Texas Tech University

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

2025 Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs (DAAPP) Report

Report published November 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year.

 

Introduction

Texas Tech University is committed to fostering a campus community that promotes the overall wellbeing of its community members and is free from illegal drugs and alcohol abuse. In the following annual notification, you will find information about the university’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP), policies regarding drugs and alcohol, substance abuse prevention programs and services, and other resources for students, faculty, and staff. 

All campus community members should be aware that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on Texas Tech University property or as part of any Texas Tech University activity is prohibited by law and Texas Tech University policy. 

Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act (DFSCA) Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP)

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) requires that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must adopt and implement a program designed to prevent the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. 

 At a minimum, Texas Tech University must annually distribute the following in writing to all students and employees:                                         

  • Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees; 
  • A description of the legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol; 
  • A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse; 
  • A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or reentry programs that are available to employees and students; and 
  • A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct or law. 

Policy and Annual Notifications

Texas Tech University has enacted TTU OP 40.06 (Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to ensure understanding of and standardized procedures in compliance with the provisions of the Drug-Free School and Communities Act, as amended. 

TTU OP 40.06: Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act describes the:

  • Authority of how Texas Tech’s policy on drug and alcohol abuse prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by employees and students on Texas Tech property or as a part of any officially sponsored Texas Tech activities.
  • Implementation of the policy to create an environment for employees and students that is free from illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. This includes a biennial review of the drug and alcohol prevention program to determine its effectiveness, implementing changes if they are needed, and ensuring that sanctions are consistently enforced.
  • Penalties for violation of the policy.
Annual Report Notifications

In addition to TTU OP 40.06, this Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) has been created and annual notification of Texas Tech University’s DAAPP is distributed to all current students and employees each semester (fall, spring, and summer) through Texas Tech email. New employees receive notification at New Employee Orientation and from Human Resources electronically during the onboarding process. New students receive notification electronically upon enrollment. Employees and students can access the DAAPP and the accompanying Biennial Reports through the regularly updated Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act website.

Texas Tech University’s Office of Institutional Compliance also produces Annual Security Reports (ASRs) and Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (ASFSRs) which describe campus policies and procedures surrounding safety and include statistics related to Clery Act crimes. On-campus alcohol and drug referrals and arrests are part of the statistics documented in the ASRs and ASFSRs. These reports are campus specific and are emailed annually to all students and employees by October 1st. All currently enrolled students, campus employees, and prospective students and prospective employees are entitled to request and receive a copy of the applicable ASR or ASFSR. They are also available online and can be requested in person at the Texas Tech Police Department (413 Flint Ave., Lubbock, TX).

Oversight Responsibility

Texas Tech University Office of Institutional Compliance is responsible for the annual notification of the DAAPP and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act biennial review, overseeing compliance with the continuing implementation and assessment of the programs included in this report. 

Institutional Compliance:

Standards of Conduct

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. 
Univeristy Facilities, Event, & Other Alcohol-Related Policies

Unlawful use of alcohol or illicit drugs is strictly prohibited on all university property and at university-sponsored events. The use of alcohol on university property or at university-sponsored events is strictly regulated by the following university policies: 

 

The health risks associated with the use and abuse of drugs and/or alcohol can be long-lasting and can result in serious injury or death. For more information about the specific health risks associated with drugs and alcohol, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website, or review The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 2022 Resource Guide on Drugs of Abuse. 

Alcohol-Related Health Risks

Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking (defined as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration, BAC, to 0.08 g/dL [0.08%] or more)and include the following: 

  • Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
  • Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
  • Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels
  • Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
  • Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women.

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:

  • High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
  • Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon.
  • Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
  • Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
  • Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
  • Social problems, including lost productivity, family problems, and unemployment.
  • Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence.

By monitoring your alcohol consumption and avoiding excessive drinking, you can significantly lower the risk of both short- and long-term health issues.

Drug-Related Health Risks

The long- and short-term effects of drug use vary greatly by substance, however, the health risks associated with the use and/or abuse of illicit drugs can be very serious and result in serious injury and/or death.

