Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

One of the goals of Student Activities is to help students get involved on campus, to maximize their college experience. Through a variety of events, services, and resources, the office provides students with opportunities to connect to the university and to other students.

Student Activities promotes a sense of community and loyalty to the university while serving to enhance the social, intellectual, and developmental growth of students as individuals or as members of student organizations. We do this through three main areas: campus-wide events and traditions, off-campus student services, and student organization services.

Student Activities programs include:

Student Organization Orientation
Orientation is required annually for organization registration. At least one officer must participate. During orientation, organization officers are made aware of University rules and regulations relating to student organizations, as well as services and resources for their benefit. Basic risk management, event planning, and University policy information is covered.

Student Organization Risk Management Training
As required by state section 51.9361 of the Texas Education Code, advanced risk management training is required annually for specified officers of student organizations that are perceived as participating in higher risk activities, including fraternities and sororities in the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life and Sport Clubs overseen by Rec Sports. In addition, the training is required once for the specified organizations’ advisors. Topics include alcohol violations and sanctions found in the Code of Student Conduct.

Student Activities has shown the risk management video to all student organizations, via the mandatory student organization orientation. The video covers information about alcohol and illegal drugs, including a brief overview of what happens for related violations of the Code of Student Conduct. During the 2021-2022 student organization registration period, 469 students reviewed the video and received information on alcohol and drugs and overdose response.

Event Safety Committee
The purpose of the Event Safety Committee (ESC) is to ensure that student organization events with possible risks associated with them are executed in the safest way possible, to promote the health and safety of organization members and their guests.

Student organizations wishing to hold events on UNT property dealing with elements that are risky in nature, including the use or distribution of alcohol, must be referred to ESC per UNT University Policy 11.001 Facilities Use Coordination. The ESC is chaired by a staff member in Student Activities and is comprised of representatives from the UNT Police Department, Risk Management (insurance advisor & fire marshal), and a respective facility representative.

In each case, the ESC works with the student organization to achieve its intended goals while promoting safe activities that protect the organization’s members, guests, community, and University property. The safe and legal handling of alcohol is discussed with the organization’s event planner during the ESC meeting. A staff member and UNT Police personnel attend events with alcohol, to ensure safety and compliance with previously agreed upon rules. If violations of agreements are broken, the organization and/or individual members may face sanctions or review by one or more of the following: UNT Police Department, Event Safety Committee, Student Activities, Dean of Students Office.

Orientation and Transition Programs (OTP) is a department within the Division of Student Affairs at University of North Texas. OTP focuses on orientation and providing programs to students who are new to the institution.

Programs
Orientation Leader Training (Summer 2023 and 2024)
The Orientation Leader team was trained on Campus Safety by UNT Police Office David Causey and alcohol and drug awareness by the RISE Center.

Resource Fair (Summer 2023 and 2024)
Departments across campus participate in the resource fair to inform incoming students and their families about the programs and services offered on campus. The RISE Center participated and shared information about how parents can talk with their students about alcohol and drugs, as well as sharing information about services. 

The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) is committed to providing excellent healthcare to our students. Student success, development, and preparation for global citizenship is dependent on the many facets of good health. Mindful of our diverse population, we promote responsible personal health choices to enhance each individual's lifelong health and well-being. Within their purpose, we support the mission of the university to ensure service and quality in teaching performance, public service and outreach. SHWC conducted several programs that help educate students on the use of drugs and alcohol.

Clinical Appointments
The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) provided students a total of 170 clinical appointments for alcohol and other drugs in 2023. The breakdown of appointments included 20 appointments for alcohol, 91 for cannabis, 3 for stimulants, 54 for tobacco/nicotine, and 2 undefined or other. The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) medical clinic provided students a total of 224 clinical appointments for alcohol and other drugs in 2024. The breakdown of appointments included 18 appointments for alcohol, 120 for cannabis, 1 for hallucinogens, 83 for tobacco/nicotine, 1 for psychoactive substances, and 1 undefined or other.

