Policies Governing Alcohol, Drugs, and Weapons

Texas Tech University is committed to providing students, faculty, staff and visitors a safe and drug-free campus. As part of its commitment, Texas Tech notifies its students and employees about the components of the Texas Tech Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) multiple times throughout the year to ensure every student and employee receives it. This document includes information about the standards of conduct, sanctions for violations of university policy, legal ramifications of drug and alcohol abuse, the health risks of alcohol and illicit drug use, and a summary of university prevention and education efforts.

The Office of Institutional Compliance is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program. Texas Tech has developed programs to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. These programs provide services related to substance use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals, and college disciplinary actions.

Students

The Texas Tech University Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct outline behavioral standards developed by the university community for students and student organizations and the related procedures for addressing misconduct. The university may impose disciplinary charges against any student who violates the Texas Tech University Code of Student Conduct and/or local, state and federal laws concerning controlled substances.

The policies regarding the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs are listed in Part I, Section B.3 and B.4 of the Student Code of Conduct and state that Texas Tech University specifically prohibits:

• B.3. Unlawful or unauthorized possession, use, distribution, delivery, or sale of alcohol and/or public intoxication; or operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
• B.4. Possession, use, sharing, furnishing or distribution of illegal drugs, intoxicants, controlled substances and/or drug paraphernalia; including the distribution, use or possession of prescription medications contrary to a valid prescription; being under the influence of illegal drugs, intoxicants, and/or controlled substances.

Employees

Texas Tech University employees must abide by Texas Tech University System Regulation 07.07: Employee Conduct, Coaching, Corrective Action and Termination, Texas Tech University Operating Policy 70.20: Conducting Criminal Background Checks for Employment Purposes, and Texas Tech University Operating Policy 70.35: Drug and Alcohol Testing for Safety and Security-Sensitive Positions.

Other applicable policies include The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the Drug-Free Work Force Rules for Department of Defense (DOD) Contractors, and the requirements of the Department of Transportation or other regulatory bodies and applicable state laws. Specifically, Texas Tech University prohibits:

• Conduct that could constitute a violation of applicable criminal law while in the course and scope of employment, while on duty, at a university function, or on university property, regardless of whether criminal prosecution is pursued, or conviction is attained
• Being unfit for duty, including being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test.
• Unlawful or unauthorized possession, use, distribution, delivery, or sale of alcohol and/or public intoxication; consumption that endangers oneself; or operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
• Possession, use, sharing, furnishing or distribution of illegal drugs, intoxicants, controlled substances and/or drug paraphernalia; including the distribution, use or possession of prescription medications contrary to a valid prescription; being under the influence of illegal drugs, intoxicants, and/or controlled substances.

Weapons Policy - Costa Rica Campus

It is prohibited to enter, carry, or use any type of weapon in the TTU Costa Rica educational center.

Weapons Policy - Texas Campuses

Texas Tech University allows individuals holding a valid License to Carry (LTC) to carry their handgun, concealed on their person, on any Texas Tech campus. The open display of a handgun in plain view of another person on Texas Tech property is never allowed except by an authorized individual such as a peace officer while in the actual discharge of his/her duty. Authorized permit holders are not required to disclose their license to carry status to anyone other than a law enforcement officer. The university will not maintain a list of license to carry individuals.

The university President is the only person with the authority to declare a specific premise or venue as an exclusionary zone. The premises of all Texas Tech residence halls shall be posted as an exclusionary zone except as provided below.

Handgun license holders residing in individually assigned rooms in suite-style and apartment-style housing accommodations, specifically Carpenter/Wells, Murray, Talkington, and West Village residence halls will be allowed to possess handguns on the premise provided that:

Such possession is in compliance at all times with Texas statutory law and these rules

The license holder agrees to follow all University Operating Policies surrounding handgun(s) on campus and proper storage.

The Texas Tech University Student Handbook states that the illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals or use of any item, in a manner that attempts to harm others is prohibited.

For a complete explanation of the General Conduct Sanction Grid, visit GeneralConductSanctionGrid.pdf (ttu.edu).

*Law School and Professional School Students may enter at a step higher

**NOTE: See Texas Tech University Operating Policy related to Campus Carry at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual and University Student Housing Policies and Procedures ( https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/contracts/hallpolicies.php) for specific approved devices allowed in the residence halls.