Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program.

All members of the ULM community are encouraged to review the information on the following pages. This information is distributed on an annual basis.

Students, faculty, and staff may request information on the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act by contacting the Dean of Students at 318-342-5230. 

Standards of Conduct

Use of illegal drugs, and the illegal use of alcoholic beverages, is identified as “conduct which adversely affects the university community.” University regulations prohibit any unlawful possession, use, distribution, or sale of alcohol and other drugs by University students, faculty, staff, or guests to the University, on University-owned property and at all University sponsored activities.

ULM students are also prohibited from the illegal use of drugs or alcohol whether on or off campus.

The legal age for the consumption of alcohol is 21 years of age. Any underage student consuming alcohol is violating standards for student conduct. Additionally, excessive alcohol use can lead to additional violations, such as driving while intoxicated or public intoxication.

Students living on campus (ULM Housing) should note that “The Office of Residential Life has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drug use or possession.”

Disciplinary Sanctions

The penalties for misconduct range from reprimand to expulsion. Typically, students who have violated the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to the ULM Counseling Center to complete an individualized education plan. A Health and Substance Abuse Counselor will meet with the student and complete an assessment covering alcohol and other drug use history, reason for referral, family and personal history, health concerns, safety issues, and the consequences associated with use. The counselor will also assess the student’s readiness for modifications in behavior with established goals.

Faculty sanctions are listed under the ULM Faculty Handbook, Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Unclassified staff sanctions are listed under the Unclassified Staff Handbook, Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Classified staff requirements are noted in the Classified Employee Handbook under General Safety Requirements, Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Contact the Department of Human Resources for assistance and services at 318-342-5140.

Health Risks

Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below.

Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers)

Addiction and accidents can occur as a result of impaired ability and judgment. Alcohol poisoning and overdose is also possible when used with other depressants. Damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver may also occur.

Marijuana

Marijuana impairs short-term memory concentration, learning, thinking, and physical coordination. It may exert a toxic effect on brain nerve cells and thus produces euphoria and memory loss. Marijuana joints appear to produce approximately the same lung damage and potential cancer risk as smoking 5 times as many cigarettes.  Use can increase the risk of emphysema as well. It also can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance.  It may cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system. Marijuana impairs driving ability.

Cocaine

Use can cause addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, and psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.

Nicotine

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are know to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.

Inhalants

Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High does can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse may cause adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.

Treatment Options:

A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from the University and community agencies, students may contact the ULM Counseling Center at 318-342-5220. Faculty and staff members may contact the Department of Human Resources 318-342-5140.

Community Resources:

St. Francis Medical Center - North
3421 Medical Park Dr.
Monroe, LA 71203
318-966-1946

St. Francis Medical Center - Downtown
309 Jackson St.
Monroe, LA 71201
318-966-4000

University Health - Conway
(formerly LSU/EA Conway Medical Center)
4864 Jackson St.
Monroe, LA 71201
318-330-7000

Glenwood Medical Center
503 McMillan Rd.
West Monroe, LA 71291
318-329-4200

Confidential Resources:

Individual Assessment and Counseling for ULM students:

Early intervention, assessment, education, and referral
Educational sessions for those concerned about alcohol or other drug use
Student Services (Mandatory) referrals
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) – personalized screen for substance dependence disorder
Harm reduction training

Educational Programs:

Speakers on a wide variety of topics related to drug and alcohol use
Substance Abuse Workshops
Alcohol, drug, and marijuana use programs

Events:

Alcohol and drug awareness activities
Health Fairs
Drunk Driving Awareness & Driver Safety Activities (Drunk Goggles)

University Resources:

ULM Health Clinic (Affinity) - 318-342-1651 
Medical and counseling services

Counseling and Testing Services - 318-342-5220 
Professional, confidential consultation/screenings and counseling services

ULM Police Department - 318-342-5350 
Presentations on legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use and related issues

Dean of Students - 318-342-5230 
Address Student Code of Conduct, enforces policies and procedures, and provides students with resources necessary to resolve personal disputes.

Human Resource Department - 318-342-5140 
Services, guidance, education, and training (faculty and staff), counseling referrals, enforces policies and procedures for staff; assistance with disciplinary action for staff; Online resources, education and training.