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University of Pittsburgh Drug-Free Schools Annual

Notification – Faculty and Staff on All Campuses

To implement its commitment to provide a drug-free environment for its students, faculty, and staff, the

University of Pittsburgh prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a

controlled substance on University property or as part of any University activity. Faculty, staff, and students of

the University must also comply with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law on the possession and consumption

of alcohol and other drugs. Any University employee paid from federally funded grants or contracts, or any

of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education, state educational agency,

or local educational agency must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the

possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. As set forth in the statute,

the University of Pittsburgh’s program is required to provide at a minimum:

A. An annual distribution, in writing, to each employee and student (regardless of the length of the student’s

program of study), including:

1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, unlawful possession, use, or distribution of

illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities

2. A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law

3. A description of health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol

Faculty and staff members who violate the University’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy will be subject to

disciplinary action, including but not limited to written reprimands, suspension, dismissal and/or mandatory

participation in and successful completion of a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

As members of the University community, staff and faculty members are also subject to city ordinances and to

state and federal law. Arrest and prosecution for alleged violations of criminal law or city ordinances may result

from an incident that may also violate the University’s policies, and, thus, there may be times when staff and

faculty members must address alleged violations through both the criminal and University processes.

Social Impact

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cannabis use, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse

engaged in binge drinking at least once during that timeframe.

Health Effects

Substance use can contribute to a number of problems, including negative impacts on health and well-being.

These can include both short-term and long-term effects, as well as direct and indirect effects. Possible impacts

may include, but are not limited to, developing a substance use disorder, organ damage, increased risk of

Possible short-term impacts can include:

inhibitions, judgment; coordination and

reaction times; impact on thinking;

increased risk of accident; risk of coma and

drive; paranoia, agitation, and

hallucinations; violent behavior; sweating;

nausea, vomiting; insomnia; irritability;

dizziness; depression; panic attacks;

concentration, confusion, dizziness,

problems with movement and memory,

blood pressure; headache; abdominal pain

and nausea; euphoria; increased energy,

alertness; insomnia, restlessness; anxiety;

erratic and violent behavior, panic attacks,

paranoia, psychosis; heart rhythm

problems, heart attack; stroke, seizure,

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confusion, memory loss, unconsciousness,

slowed heart rate and

Euphoria; dry mouth; itching; nausea;

memory; dreamlike states, hallucinations;

sedation; confusion; loss of memory; raised

blood pressure; unconsciousness;

person’s ability to recognize reality, think

rationally, or communicate with others;

followed by drowsiness/relaxation; slowed

reaction time; problems with balance and

coordination; increased heart rate and

appetite; problems with learning and

Increased heart rate; vomiting; agitation;

increased blood pressure

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drooling; loss of balance; dizziness;

art attack, even in young

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-836-9902

Office of Human Resources:

814-269-7030

Office of Student Life:

• Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

3811 O'Hara Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-624-1000

• Center for Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Services

Oxford Building, Suite 900

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3501 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-246-5910

• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc.

2 Main Street

Bradford, PA 16701

804-362-6517

• The Guidance Center

110 Campus Drive

Bradford, PA 16701

814-362-6535

• Bradford Regional Medical Center

Bradford, PA 16701

814-642-9522

• Alcoholics Anonymous

866-977-8193

• Crossroads of Bradford

195 E. Main Street

Bradford, PA 16701

800-805-6989

3501 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-246-5910

• Gateway Rehabilitation Center

212 Outlet Way Suite 1

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-853-7300

• University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Drug and Alcohol Helpline

814-269-7111

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• Alcoholics Anonymous

Johnstown - 814-533-5907 (24 hours)

Somerset – 814-443-3639

• Independent Family Services

636 Scalp Avenue

844-625-7297

• Peniel Drug and Alcohol Rehab

760 Cooper Avenue

Johnstown, PA 15906

814-827-3472

• Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission, Inc.

814-724-4100

For faculty and staff, the Office of Human Resources offers the Life Solutions program with free personalized

care for a variety of issues, including Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation support which can be found at

https://lifesolutions.personaladvantage.com/portal/landing?a=1

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The possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are enforced for

DEA Drug Scheduling: https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

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Federal regulations restrict the purchase of tobacco products, and certain flavors of vaping products for

individuals under 21 years of age. More information can be found at this link:

https://www.fda.gov/news-

events/public-health-focus/lung-illnesses-associated-use-vaping-products

Denial of Federal Aid (20 USC 1091)

Under the Higher Education Act of 1998, students convicted under federal or state law for the sale or

possession of drugs may have their federal financial aid eligibility suspended. This includes all federal grants,

loans, federal work study programs, and more. Students convicted of drug possession will be ineligible for one

year from the date of the conviction of the first offense, two years for the second offense, and indefinitely for the

third offense. Students convicted of selling drugs will be ineligible for two years from the date of the first

charges that may result in forfeiture.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 USC 841)

Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance

involved in the transaction. The following list is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed

for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe.

• If death or serious bodily injury result from the use of a controlled substance which has been illegally

sentence and fines ranging up to $8 million.

• Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a University (21 USC 845a)

face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense,

prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. Second convictions are

punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than 2 years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500.

Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than 3 years in prison and a

minimum fine of $5,000. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a minimum fine of $750.

Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than

5 years but not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000, or both if:

a. It is a first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams;

b. It is a second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams;

c. It is a third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount exceeds 1 gram.

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Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances,