Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Institute has developed a strict and rigidly enforced policy regarding drug and alcohol abuse.

THE INSTITUTE CANNOT AND DOES NOT CONDONE DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE BY ITS STUDENTS.

The Institute will not allow the possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or staff on its property or as part of any of its officially sponsored off‑campus activities.

Students are also prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any other substance that could adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of students, faculty or staff on Institute property or at any of its officially sponsored activities.

This includes field trips and student‑sponsored social activities if they are considered sponsored by the school. All forms of synthetic marijuana are prohibited, regardless of the legality of the substance.

Medical Marijuana: Although UTI has campuses in some states that have passed laws allowing the use of medical marijuana in certain circumstances (i.e., possessing a lawfully issued medical marijuana card), federal laws classify marijuana as a controlled substance and prohibit marijuana use, possession, and distribution at institutions of higher education. As such, the use of medical marijuana is prohibited on all UTI campuses and as any part of their activities. In addition, due to the nature of UTI programs and their requirements, UTI cannot accommodate off campus use of medical marijuana. This means students who fail a drug test due to marijuana usage cannot avoid responsibility under UTI policies by claiming that they legally using medical marijuana.

The Institute may discipline its students for off‑campus activities that include the illegal use of alcohol or drugs. The Institute will report to local and/or state law enforcement, as applicable by federal and state drug laws, any student who is found in possession of, using or selling illegal drugs on campus as well as anyone who is found to have broken the state laws regarding underage drinking.

Note: If a student discloses the use of medication associated with cautions related to operating machinery, UTI may require the student to provide documentation from a medical provider indicating the student is able to safely participate in lab environment/lab activities. If documentation is not submitted, UTI may withhold a student from class if a safety concern exists.

Illegal possession or use of drugs or alcohol can have penalties, including community service, suspension or loss of driver’s license, jail time and fines. For statutes and penalties on drug and alcohol offenses in the states where our campuses are located, please refer to the annual DAAPP notification at: www.uti.edu/daapp .

The Institute recognizes alcohol and drug abuse may have an adverse effect on classroom performance and is concerned with this impact. In addition, the Institute recognizes the significant health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol. While the frequency, duration and severity vary, there are a number of serious health consequences. For all drugs, there is a risk of overdose leading to convulsions, coma and death.

Mixing certain drugs can also be lethal. Following is a list of some potential health risks:

Alcohol

    • vitamin deficiencies
    • stomach ailments
    • alcohol poisoning
    • liver disease
    • weight gain and high blood pressure
    • depressed immune system
    • cancer
    • heart or respiratory failure

Drugs

    • tremors and seizures
    • nausea, rapid heart rate
    • skin disorders
    • depression and disorientation
    • paranoia and psychosis
    • memory impairment
    • weakened immune system
    • impotence
    • heart attack
    • respiratory failure

The Institute recognizes alcohol and drug abuse may be successfully treated, enabling the student to return to a satisfactory performance level. Students who have a substance abuse problem are encouraged to voluntarily seek assistance and deter others from engaging in illegal drug or alcohol use, possession or distribution.

Violation of this policy will result in the Institute taking appropriate action, up to and including termination and/or requiring the student to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse, alcohol abuse or other assistance/rehabilitation program.