Prairie View A&M University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on its campuses and at university sponsored events.  The unlawful use of drugs or alcohol is inconsistent with the behavior expected of members of the PVAMU community.  Violations of this policy may result in criminal action as well as disciplinary action.

Students

The Office for Student Conduct is charged with upholding the concepts of fairness and due process while establishing a balance between community standards and individual behavior.

The rules and procedures which form the Student Conduct Code help ensure that Prairie View A&M University provides a living, learning, and working environment in which every Panther student can develop holistically, and meet his or her academic goals.  By establishing the Student Conduct Code as the behavioral standard, the rights of every student are protected, while also ensuring orderly operations of the university.

Student conduct conferences are not criminal or judicial proceedings.  Information for a finding is based on a standard that an act was “more likely than not” to have occurred.

Although the terms and procedures may be similar to criminal law or the criminal court system, they are specific to Prairie View A&M University and limited to the meaning and use given to them by the university.  An act not criminally prosecuted may still violate university policy.

In all student conduct conferences, the accused shall be presumed not responsible until it is proven that a violation of the university’s Code of Student Conduct occurred.  The burden of proof shall rest with those bringing the charges, and said burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.  Preponderance of the evidence is defined as the greater weight and degree of credible evidence admitted in the conference.

The student conduct process is expected to:

  • Determine consequences for behaviors that violate TAMUS policies and regulations, university rules and administrative procedures, and federal, state, and local laws or ordinances.
  • Offer outcomes to assist students in learning about the impact of their actions on themselves and others within their respective communities.
  • Protect the integrity of students, faculty, staff, the institution, and the university community.

Prohibited Conduct specifically related to alcohol and other drugs:

Alcohol

Alcohol use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly authorized by university regulations), is prohibited on Prairie View A&M University premises and university sponsored events.  In addition, use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages while driving or riding in or on a vehicle on university premises is prohibited.  Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.  Individuals may not be in a state of public intoxication or drunkenness.  Individuals may not operate a motor vehicle or another form of transportation while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol.

Drugs

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 drug is also prohibited.  Individuals may not operate a motor vehicle or another form of transportation while under the influence of drugs or while intoxicated.

Each student shall have access to PVAMU’s rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are in effect when attending or participating in any class or activity sponsored by PVAMU, either on campus or at an off-campus location.

For further guidance, students are instructed to see the Student Code of Conduct.

Employees

The use, sale, distribution, possession of alcohol, or any drug, including prescription medication used in an unauthorized manner is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination.

In accordance with TAMUS regulation 34.02.01 Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs, if a supervisor reasonably suspects that use of a controlled substance or alcohol has resulted in absenteeism, tardiness or impairment of work performance or is the cause of workplace accidents, the supervisor must immediately notify the appropriate department head or designated administrator.  Upon direction from the department head or designated administrator, the supervisor or designated administrator will discuss with the employee the suspected alcohol or drug-related problem(s).  The employee will be advised of available alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation or employee assistance programs, and the terms of any applicable disciplinary sanctions.  The employee may be required to participate in an assistance program and be subject to discipline (up to and including termination of employment) if the employee rejects participation in the program.  Each employee has access to the PVAMU Policy Library.  All employees should familiarize themselves with the TAMUS policy and regulation, and the PVAMU rule regarding drugs and alcohol as all employees will be held accountable.

For further guidance, employees are instructed to see the TAMUS Policy 34.02 Drug and Alcohol Abuse; TAMUS Regulation 34.02.01 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation Programs; and PVAMU Rule 34.02.01.P1 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation Programs.