Marijuana/Cannabis
  • Research shows that about 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted. For people who begin using before the age of 18, that number rises to 1 in 6.
  • Marijuana use directly affects the brain — specifically the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time. Developing brains, like those in babies, children, and teens, are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of marijuana.
  • Eating foods or drinking beverages that contain marijuana have some different risks than smoking marijuana, including a greater risk of poisoning.
  • Long-term or frequent marijuana use has been linked to increased risk of psychosis or schizophrenia in some users.
  • Using marijuana during pregnancy may increase the baby's risk for developmental problems.
Cocaine
  • Snorting: loss of smell, nosebleeds, frequent runny nose, and problems with swallowing
  • Smoking: cough, asthma, respiratory distress, and higher risk of infections like pneumonia
  • Consuming by mouth: severe bowel decay from reduced blood flow
  • Needle injection: higher risk for contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases, skin or soft tissue infections, as well as scarring or collapsed veins
MDMA/Ecstasy/Molly
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, nausea, faintness, chills or sweating, sharp rise in body temperature leading to kidney failure or death.
  • Long-lasting confusion, depression, problems with attention, memory, and sleep, increased anxiety, impulsiveness, less interest in sex.
Prescription Opioids (Codeine, Fentanyl, oxycodone)
  • Slowed breathing, death
  • Long-term Increased risk of overdose or addiction if misused
  • Dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma or death when used with alcohol.
Central Nervous system Depressants, Barbiturates, & Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Nembutal)
  • Drowsiness, slurred speech, poor concentration, confusion, dizziness, problems with movement and memory, lowered blood pressure, slowed breathing.
  • Dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma or death when used with alcohol.
Prescription Stimulants (adderall, Concerta)
  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate, narrowed blood vessels, increased blood sugar
  • High doses: dangerously high body temperature and irregular heartbeat, heart disease, seizures.
  • Long Term: heart problems, psychosis, anger, paranoia.
  • Masks the depressant action of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure.

For more information about the health-related risks of drug and alcohol use, contact Risk Intervention and Safety Education (806-742-2110) or Texas Tech University Student Health Services (806-743-2848) if you are a Texas Tech student or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (806-743-1327) if you are a Texas Tech employee. 

Drug and Alcohol Programs and Resources

Students

Texas Tech University is dedicated to offering programs and services that emphasize educating students on the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol use.  Support services for student seeking help are provided by the university and referrals to community resources are made when the need of the student is beyond the scope of university-provided services.

  • Risk Intervention & Safety Education (RISE) | Drane Hall 247, Lubbock, TX | 806-742-2110
    • Provides a wide range of alcohol and drug education initiatives, including interactive workshops, one-on-one wellness coaching, substance-free campus events, and administration of the required prevention education course for all incoming first-year and transfer students. In addition to the mandatory online course, students have access to specialized support programs such as:
      • Raider Restart for Alcohol and Raider Restart for Cannabis Use – Individual coaching sessions focused on harm-reduction strategies and healthier decision-making.
      • BASICS for Alcohol – Evidence-based sessions available to any student seeking to reduce the negative impacts of alcohol use.
  • Student Health Services | 1003 Flint Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-743-2848
    • Located in the Student Wellness Center
    • AUDIT-C: Questionnaire filled out at a student’s first visit and then annually to determine levels of alcohol consumption. (May be administered at each visit if the appointment is regarding an alcohol consumption concern or at the discretion of the clinician at any time.)
      • Education is provided by the clinician regarding responsible alcohol consumption
      • Counselors are available for further treatment
  • Student Counseling Center | 1003 Flint Ave. Rm. 201, Lubbock, TX | 806-742-3674
    • Located in the Student Wellness Center
    • Individual and group counseling
    • In-person alcohol assessments provided 
    • Program that assists students to flourish in recovery through accountability and support
    • Recovery Residence Options
    • Hosts daily 12- step Recovery-support meetings
    • Celebration of Recovery every Thursday at 7:00 pm when the university is open. Open to the Lubbock community
    • Weekly seminars for students in the Collegiate Recovery Community
    • Sober Tailgates
    • Student organizations to support and engage in Recovery enhancement through service
    • Annual Conference of Addiction, Recovery, and Families
  • University Recreation | 3219 Main St., Lubbock, TX | 806-742-3351
    • Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center has a diverse line-up of engaging programs and services which promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Student Involvement | 1502 Akron Ave. Ste. 203, Lubbock TX | 806-742-5433
    • Provides annual required Risk Management training surrounding alcohol and drugs and how to implement best practices when alcohol is present at an event
    • Educates on Texas Tech policies and procedures surrounding alcohol and drugs
  • Texas Tech Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Drug Policy & Program
    • As a condition of participation in intercollegiate athletics at Texas Tech, all student-athletes are required to agree, in writing, to comply with the drug policy and the consequences of any positive drug tests.
    • The basic goal of the drug program is education and to deter the use of drugs. However, education and assistance with potential substance use concerns are key components of the program.
    • Education is provided annually on the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on academics and athletics.
Employees

Texas Tech University is also committed to providing programs and services for employees that prioritize educating about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use. Support services for an employee seeking help are provided by the university programs and referrals may also be made to community resources.

