Drug Student Rule

The act of using, possessing, being under the influence of, manufacturing, or distributing illegal drugs or illegally obtained/possessed controlled substances is prohibited.

Except as expressly permitted by law, use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution or being a party thereto of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled and/or prescribed substances and/or drug paraphernalia and/or dangerous drugs is also prohibited. Individuals may not operate a motor vehicle or another form of transportation while under the influence of drugs or while intoxicated. (Refer to the University SAP 34.02.01.L1, University Alcohol ad Drug Abuse Prevention Program).

University Disciplinary Violations and Sanctions

A student or employee found responsible of non-compliance with the Texas A&M International University alcohol or drug policy or the laws of the State of Texas has committed a violation and is subject to sanctions commensurate with the offenses and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Disciplinary action in cases involving drug-related violations by students may result in suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the University.

Cases involving employees will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination. Severity of sanctions will depend upon the nature and seriousness of each case.

Violation of any state or federal law pertaining to controlled substances which occur off campus and are not associated with a University-connected activity may result in disciplinary charges in situations in which the continued presence of the individual on campus is likely to interfere with the educational process and/or the orderly operation of the University.

University disciplinary proceedings will be in accordance with the procedures outlined in the TAMIU Student Handbook (students) and the Policy and Procedure Manual (staff and faculty). Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by authorities off campus.

Student Disciplinary Violations and Sanctions

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement (SCCE) is responsible for implementing the code of conduct regulations and administrating the process. Conduct standards at the University are set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. A list of Student Rules is published in the TAMIU Student Handbook which is available online. SCCE is committed to providing a fair and educational process that cultivates the highest standards of conduct. Staff constantly tries to balance the need of individual students with the need of the University community. Students found in violation of alcohol or drugs rule are subject to a range of sanctions.

The student conduct program is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interest of the University community. In alcohol and drug cases a multi-prong approach is used to assist students learn and grow.

TAMIU strives to promote and encourage students and employees to foster skills essential to their ethical, intellectual, social and personal development. Through various on-campus and community partnerships programs, we address educational components and responsible decision-making.

Students

  • Email blast. University rules states that a university-assigned email account shall be an official university means of communications with all students at TAMIU.
  • Orientation. All orientations for students will make information regarding the DAAPP available through lecture-style presentations, printed materials, and/or website reference.
  • AlcoholEDU. All current students have access to an individual web portal called “AlcoholEDU" that contains information regarding wellness including alcohol and other drug use/abuse.

Employees

  • Email blast. University rules states that a University-assigned email account shall be an official University means of communications with all employees at TAMIU.
  • Wellness Days – Monthly on-campus program offering wellness-related educational sessions.
  • Health Fair – Offered during spring semester, vendors, local health care providers, local health care agencies, and local fitness experts are invited to participate in wellness fair.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – A free benefit program for employees and their household family members that offers counseling services, crisis intervention, legal and financial consultation, and work-life assistance.

Part 86, of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations, (Education Department General Administrative Regulations [EDGAR], requires that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education (IHE), must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

Developing a program that complies with the regulations requires and IHE to:

  • Communicate campus policies and standards of conduct regarding alcohol and drug use and the related sanctions to employees and students;
  • Publish and distribute written information regarding applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding alcohol possession and use;
  • Publish and distribute description of health risks associated with the use of alcohol and drug;
  • Publish and distribute description of treatment and counseling programs available on campus; and
  • Provide a clear statement that the University will impose sanctions consistent with local, state, and federal laws and University rules against students and employees.

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), a member of The Texas A&M University System, is committed to providing its employees and students a drug and alcohol-free environment. In compliance with System Policy 34.02, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and System Regulation 34.02.01, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs, TAMIU Rule 34.02.01.L1, University Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program addresses alcohol use and abuse; the illegal use and sale, or possession of drugs; and the misuse of drugs including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. TAMIU Rule 34.02.01.L1, University Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program is available at https://www.tamiu.edu/daapp/documents/2022-2023-tamiu-daapp-biennial-report.pdf.

The University Police Department publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The most recent edition is available at http://www.tamiu.edu/clery.pdf.

In addition, the TAMIU Student Handbook is published annually by the Division of Student Success, and contains specific rules and sanctions in reference to both alcohol and drug use/abuse by students. The TAMIU Student Handbook is available at http://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml.

2022-2023 DAAPP Report

AOD Task Force members can submit supporting documentation to co-chairs. Documentation must be related to alcohol and other drug prevention programming for students or employees.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Should you have any questions regarding this act or the policies included above, you may contact the chairs for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Task Force:

Administrator Name Type Contact Number E-mail
Rosalinda Garcia, Vice President, Student Engagement Student Relations 956.326.2953 rosalinda.garcia@tamiu.edu 
Jan Aspelund, Director, Human Resources Employee Relations 956.326.2361 jan.aspelund@tamiu.edu