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Substance Use and Abuse Procedures and Sanctions


I) Legal Sanctions

Pacific Lutheran University is required to publish a clear statement of applicable legal sanctions under local, state and federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. 

The applicable laws are set forth below.

  1. Pierce County code 9.20.040.1 it is unlawful to loiter near any public place to engage in drug related activities prohibited under the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 69.  Penalty provisions provide for sentences up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
  2. RCW 66 deals with alcoholic beverage control.  Violation of the sale, consumption or distribution of alcoholic beverages prohibited under this Act call for fines up to $1000 and one year in jail.
  3. RCW 69 sets forth the state code which prohibits the manufacture, possession, distribution or intent to deliver certain substances.  This state code mirrors the federal code set forth below.
  4. 21 U.S.C. Chapter 13 Sec. 88,12,2844 prohibits the manufacture, possession, distribution and intent to deliver certain substances.  Section 812 identifies 85 substances which are included as illegal.  Penalty provisions depend upon the substance, prior convictions, and specific prohibited activity.  Fines range up to $4,000,000 and up to 20 years in jail.

II) Sudent Conduct Sanctions

Pacific Lutheran University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students who violate university alcohol and other drug policies.  Sanctions my include any of the following, depending on the severity of the violation and the history of the student's previous behavior:  Letter of Mutual Understanding, educational session, community service projects, fines, removal of privileges, disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, deferred graduation, and/or permission to withdraw.  Pacific Lutheran University reserves the right to request a student undergo drug testing and/or complete a treatment/counseling program.  Pacific Lutheran University may initiate and/or institute legal proceedings when its own interests as an academic institution are distinctly and directly involved.  A detailed dexcription of these sanctions may be found in the Student Handbook online at www.plu.edu/print/handbook.

III) Employee Sanctions

Pacific Lutheran University will impose disciplinary sanctions (consistent with local, state and federal law) on employees who violate the drug and alcohol-free workplace policy.  Student employees may also be subject to the procedures outlined in the student conduct system.  Sanctions may include any of the following, depending on the severity of the incident:  oral and written warnings, placement on probation, suspension from employment, successful completion of a treatment/counseling program, termination, and referral for prosecution.  PLU reserves the right to request an individual undergo drug testing for cause.

Furthermore, each employee who observes or has knowledge of other employees in a conditon which affects their ability to perform job duties or poses a hazard to the safety and welfare of others is expected to report such conditions promptly to the immediate supervisor, the next higher level supervisor, a University officer, or the Director of Human Resources.

Pacific Lutheran University takes its commitment to provide a drug and alcohol-free working environment seriously.  All employees who suspect they may have a drug , substance or alcohol abuse problem are encouraged to seek assistance through their own efforts before the problem affects their employment status.  To comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, University Human Resource Services, Health Services, Residential Life, and Counseling and Testing maintain a list of agencies which provide rehabilitative and counseling servises.  Request for information and/or referral sources will be treated confidentially.