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APU Student Handbook
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Last Revision: April 12, 2023

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Effective October 23, 2017

Policy

APUS is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive working and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff. APUS prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, consumption, purchase, manufacture, and/or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students, faculty or staff on University property or at a University activity or event. Prohibited conduct is subject to the sanctions and rights contained in this policy and other University policies and procedures.

APUS may approve the consumption of alcohol at APUS activities and events. Individuals consuming alcohol at an APUS sponsored activity or event are expected to behave in accordance with usual business standards, applicable codes of conduct, company policies, and applicable law. Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary action and sanctions.

Sanctions

As applicable, and consistent with local, state and federal law, violation of this policy may result in University disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment (if an APUS faculty or staff member) or up to and including expulsion (if an APUS student), and referral to law enforcement. APUS may impose one or more disciplinary actions and sanctions, including required participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation or treatment program at the cost of the individual, as a condition to continue employment or enrollment with APUS.

Violators of this policy may be subject to criminal prosecution under local, state and federal law. Controlled substance and misuse of alcohol laws vary by state and locality and may apply based on where the violation occurred. Federal criminal penalties may include, but are not limited to, penalties under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. §§ 801 et seq.) and its implementing regulations, which can include fines, forfeitures and imprisonment. Additional information is available from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/csa.

Prevention and Support Resources

Alcohol and other drug abuse is a significant public health problem and has a detrimental effect on the community in terms of increased medical and workers compensation claims, medical disability costs, decreased productivity, theft, and absenteeism. Additionally, alcohol and other drug abuse pose significant health risks to individuals including addiction, permanent injury, and death.

Our virtual campus does not enable us to provide onsite counseling or treatment. We encourage anyone who needs information related to alcohol or drug abuse to use directory information, online searches, the telephone book, or referrals from friends and/or professionals. At a national level, there are also organizations dedicated to providing information and support:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - An agency of the US Department of Health & Human Services providing information online regarding alcohol, drugs, and treatment programs.
    General Address: www.samhsa.gov
    Specific Address for Treatment Programs: findtreatment.samhsa.gov
    1-800-729-6686
  • The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information – Part of US Department of Health and Human Services & SAMSHA’s Clearinghouse http://www.samhsa.gov/
    1-(800) 729-6686
  • About.com Substance Abuse - Explore the complicated disease of addiction. Information on basic questions concerning drugs and addiction.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse - General Link/Address: www.nida.nih.gov
    Specific Link/Address on Club Drugs: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/club-drugs
    1-310-443-1124

Review

The University will review this policy and any disciplinary action taken hereunder at least every two (2) years (i.e., in each even-numbered year) to determine the policy’s effectiveness, to identify and implement any necessary changes, and to ensure sanctions are consistently and fairly enforced.

As part of its biennial review, the University will determine and document:

  • The number of violations and fatalities that occur on University property or as part of any University activity or event, and that are reported to University officials; and
  • Of those reported violations and fatalities, the number and type of sanctions imposed by APUS.

APUS will make available upon request the results of the biennial review as well as the data and methods supporting its conclusions.

APUS will annually distribute this policy to students, faculty and staff. In addition, during the year, APUS also will provide a copy of the policy to students who enroll and employees who are hired after the initial distribution for the year.