Programs
Safer Sex Education, Condom Club (Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024)
Virtual safer sex education was provided to students prior to receiving free safer sex kits through the Condom Club program. Topics included safer sex practices, proper use of barrier methods, STI/STD prevention, and consent. Educational materials were updated in September 2023 to include the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. From September 2023-December 2023, 806 students completed Condom Club safer sex education. For Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024, 2156 students completed Condom Club safer sex education.

Fentanyl Factor (Spring 2023)
This RISE sponsored event educated students about the risks of Fentanyl and opioid overdose by viewing the Fentanyl Factor documentary and participating in a panel discussion. Participants were provided with free Narcan. SHWC OHP provided resources for on-campus health education and medical services. This event engaged 76 students.

Safer Sex Presentations (Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024)
These presentations educated students on safer sex practices, proper use of barrier methods, STI/STD prevention, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. For Spring 2023, 2 presentations were provided that engaged a total of 25 students. For Fall 2023, 4 presentations were provided that engaged a total of 98 students. For Spring 2024, 4 presentations were provided that engaged a total of 97 students. For Fall 2024, 3 presentations were provided that engaged a total of 76 students.

Spring Break Safety Fair (Spring 2023, Spring 2024)
In partnership with RISE and several additional campus and community partners, students learned about ways to stay safe over spring break. Topics included physical and emotional safety with specific attention to alcohol safety, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. For Spring 2023, 3 events were offered that engaged a total of 121 students. For Spring 2024, 3 events were

National Drug Take Back Day (Spring 2023, Fall 2023)
In partnership with UNT PD, participants received education and resources for the safe disposal and onsite collection of unused and unwanted medications. For Spring 2023, 1 event was provided that engaged 175 staff and students. For Fall 2023, 1 event was provided that engaged 18 staff and students.

Lights Out, First Flight Week (Fall 2023, Fall 2024)
During First Flight Week, this course educated incoming students about safer sex practices, proper use of barrier methods, STI/STD prevention, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. For Fall 2023, 1 in-person event was provided that engaged 276 students and 1 week of virtual course access engaged 89 students. For Fall 2024, 3 in-person events were provided that engaged 144 students and 1 week of virtual access engaged 102 students.

#HealthyEagles on the Hunt, First Flight Week (Fall 2023)
In partnership with RISE and other Chestnut Hall health and wellness services, incoming students were educated about on-campus resources (SHWC, OHP, and RISE). This event engaged 84 students.

UNT Overdose Awareness Day (Fall 2023, Fall 2024)
This RISE-sponsored event educated students about overdose prevention, the signs and symptoms of overdose, and resources for support. Narcan demonstrations and distribution were available to participants. SHWC OHP provided resources for on-campus health education and medical services. For Fall 2023, 1 event was provided that engaged 101 students. For Fall 2024, 1 event was provided that engaged 111 students.

Health and Wellness Expo (Fall 2023, Fall 2024)
This SHWC-sponsored event provided opportunities for students to engage in wellness-promoting activities and learn about on- and off-campus resources. RISE provided alcohol safety education and information about their services. For Fall 2023, 1 event was provided that engaged 514 students. For Fall 2024, 1 event was provided that engaged 819 students.

Condoms, Cocoa, and Consent Program (Spring 2024)
This event included an interactive game that educated students on safer sex resources, boundaries, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. For Spring 2024, 3 events were provided that engaged a total of 264 students.

Cookies/Coffee and Consent Program (Spring 2024, Fall 2024)
In partnership with RISE, Survivor Advocate, and Title IX, this event included an interactive game that educated students on safer sex resources, boundaries, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. For Spring 2024, 1 event was provided that engaged 27 students. For Fall 2024, 1 event was provided that engaged 71 students.

Dating App Safety (Spring 2024)
In partnership with RISE, Survivor Advocate, and Title IX, this event provided an interactive game that educated students on how to recognize potentially unsafe online dating interactions, boundaries, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. This event engaged 34 students.

