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Alcohol and Drugs Policy
Alcohol and Drugs Policy
Purpose Statement
Within Accommodation Services, we take our duty to provide a safe living environment very seriously. Our alcohol and drug policy aims to reduce harm and safeguard you from the detrimental impact of drug use and excessive alcohol consumption within accommodation. In association with Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) and Student Health and Wellbeing Service we will provide education and support regarding the use of drugs or alcohol misuse. This policy operates in line with Newcastle University’s Student Drugs Policy and further advice about staying safe at university can be found online.
Applicability and Scope
This policy applies to all students living in University-owned accommodation. This policy outlines the consequences of the use, possession, supply or dealing of drugs within the accommodation and grounds. Prescribed medication is exempt from the policy, providing it is taken as prescribed by the intended person. Although alcohol is not illegal, we define ‘alcohol misuse’ as any consumption that makes you act in an inappropriate manner or has a detrimental effect on you or the wider community.
Our Responsibilities
- to listen and support you if you are affected by drugs or excessive alcohol consumption
- to safeguard you from any detrimental impact caused by drugs and/or alcohol misuse
- to treat disclosures of drug use confidentially and with sensitivity
- to provide necessary care and attention to any student suspected to be under the influence of drugs
- to remove and co-ordinate the disposal of drugs or drug paraphernalia found within our accommodationto inform and educate you of the consequences of consuming drugs and/or excessive alcohol consumption including the impact on your health
- to meet our legal obligation to prevent the use of illegal substances on our premises under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, and take appropriate action when drugs are found
- not to condone the excessive or harmful use of alcohol in our accommodationto ensure you are aware of the Student Disciplinary Procedure and the consequences of using drugs and consuming excessive alcohol and it's impacts whilst staying with us
Your Responsibilities
- not to take drugs into University-owned accommodation
- not to sell, share, distribute or deal drugs
- to seek support if you are directly or indirectly affected by alcohol misuse or drug use
- to drink responsibly
- to not behave in a way that has adverse impact on yourself, other residents, or the wider communityto familiarise yourself with and adhere to this policy
- to seek clarification from a member of Accommodation Services Team, about any aspect of this policy as required
Disciplinary Process and Outcomes
Anyone found to be in contravention of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in our Student Disciplinary Procedure. Outcomes of disciplinary action could include eviction from your accommodation, suspension and/or expulsion from the University and criminal proceedings if the activity also constitutes a breach of applicable criminal laws.
In most instances, minor misconduct will be considered locally by the Student Behaviour Team within Accommodation Services. This is outlined in Level 1 of the Student Disciplinary Procedure. Sanctions at Level 1 may include receiving an advisory, an invitation to a ReConnect session or being issued with a fine. Failure to engage with the Level 1 process or persistent offences will be referred to Student Progress Service and will be considered under Level 2 of the procedure.
If we suspect you of dealing drugs, or of putting yourself or others in serious harm, we will pass your details to Student Progress and the police for investigation. Your details will also be shared with Student Health & Wellbeing Service to ensure that support for you is available if required.
Definitions
Certain words and phrases used in this policy have the meanings given to them here.
Advisory: the first instance of a disciplinary procedure, to provide students with the opportunity to re-educate on level one matters.
Alcohol: obtained from the fermentation of sugars and starches. It is the intoxicating ingredient of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks.
Drugs: a controlled substance that it is a criminal offence to possess or supply, prescription medicines that are not prescribed to the person or are not being used in accordance with medical instruction and any other substances (other than alcohol) that produce physical, mental, emotional, and/or behavioural changes in the user.
Drug paraphernalia: any equipment, product or accessory that is intended or modified for making, using, or concealing drugs.
ReConnect session: an online Zoom session held by ResLife, where students can drop-in and engage with their ResLife Coordinators on all University related matters. Zoom session details are advertised on both social media, and in weekly email communications.
We/us/our/ours: Newcastle University which is the landlord of the accommodation.
You/your/yours: the person who has agreed to take a tenancy in our accommodation.