The Student Code of Conduct includes regulations about illegal use and misuse of drugs. Like illegal drugs, some prescription drugs (i.e., Ativan, Adderall, Xanax), are regulated by the State of North Carolina and, therefore, are included in the University’s drug policy. If you are using a prescription medication that is included in the drug policy, here are a few reminders:
· The medication must be stored in its original container at all times. The container must indicate that the medicine was prescribed to you. You should never carry loose pills.
· You should never give out your medication to other people or accept prescription medications not prescribed to you. This includes those prescription medications provided by your parent or other family member.
· It is a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct to be found in possession of prescription medications without a valid prescription or to share your medication with your friends or classmates. You could be suspended for this!
ECU has two levels of drug policy violations. Level I violations involve prescription drugs that are found in Schedules III, IV, V, and VI of the North Carolina general statues. Examples of drugs in this category include, but are not limited to, Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, and anabolic steroids. A student found illegally possessing or using drugs at this level may receive probation for a minimum of one year, will have to go to counseling, in addition to other sanctions. Students found responsible for having a second Level I violation will likely be suspended.
Level II violations include prescription drugs indicated in Schedules I and II of the North Carolina general statues. Examples of common prescription medications in this category include but are not limited to Adderall, Oxycotin, Percoset, Vicodin and Ritalin. A student found responsible for illegally possessing or using these medications will face a minimum of one semester suspension for a first-time violation, attend counseling and take a drug test in addition to other sanctions. For subsequent violations the sanctions will likely increase in severity and may include expulsion from ECU and the University of North Carolina system. Students expelled from ECU are not allowed to attend ECU or any of the other 16 institutions part of the UNC system.
Students found responsible for selling or distributing Level I drugs may receive a minimum of one semester suspension for a first-time violation; incidents involving Level II drugs will likely result in expulsion. Distributing includes giving a pill to a friend or classmate. Your provider prescribed the medicine to you for a reason, and it is probably best that you take it the way it was intended to be taken.
The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities is available to answer any questions regarding this, or any other, University policy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse or misusing medication please seek help in the Center for Counseling and Student Development located in 316 Wright Building (252-328-6661).