Eagle’s Nest Check-In: World Suicide Prevention Day (Fall 2024)
In partnership with CTS, this event allowed students to engage in healthy coping strategies and learned about on- and off-campus resources for support. RISE provided alcohol safety education and information about their services. For Fall 2024, 2 events were provided that engaged a total of 249 students.

Housing and Residence Life Fall Festival (Fall 2024)
This Housing and Residence Life sponsored event was a safe social gathering for students to interact and learn about on-campus resources. SHWC OHP provided an interactive game that educated students on safer sex resources, boundaries, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. This event engaged 100 students.

Purple Prom (Fall 2024)
In partnership with Survivor Advocate and Title IX, this event provided a safe environment for students to participate in a sober social gathering with “mocktails”. Participants learned about safer sex resources, boundaries, consent, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the ability to provide consent. For Fall 2024, 1 event was provided that engaged 98 students.

Student Staff Training: Residence Life
Training and Part Time Desk Clerk Training  Residence Life Advisors (RLA) are live-in, part-time, student staff members that work in the Department of Housing & Residence Life. RLAs are made up of the following positions: Resident Assistants, Housing Ambassadors, and Facility Assistants. Part Time Desk Clerks (PTDC) are part-time, student staff that also work in the department but may not necessarily live-in the residence halls. All RLAs and PTDC attend RLT and PTDCT prior to the start of each long academic semester to prepare for their job responsibilities. This preparation includes informing them of their role as university staff members regarding both policy and enforcement of issues involving drugs and alcohol. The following training topics are presented to the student staff, as needed, to allow them to properly fulfill their job responsibilities.

• University and Housing Policy — Housing staff are familiarized with University and Housing policy regarding student conduct. Review of the Code of Student Conduct and the Housing Handbook are included to inform staff of the specific policies they will be enforcing.

• Emergency Protocol and On-call Training — Resident Assistants and PTDC are provided with a departmental Emergency Protocol manual which outlines response protocol for emergency situations and disciplinary infractions including alcohol in a student room, alcohol in a common area, drug suspicion, and intoxication. Additionally, the Emergency Protocol outlines how RA and PTDC staff should confront disciplinary situations appropriately.

• Incident Report (IR) Writing — RAs and PTDC are trained on how to properly document disciplinary incidents so that the information can be utilized for completion of the disciplinary process by Housing and Residence Life staff and the Dean of Students Office.

• Confidentiality — RLA and PTDC staff are introduced to confidentiality regulations associated with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as well as departmental confidentiality policies related to students being our primary business client.

• Behind Closed Doors (BCD) — New RA staff members practice confronting disciplinary and emergency situations in an artificial setting facilitated by various staff from the department. The Assistant Director for Student Staff Training, Community Director staff, and some returning RAs oversee the process to provide feedback and support for the RAs that can be put into practice during the performance of the job responsibilities.

Professional Staff Training
The UNT Housing and Residence Life Professional Staff (Pro Staff) is made up of several positions that directly supervise or work directly with the previously mentioned student staff members including Community Directors (CD), Assistant Community Directors (ACD), Graduate Coordinators (GC) and Desk Coordinators. CDs are full-time, live-in, professional staff members in the residence halls that directly oversee the operation and supervision of the community. ACD’s are live-in staff members that are either full-time, professionals or graduate assistants. ACDs assist the CD to oversee the operation and supervision of the community. GC’s report directly to Assistant Directors for the specific functional areas and are in the on-call rotation. Desk Coordinators are full-time professionals that supervise PTDC in an area of 3-4 residence halls. They are not on-call and do not live-in but work closely with the live-in staff on the desk operation of each residence hall. CDs, ACDs, GCs, and desk Coordinators participate in a training session before the start of each long academic semester that takes place in advance of student staff training. The following are specific topics covered during Pro Staff training:

• University and Housing Policy — Staff are thoroughly familiarized with university and Housing policy regarding student conduct. The Code of Student Conduct, and the Housing Handbook are reviewed and made available for further reference giving staff the ability to answer questions from staff, students, and parents alike.

