Brown University

Brown University’s policy prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of controlled substances/illicit drugs by Brown University students, faculty and staff. All members of the Brown University community are expected to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities pursuant to institutional policy, and federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Under state and federal law, it is unlawful, except as expressly authorized by law, to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance/illicit drug. More severe criminal sanctions are assessed in instances where a person 18 years of age or older unlawfully distributes a controlled substance/illicit drug to a person under 21 years of age (federal law) or under 18 years of age (state law).

As a term and condition of employment with Brown University, all employees (faculty, staff, and students) are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance upon the property of Brown University. All employees of the University must abide by the terms of Brown’s policy and notify their immediate supervisor and the Director of the Human Resources Department of Brown University of their conviction for a criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

Any violations of Brown’s policy by an employee will result in the University taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, and/or requiring the employee to participate satisfactorily in an approved drug assistance or rehabilitation program. With respect to students employed by the University, nothing in Brown’s policy shall be construed as precluding the University from disciplining students pursuant to the University’s nonacademic disciplinary system/policies or from taking appropriate action against students pursuant to the University’s emergency powers.

Brown University students are expected to comply with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to drugs. The illegal possession, use, provision, sale, or possession with the intent to sell, of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia, is prohibited by University regulations. Students violating University policies with respect to drugs will be disciplined in accordance with Brown University’s Non-Academic Disciplinary Code. A student who is in violation of Brown University’s policies on drugs shall be subject to sanctions in accordance with Brown University policies and procedures. Penalities that can be imposed through a University Disciplinary Council Hearing or an Administrative Hearing include reprimand, probation, deferred suspension, suspension, or expulsion. Penalties that can be imposed through a Dean’s Hearing include reprimand, probation, and deferred suspension. Penalities that can be imposed through a Peer Community Standards Board Hearing include reprimand and probation. Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority. Both students and employees are subject to prosecution under applicable state or federal laws.