  • The Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GPB)
    • The insurance program administered by the Employees Retirement Systems of Texas (ERS). ERS administers benefits for Texas Tech employees and retirees. Coverage for substance abuse can be found on page 87 of the Master Benefit Plan Document.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | 806-743-1327 or 800-327-0328
    • Can provide substance use and abuse counseling, referrals, recovery support, and reentry counseling at the Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1A300 HSC building
    • Counseling services are private and confidential, and records are separate and not part of an employee’s personnel file. Information is not released to the employer or supervisor. Confidentiality is regulated by federal guidelines.
    • More information can be found by contacting the EAP directly or through TTU OP 70.33.
  • The Counseling Center @ TTUHSC | 806-743-1327 or 800-327-0328
    • Can file insurance (for Texas Tech University System employees and their dependents), or accepts self-pay, if and when there is a need for sessions beyond the eight of the current EAP benefit
  • HealthSelect Mental Health Virtual Visits
    • Employees who participate in HealthSelect can consult a licensed mental health professional any day of the week online. A mental health virtual visit is similar to an outpatient visit to a mental health provider’s office, but the visit is conducted online. Licensed mental health professionals can provide treatment for anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance abuse, anger management, and addiction. 
  • HealthSelect Care Management Program
    • The HealthSelect Care Management Program is a team of dedicated clinicians who take a holistic approach to address all your health concerns and questions rather than trying to treat one condition that may be occurring today. Dedicated mental health clinicians are available for concerns including substance abuse issues.
    • If you have questions for a clinician about a physical or mental health concern or condition, call BCBSTX toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY:711) between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm CT on Saturday to speak with a clinician. 
    • You can get help with a mental health or substance use issue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or your covered dependents are in a crisis, call (800) 252-8039 (TTY:711).
    • The Care Management Program also identifies participants that may benefit from extra support and may reach out to you. 
Community Resources
  • National Substance Abuse Hotline | 866-210-1303 (hotline for substance misuse and drug addiction)
  • Alcoholics Anonymous | 806-799-0124
  • Narcotics Anonymous | 818-773-9999 x771
    • 12 step meetings for people struggling with addiction. Local meetings available.
  • Aspire Addition Recovery Centers | 888-502-3631
    • Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction
  • Stages of Recovery | 806-412-4721
    • Provides clients with multilayered addiction treatment plans that support lasting sobriety and personal growth.
  • The Ranch at Dove Tree | 866-568-5661
    • Specializes in alcohol and drug addiction with co-occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and trauma.
    • One of the nation’s leaders in alcohol and drug addiction treatment facilities.
  •  Grace Manor | 806-897-9735
    • Alcohol and drug rehabilitation center that provides residential treatment to adults seeking recovery from addiction.
  • SUSAN (Substance Use Service Assistance Network) | 806-775-3860
    • Provides financial assistance for treatment/detox, transportation (medical), medical services, personal hygiene, educational employment needs, sober housing, as well as assistance in harm reduction via syringe cleaning kits, Naloxone, condoms/lubricant, and wound/first aid kits.
  • DB Education | 806-793-4522
    • State certified alcohol education classes for MIP, MIC, PI, DUI Minor and DWI offenses

 Legal Sanctions

Texas Tech University enforces all Federal and State laws and local ordinances. The Texas Tech Police Department can be contacted at 806-742-3931 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies. 

Federal Statutes

Possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. Penalties increase significantly where use of the illicit drugs results in death. Serious fees, on-campus housing contract cancellation, and suspension or expulsion from the university may also occur. 

The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. 

The Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act of 1984 set the minimum legal drinking age to 21 in the United States, and every state, including the State of Texas, abides by that standard. For more information about the alcohol policy in the United States, visit the NIAAA’s Alcohol Policy Information System website. 