• Emergency Protocol and On-call Training — Staff are provided with a departmental Emergency Protocol manual which outlines response protocol for emergency situations and disciplinary infractions including alcohol in a student room, alcohol in a common area, drug suspicion, and intoxication. Additionally, the Emergency Protocol outlines how staff should confront disciplinary situations and inform University Administration for incidents that threaten personal or community safety.

• Confidentiality — Staff are familiarized with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the aspects that apply to management of student records. Departmental confidentiality policies related to students being our primary business client are also covered extensively.

• Incident Report (IR) Writing and Documentation Management — Staff are trained on IR documentation preparation and documentation management to be prepared to relay information about events that occur within the residence halls so that the information can be utilized for completion of the disciplinary process by Housing and Residence Life staff and/or the Dean of Students Office. In addition, CDs are trained on the steps to maintain appropriate and complete student disciplinary records for Housing and Residence Life use.

• Student Conduct Meetings — CDs receive directions for conducting disciplinary meetings with students and are given an understanding of the role that their position plays within the student conduct process in coordination with the Assistant Director for Conduct and Community Standards and the Dean of Students Office.

Community Development
The Department of Housing & Residence Life trains their professional and undergraduate staff to build community with all residence hall students. The staff promotes healthy behavior and provides health education information for topics that students are unfamiliar with. Several partnerships have been developed to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is presented to students through programming.

The Meadows Center for Health Resources (MCHR), the Recovery and Intervention Support and Education Center (RISE), the Drug and Alcohol Education Task Force (DAET), Counseling and Testing Services (CTS), and the University of North Texas Police Department all provide educational programming or information within the residence halls to address topics such as alcohol and drug awareness, safety, and responsible behavior.

In addition to partnered programming, Housing and Residence Life staff plan and execute intentional programming to engage students socially and academically to further promote healthy and responsible choices and behavior. These programs offer alternates to negative behaviors, such as alcohol or drug abuse.

Housing and Residence Life, in partnership with CTS, employs two full-time counselors who provide educational resources and act as crisis management professionals. The counselors are available to Housing and Residence Life staff to schedule educational programming on a variety of topics including addiction, health and wellness, and stress management. The counselors exclusively see students who live in the residence halls and are officed out of Maple Hall, making them an easy resource for students to access, as well as part of the residence hall communities. The counselors also serve as emergency response professionals for students that experience severe distress and need crisis intervention.

Housing and Residence Life partners with the Drug & Alcohol Education Taskforce to develop an on-going poster campaign to educate residents on the consequences and effects of alcohol/drug abuse and personal choices that impact academic success. The posters are displayed throughout the residence halls regularly and provide residents with a viewpoint on how their decisions impact them as UNT students.

The University Program Council (UPC), the University of North Texas programming board, strives to provide regular late-night and weekend programming in the University Union to provide an alcohol-free environment available to students during prime social times. Below is a list of each event and attendance numbers for events offered on Friday night through Sunday.

Drug and Alcohol Education Taskforce (DAET)
The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life (CFSL) has a staff representative participate in the DAET. The meeting is held on a quarterly basis in collaboration with several UNT departments, including SURE, to discuss goals, recommendations, and policies regarding alcohol and other substance use education for UNT students, including students involved in the fraternity and sorority experience.

Alcohol and Consent Education
CSFL asks all students who are joining a Greek life organization to complete the alcohol and consent education module online being offered through the Dean of Students office to support the efforts of the University to create a safe and healthy campus environment. 

Drug and Alcohol Education Taskforce (DAET)
The Division of Student Affairs appointed a Drug and Alcohol Education Taskforce (DAET) designed to spearhead the effort of providing drug and alcohol educational opportunities to students, staff, and faculty. Created in 2011, the DAET represents several departments including, but not limited to the Dean of Students, Housing and Residence Life, RISE Center, Student Activities, Orientation and Transition Programs, Greek Life, SHWC, UNT Police Department, Athletics, and faculty members.

