Approved by College Council, May 17, 1971
Saint Joseph's University does not condone the violations of any civil statute. The illegal possession, use or distribution of drugs is prohibited within the University. The University, however, has no intention of usurping the role of civil authority. The University is concerned with drug use, not only because it is a violation of a civil statute, but also because it is detrimental to the achievement of institutional goals. The primary role of this community is the intellectual and emotional development of its members. It is generally recognized that the effect of drugs (e.g. lysergic acid, mescaline, methedrine, heroin, marijuana) is to alter one's judgment and level of awareness. Constant use and/or abuse of drugs can result in permanent physical damage and psychological dependence as well as an increasing inability to distinguish illusion from reality. These effects are opposed to the proper functioning of an academic community.

The University is vitally interested in the well-being of all members of its community and, therefore, wishes always to offer assistance rather than punishment. The University recognizes that chronic drug usage does not occur in isolation. Rather, it is a symptom of other difficulties that the individual is experiencing. In view of this, the University makes available to all members of its community a counseling office staffed by professionally trained personnel. The services of a qualified psychiatrist are also available. The University strongly urges its members to take advantage of these services. In addition, the Counseling Center offers a comprehensive library collection on the topic of drug use and abuse.

To ensure the continuance of its academic function, the University will find it necessary to initiate disciplinary action in certain situations. Such action should not be taken without guaranteeing administrative due process to the individual involved. When, in its judgment, every other reasonable avenue of approach is exhausted, the University will take action to maintain good order, academic and social, and to prevent serious damage to the individual. It is also imperative that no member of the University community considers this campus a sanctuary from civil law, as the University accepts seriously its responsibility to cooperate with the proper authorities. In certain cases, the University may have to separate an individual from the residence system. If such separation is deemed necessary, an attempt should be made by the University to provide the individual with appropriate guidance before separation takes effect. If the University's counseling service is unable to handle a case, the individual will be referred to another competent agency. Separation from the University community may be the result of disciplinary action, but it is considered only as a last resort.

To further clarify the drug policy that was approved by College Council on May 17, 1971, the following is provided: The use, possession, or distribution of illegal narcotics or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by federal, state and/or local law is prohibited. The misuse of prescription drugs is also prohibited.  Drug paraphernalia may indicate illegal drug use, and possession may result in disciplinary action. 

Examples of drug violations include, but are not limited to: illegal or improper use, possession, cultivation, distribution, manufacture, or sale of any drug(s), including prescribed medications; illegal or improper use of solvents, aerosols, or propellants; administration or employment of drugs or intoxicants causing another person to become impaired without his or her knowledge.

Students are expected to immediately report conduct or activity which poses a danger to the community or its members. This is most important in medical emergencies due to drug use. Students should not hesitate to seek help because of fear of disciplinary action. The welfare of everyone in this community is paramount, and Saint Joseph's University encourages students to offer help and assistance to others in need. In most circumstances, the help seeker will not be charged with a policy violation under the University Community Standards system.

What should I do if I am witness to a drug violation?
When a student knowingly is in the presence of a drug violation, the University expects him or her to do one or more of the following: notify University staff, ask the individual(s) in violation to stop, or remove himself or herself from the situation immediately. All students should recognize that their presence during a violation may subject them to disciplinary action.