Federal Drug/Alcohol Offenses
  • Manufacture, Distribution, or Dispensing Drugs (includes marijuana)
    • Minimum Punishment: Imprisonment between 180 days and 2 years and/or a fine of $10,000
    • Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment for life or for a term of 10 to 99 years and a fine not to exceed $100,000
  • Possession of Drugs (includes marijuana)
    • Minimum Punishment: Imprisonment between 180 days to 2 years and/or a fine of $10,000 or less
    • Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment between 5 to 99 years and a maximum fine of $50,000
  • Operation of a Common Carrier under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
    • Minimum Punishment: Fine and/or imprisonment between 1 day to 15 years
    • Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine not to exceed $250,000
  • Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substances (Drugs)
    • Minimum Punishment: Confinement in jail for a term of no less than 180 days and/or fine of $2,000
    • Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment between 10 to 99 years and a fine not to exceed $100,000
  • Possession of Controlled Substances (Drugs), Delivery of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana
    • Minimum Punishment: Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000
    • Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000
  • Driving While Intoxicated (includes Intoxication from Alcohol, Drugs, or Both)
    • Minimum Punishment: Confinement in jail for a term not more than 180 days nor less than 72 hours and a fine not to exceed $2,000
    • Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years nor less than 2 years and a fine up to $4,000 and jail for up to 1 year, or both
  • Public Intoxication
    • Minimum Punishment: A fine not to exceed $500
    • Maximum Punishment: Varies with age and number of offenses
  • Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor and Consumption/ Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
    • Minimum Punishment: A fine not to exceed $500
    • Maximum Punishment: Varies with number of offenses
  • Sale of Alcohol to a Minor
    • A fine not to exceed $4,000 and/or confinement in jail for not more than one year
State of Texas Statutes

 In Texas, the following statutes guide the laws and penalties surrounding illicit drugs and alcohol: 

  • Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.02: Being intoxicated in public such that one is a danger to oneself, or others is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. 
  • Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sec. 101.31: It is illegal to possess or distribute alcoholic beverages in a dry area. Violation of this law is a Class B misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days confinement. 
  • Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sections 106.04, 106.05, and 106.071: The purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 years of age subjects that person to a fine of up to $500 for the first offense and at least $250 up to $2,000 for the second offense and/or 180 days confinement. 
  • Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sec. 106.06: Furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail. 
  • Texas Education Code Sec. 37.122: Possession of an intoxicating beverage on the grounds of any public school is a Class C misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to $500. If found with an open container in the person’s immediate possession, the minimum confinement period extends to six days. 
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Sections 481.102-106, 481.115- 118: The illegal distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances may be punished by 180 days to 2 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 (Tex. Health and Safety Code Sec. 481.116b) 
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Section 481.112-120: The delivery or possession of controlled substances with the intent to manufacture controlled substances is punishable by a jail term of 10 years to 99 years and a fine not to exceed $100,000.(remove quotation marks) (Tex. Health and Safety Code 481.115f)
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 481.122: The distribution of marijuana to a minor is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine. 
Texas campuses: Local Laws and Ordinances 

In Texas, the sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on Sunday. Packaged liquor may be sold between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The sale of packaged liquor is prohibited on New Year’s Day, January 2 (when it falls on a Monday), Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and December 26 (when it falls on a Monday). 

Packaged beer and wine can be sold between noon and midnight on Sunday, between 7:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. 

Alcoholic beverages may be served in bars and restaurants between noon and midnight on Sunday, between 7:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. At certain restaurants, alcoholic beverages may be served with meals beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. 

Costa Rica: Local Laws and Ordinances

Costa Rica Liquor Laws identify the legal drinking age as 18. Minors, those under 18 years of age, need to know that it is illegal to knowingly:

  • Possess alcohol
  • Consume alcohol
  • Purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol
  • Transport alcohol on a public highway when not accompanied by at least one parent or guardian

Under Costa Rica law, it is illegal to drink in public areas such as street, parks, beaches, and sidewalks.

In Costa Rica, a prison sentence of one to three years will be imposed in the following driving under the influence of alcohol cases:

·         For any type of driver, if the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.75 grams per liter or breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) exceeds 0.38 milligrams per liter

·         For professional drivers or those who received their driver’s license for the first time less than three years ago if the BAC exceeds 0.50 grams per liter or the BrAC exceeds 0.25 milligrams per liter.