Using the Collective Impact model, the DAET serves the UNT community by creating an opportunity for continuous dialogue and mutually reinforcing activities across the University as it relates to alcohol and drug prevention, education, and harm reduction.

Recovery and Intervention Support and Education (RISE) Center
Housed under the Dean of Students office, the RISE Center oversees the Substance Use Resource Education (SURE) program and the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP). Established in 2020, this office, serves as the starting point for the University community for alcohol and drug prevention, stigma reducing programs, and recovery program. The synergy of housing both prevention and recovery services in one location allows for a more complete continuum of care for students’ wellbeing and academic success.

Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)
The CRP provides peer driven recovery support for students with substance use and mental health concerns. In 2023, 7 peer support groups were offered in the spring and 6 were offered in the fall. In 2024, 3 peer support groups were offered in the spring and 5 were offered in the fall.

Intercollegiate Athletics Drug Education, Testing and Counseling Program Policy Statement
The University of North Texas believes the use of prescription drugs for reasons other than as prescribed, and the use of illegal drugs and unapproved dietary supplements are detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of its students. For these reasons, the University has developed a Drug Education, Testing and Counseling Program (“Program”) to educate student-athletes about the dangers of the improper and illegal use of drugs and dietary supplements, detect the improper and illegal use of drugs and provide counseling to assist student-athletes maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle.

The complete policy for UNT Department of Athletics can be found in Part 2 on page 40 under University of North Texas Policies and Procedures.

Substance Use Education
The Athletic Department has engaged in the following education with UNT student-athletes:

• UNT Health and Wellness Fairs and Educational Seminars: These events were collaborative events partnering with Student Health & Wellness Center, Counseling Center, and other health and wellness departments to provide drug, alcohol, and wellness educational opportunities.

• Guest Speakers: Multiple opportunities were offered to provide both educational and firsthand accounts and testimonials regarding health and wellbeing to UNT student-athletes.

• Practical Demonstrations: Drug and Alcohol educators provided UNT student-athletes with tips, techniques, and role play scenarios for substance use awareness and the effects of usage on human anatomy and physiology.

UNT Policy 04.011 Smoke-Free Campus
UNT Policy 04.016 Use of Alcoholic Beverages
UNT Policy 05.004 Drug-Free University Community and Workplace
NCAA Bylaw 11.1.5 Use of Tobacco Products 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) includes a question that reads: "Have you been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or work-study)?" The students self-certify this question their answer to this question. Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFAS) is notified if a student admits to a conviction by the federal processor.

SFAS must determine if the convictions affect the students’ eligibility. No financial aid can be processed until SFAS receives confirmation from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) that the students are eligible for aid. ED requires students convicted to complete a qualified drug rehabilitation program; which must include two unannounced drug tests.

FAFSA Management of Drug Abuse Prevention Program Requirements Relative to Federal Student Aid
Students complete the FAFSA and self-certify if they have been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while they were receiving federal student aid.

• If students self-certify with a “no” response, then the students are eligible for aid.

• If students self-certify with a “yes” response, the Institutional Student Information Record has a comment code to indicate students that said “yes”. This causes a checklist to populate for the student.

Students are instructed to go back to the FAFSA to complete the Student Aid Eligibility Worksheet. Once they have completed the worksheet, they will be able to determine their eligibility date. Based on the results of the worksheet, students make required changes to the question on their FAFSA and take additional steps to notify their school, if required.

SFAS collects additional documentation related to students’ drug convictions to ensure students meet the state's eligibility requirements for state aid.

Management of Drug Abuse Prevention Program Requirements Relative to TEXAS Grant
Students awarded a TEXAS Grant will complete an electronic certification annually on their myUNT student account when accepting their award. They self-certify by answering the following question, “Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offence under Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code (Texas Controlled Substance Act), or under law of another jurisdiction involving a controlled substance as defined by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code?”

• If the students self-certify with a “no” response, then the students are eligible for aid.

• If the students self-certify with a “yes” response, it causes a checklist to populate for the student and they are not eligible to receive the TEXAS Grant award.

There are no requirements for institutional grants or scholarships in reference to drug offenses.

The following are various sections from UNT’s (Institution) Federal Student Aid School Eligibility Program Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education listing requirements relative to a Drug Free Workplace.

General Terms and Conditions
The Institution certifies that on the date it signs this Agreement, it has a drug abuse prevention program in operation that it has determined is accessible to any officer, employee, or student at the Institution.

Selected Provisions from General Provisions Regulations, 34 CFR Part 668.14
Has in operation a drug abuse prevention program that the institution has determined to be accessible to any officer, employee, or student at the institution;

Certifications Required from Institutions
The Institution should refer to the regulations cited below. Signature on this Agreement provides for compliance with the certification requirements under 34 C.F.R. Part 82, "New Restrictions on Lobbying," 34 C.F.R Part 84, "Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)," 34 C.F.R. Part 85, "Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)," and 34 C.F.R. Part 86, "Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention." Breach of any of these certifications constitutes a breach of this Agreement.

Part 1 Certification Regarding Lobbying; Drug Free Workplace; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; And Drug and Alcohol Abuse Requirements

Drug Free Workplace (Grantees Other Than Individuals)
As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 C.F.R. Part 84, Subpart B, for grantees, as defined at 34 C.F.R. Part 84, Sections 84.200 through 84.230 - The Institution certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:

1. Publishing a drug-free workplace statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

2. Establishing an on-going drug-free awareness program to inform employees about

   1. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

   2. The Institution's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

   3. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs

   4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace;

3. Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a);

4. Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will

   1. Abide by the terms of the statement, and

   2. Notify the employer in writing if he or she is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no more than five calendar days after such conviction;

5. Notifying the agency, in writing, within 10 calendar days after receiving notice under this subparagraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to: Director, Grants and Contracts Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant;

6. Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted

   1. Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including  termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, as amended; or

   2. Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health,  law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;

7. Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f).

Drug-Free Workplace (Grantees Who Are Individuals)
As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 C.F.R. Part 84, Subpart C, for recipients who are individuals, as defined at 34 C.F.R. Part 84, Section 84.300

1. As a condition of the grant, the Institution certifies that it will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity related to the award; and

2. If any officer or owner of the Institution is convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity, the Institution will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to: Director, Grants and Contracts Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
As required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, which added section 1213 to the Higher Education Act, and implemented at 34 C.F.R. Part 86, the undersigned Institution certifies that it has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program for its students and employees that, at a minimum, includes

1. The annual distribution in writing to each employee, and to each student who is taking one or more classes for any kind of academic credit except for continuing education units, regardless of the length of the student's program of study, of:

   • Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the 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.
   • A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
   • A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
   • A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students.
   • A clear statement that the Institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State and Federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violation of the standards of conduct. A disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

2. A biennial review by the Institution of its program to:

   • Determine its effectiveness and implement changes to the program if they are needed.
   • Ensure that its disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Counseling and Testing Services (CTS) consists of two inter-related parts: The Counseling Center and Testing Services. CTS serves the students and community of UNT in support of the mission of the University. Through our Counseling Center services, CTS strives to support the academic success and general well-being of UNT students through professional counseling, career counseling, consultation, mental-health screenings, educational programs and self-help resources as well as referral services.

CTS offers to consult with students, parents, faculty and staff who may be concerned about a UNT student (while still respecting the confidentiality of our clients). With client permission, CTS often works closely with physicians and psychiatrists, the Career Center, Office of Disability Accommodation, and many other helpful resources in order to provide the best overall care. CTS values diversity and views diversity as encompassing the intersecting identities that make us unique individuals, including (but not limited to) ethnic/racial identity, nationality, sexual identity, gender identity and expression, age, religious/spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, body shape/size, physical ability status, and varying points of view.