Infractions of the state’s alcohol laws can be punishable by fines, probation, and/or jail time. It is a $360 fine for the illegal possession or public consumption of those under the age of 18.

Costa Rica drug laws prohibit possession, sale, manufacture, and distribution of marijuana and other controlled substances (i.e. cocaine, LSD, PCP, hallucinogenic substances, stimulants, narcotics), and possession of drug paraphernalia. There are two laws the regulate drug-related activities, the General Health Law (Law 5395) and the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law (Law 8204).

Drug use has been decriminalized in Costa Rica.  The General Health Law prohibits the planting, cultivation, import, export, and trafficking of drugs.  The cultivation, manufacture, storage, transport, distribution, and trafficking of drugs are criminal acts.

The punishment established for all these activities is a prison sentence of between 8 and 15 years.  This is the penalty appliable to anyone who distributes, markets, supplies, manufactures, prepares, refines, processes, extracts, cultivates, produces, transports, stores or sells any of the drugs, substances or products listed in the law or who grows the plants from which these substances or products are obtained, without being legally authorized to do so.  The same punishment is imposed upon anyone who has these drugs, substances, or products in their possession without proper authorization for any of the purposes listed, and anyone who possesses or sells seeds that can be germinated or other natural products that are used to produce the listed drugs.

University Disciplinary Sanctions for Violations of Policy

Texas Tech University will impose sanctions on students and employees for violations of Texas Tech University policies and standards of conduct which may include suspension, expulsion, and/or termination of employment. Students who are also employees may also be held accountable under both student and employee policies. 

Students

The Texas Tech Office of Student Conduct (OSC) is responsible for cases of Code of Student Conduct violations and may issue sanctions. The OSC is in the Student Union Building (SUB), Suite 307 (1502 Akron Ave. Lubbock, TX 79409)  and can be reached by calling 806-742-1714. Sanctions for violations of the Code of Student Conduct are proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student found responsible. Common sanctions for alcohol and drug related violations include participation in an alcohol or drug education workshop and/or the completion of a drug and alcohol assessment through Risk Intervention and Safety Education (RISE) or Student Health Services at Texas Tech University, mandated counseling or substance abuse treatment, eviction from on-campus housing, and could include probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university.

Alcohol Beverages Sanction Matrix

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

Narcotics or Drugs Sanction Matrix

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

For a complete explanation of the General Conduct Sanction Grid, visit GeneralConductSanctionGrid.pdf (ttu.edu) (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/GeneralConductSanctionGrid.pdf)

Amnesty Policy

The university may, at its discretion, offer amnesty for conduct violations to: 

  • Individual student(s) who may have committed a violation at the time of an incident or
  • Individual student(s) who offers help to those who need medical assistance. 

If amnesty is offered, educational options may be explored, but no conduct actions or sanctions will result. 

Abuse of amnesty provisions may result in a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Amnesty does not preclude students from being charged with allegations of misconduct related to the Actions against Members of the University Community and Others section of the Code. The Code of Student Conduct amnesty provisions do not influence criminal proceedings or charges. Amnesty does not preclude students from being required to meet with university staff or to participate in conditions such as counseling, alcohol assessments, and other requirements. The Office for Student Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct may also assist with questions related to amnesty provisions, but the final determination regarding amnesty will be made by the ADOS/SD of the Office of Student Conduct or designee or the Title IX Coordinator or designee in Title IX cases.

Employees

Staff employees found in violation of university policy will be addressed under TTU System OP 07.07: Employee Conduct, Discipline, and Terminations. An employee who violates the standards established in this policy may be subject to coaching, corrective action, suspension with or without pay, administrative leave, and/or termination from Texas Tech. 

Faculty employees found in violation of university policy will be addressed under TTU OP 32.04: Conduct of University Faculty. A violation of the standards established in this policy may result in the assessment of a penalty ranging from an oral reprimand to termination from Texas Tech. In the case of non-tenured and non-tenure track faculty members, all disciplinary procedures other than non-renewal of appointment, termination, or denial of tenure will be governed by TTU OP 70.31. Tenured faculty members’ termination will be controlled by the tenure policy (OP 32.01). 

 

Biennial Reports

DFSCA Report

 
DAAPP 2024 Report
 

Resources

 

Institutional Compliance

© 2025  Texas Tech University Nov 17, 2025 1:31 PM