CTS also works together with Student Health and Wellness Center and RISE Center to provide services for students with alcohol, other drug use concerns and dual diagnosis concerns.

The Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services makes referrals to on-campus and offcampus resources when students self-identify as needing help with drug and alcohol issues. The program partners with the Substance Use Resource and Education Center (SURE) and the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) and UNT WELL (an on-campus clinic that provides mental health support in addition to vocational evaluations) with practicum and internships.   The Department of Rehabilitation Health Services sponsored a number of events this year designed to raise awareness of substance related issues to increase support of recovery and to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders and recovery. The Department of Rehabilitation Health Services’ staff and faculty collaborated with the UNT CRP, NCAA CHOICES Program, and SURE Program on numerous occasions to deliver on campus education to students about substance use disorders. The Department of Rehabilitation Health Services also sponsored fall, spring and summer seminars on substance use disorder treatment that was attended by faculty, staff, community partners and students from multiple departments at large.

The Department of Rehabilitation Health Services recently received funding through the Hogg Foundation to coordinate the dissemination of the Recovery to Practice (RTP) curricula. The development of the Recovery to Practice initiative encourages recovery-based principles and practices for addiction professionals and students across the country through education and training. Their online community has 816 followers, the virtual community of practice has 995 members from across the state of Texas and a few outside the state as well.  Recovery to Practice has presented at the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP), the National Association for Addiction Professionals Conference and has had 10 other local area in person trainings hosted by chapters across the state. The program has already started a second round of local area trainings, partnering with the 10 TAAP chapters across Texas.

The Department of Rehabilitation Health Services also has a major in addictions studies that is designed for students interested in working with individuals experiencing addictive disorders. The degree program is structured to meet the state licensing educational requirements for licensure as a chemical dependency counselor. The demand for licensed chemical dependency counselors (LCDCs) in criminal justice agencies, schools, medical facilities, social welfare programs and private practice is urgent. To help meet this rapidly growing demand, UNT’s Department of Rehabilitation Health Services also offers an 18-hour minor in addiction studies that prepares students for this challenging and rewarding career. The minor in addiction studies requires completion of six courses (18 hours) and must consist of: RHAB 3975 Addictions or RHAB 4075 Drugs and Alcohol and RHAB 4175 Addiction Treatment Models Plus four of the following courses (12 hours): RHAB 4275 Alcohol, Drugs & Disability RHAB 4375 Addiction Counseling and Groups, RHAB 4500 Assessment in Rehabilitation, RHAB 4575 Current Issues in Substance Abuse, RHAB 4675 Addiction Counseling Practices.

UNT WELL
UNT's Wellness and Employment Learning Lab (UNTWELL) was created to provide services for students to assist them with their personal and/or academic goals through programs such as the Collegiate Recovery Program and Tuesday Night Flight. In the Spring of 2017, the UNTWELL Wellness Clinic opened to provide counseling, vocational and adjunctive therapy services to students and community members. Clients are seen by faculty-supervised counselor trainees from the Rehabilitation Counseling Master's Program which allows the clinic to offer no-cost services to students.  UNTWELL works collaboratively with various programs on campus that include ELEVAR, ENGAGE, CTS, ODA, Residence Life and also provides hands-on learning opportunities for students within the Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services.

UNT Student Organization–Eagle Peer Recovery
This organization is open to any student at the university. The goal of this organization is to integrate the academic lives and recovery lives of students living in and seeking long-term recovery at the university. Eagle Peer Recovery promotes awareness of recovery from substance use disorders and mental health concerns, as well as works to decrease the stigma often associated with these conditions, through community and campus involvement. The organization is student driven by a governing body that is elected every two-years.  The organization has contacted numerous community agencies and individuals who support this vision, and these partners are willing to provide speakers in classrooms or other events when needed. Additionally, many desire to act as referral support services if anyone should need resources for quality-of-life issues. 

The University of North Texas Police Department (UNTPD) takes a proactive approach with enforcing alcohol and drug violations around the University of North Texas campus, as well as educating the UNT Community on alcohol and drugs by through an Alcohol Awareness and Drug Recognition and Education Program to all UNT Departments, student organizations and groups. UNTPD collaborates with the RISE Center and participates on the UNT Drug and Alcohol Education Taskforce through community tabling events.

The UNTPD collaborated with the Dean of Students office for summer orientations programs, and works with the SURE Center to provide alcohol awareness activities with the use of intoxication goggles to simulate motor and reaction skills, like driving through the use of a pedal cart.

Programs
Fentanyl Symposium (February 16, 2023)
Description: Symposium with panel discussion from outside agencies speaking about fentanyl

Prescription Drug Take Back Day (April 20, 2023)
Description: Tabling event where we took back expired/unwanted prescription drugs

Kerr Kick Off (August 31, 2023)
Description: Tabling event with intoxication goggles and a Walk and Turn Mat

Overdose Awareness Day (September 28, 2023)
Description: Tabling event with resources

Impaired Driving Event (October 17, 2023)
Description: Event with Intoxication goggle and Walk and Turn Mat

Prescription Drug Take Back Day (October 26, 2023)
Description: Tabling event where we took back expired/unwanted prescription drugs

Impaired Driving Event (October 27, 2023)
Description: Event with Intoxication goggle and Walk and Turn Mat

Pedal Kart (November 6, 2023)
Description: Event with intoxication goggles and pedal kart

Impaired Driving Event (November 13, 2023)
Description: Event with Intoxication goggle and Walk and Turn Mat for DISCOVERY PARK

Discovery Park Fair (April 11, 2024)
Description: Discovery Park community event with drunk goggles and pedal kart

Alcohol EDU (April 15, 2024)
Description: Presentation lead by SURE supported by PD

Prescription Drug Take Back Day (April 25, 2024)
Description: Tabling event where we took back expired/unwanted prescription drugs

Housing end of year party (May 1, 2024)
Description: Event with intoxication goggles and Walk and Turn Mat with housing

Athletics – Campus resources (June 17, 2024)
Description: Presentation for Athletics included alcohol and drug laws

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to aid employees in managing daily responsibilities, life events, work stresses or issues affecting quality of life. Confidential services are provided at no cost to employees and their benefit eligible dependents including assessments, referrals and short-term problem resolution, by calling a toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Web-based Services
In addition to the toll free number, the EAP has established HelpNet, an online database housing 1500 tip sheets, resources, interactive tools, prevention guides and self-assessments geared towards assisting employees with various work and personal issues, with substance abuse and treatment as one of the main areas of focus.

Counseling Services
Solution-focused counseling is short-term in nature and focuses on solutions rather than problems. Counselors work with the client to develop an action plan and can help employees and their families with challenges that may affect their personal lives, relationships, job performance, and work behavior. Referrals to external resources are also provided to employees and their family members if issues expand beyond the scope of the EAP.

Educational Services
The EAP offers trainings geared towards addressing the topic of substance abuse. The course, “Substance Abuse 101: Drug and Alcohol Awareness” is designed to increase employees’ knowledge of the problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace, as well as to assist in identifying the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the DrugFree Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program.

All members of the UNT community are encouraged to review the information on the following pages. This information is distributed on an annual basis.

EAP (Alliance Work Partners)
Short term counseling and referral for qualified employees and online resources, education and training.

Program Participation Agreement
As part of the Department’s Program Participation Agreement (PPA) the university must make a certification statement, which is signed by the President of the university. Under the PPA, if an employee is found to have a drug or alcohol related issue, the university must have programs and procedures in place to assist that employee. The Employee Assistance Program satisfies the employee portion of the PPA. The PPA must be completed and renewed every five years as part of maintaining eligibility for administering financial aid programs.