In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989, Florida State University (FSU) steadfastly upholds its commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment conducive to academic success and personal growth. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) at FSU stands as a proactive measure to fulfill this mandate, ensuring the well-being and safety of its diverse student population.
The DAAPP report provides a comprehensive overview of FSU's multifaceted approach to substance abuse prevention and education. Grounded in evidence-based practices and federal guidelines, the university implements targeted initiatives aimed at raising awareness, promoting healthy decision-making, and supporting students in navigating the challenges associated with substance use.
By leveraging strategic partnerships and ongoing assessments, FSU continually refines its prevention strategies to address the evolving landscape of substance abuse among college students. The report not only demonstrates FSU's compliance with regulatory requirements but also underscores its proactive stance in fostering a supportive campus culture that values health, safety, and academic achievement.
In this DAAPP you will find university policies and regulations related to drug and alcohol abuse prevention; local, state, and federal laws regarding drugs and alcohol; the health risks associated with the use of drugs and alcohol; the programs and intervention efforts provided by the university; and the disciplinary sanctions associated with violations of university policies and regulations.
In addition, FSU must conduct a biennial review to measure the effectiveness of its DAAPP, and to ensure consistent treatment in enforcement of its disciplinary sanctions:
To view the 2018-2020 biennial review, click here.
To view the 2020-2022 biennial review, click here.
FSU-6.012 Alcohol Policy
Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards for individual student and student organization cases, and the Dean of Faculties for faculty related violations. Enforcement of the alcohol policy for all other groups, including outside groups, organizations, and individuals shall reside in the Vice President for University Relations.
4-OP-B-7 University Smoking Policy
Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Student Conduct Code
Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Student Organization Conduct Code
Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Guide to Residence Living
Statement for Faculty and Staff on the Unlawful Possession, Use, Or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Employee Labor Relations-Human Resources.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol (D&A) Testing Program
Employee Labor Relations-Human Resources.
FSU-4.070 Guidelines for Disciplinary Action
Employee Labor Relations-Human Resources.
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including murder, rape, armed robbery, vandalism, spouse and child abuse, and drunk driving. Moderate to high doses of alcohol can cause marked impairment in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Heavy use may cause chronic depression and suicide and is also greatly associated with the abuse of other drugs. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described. The use of even small amounts of alcohol by pregnant women can damage their fetus.
Long term heavy alcohol use can cause digestive disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, circulatory system disorders and impairment of the central nervous system, all of which may lead to an early death. 1 of 2 Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence, particularly in persons with one or more parents or grandparents who were problem drinkers. At least 15-20% of heavy users will eventually become problem drinkers or alcoholics if they continue drinking. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions, which can be life threatening.
All illicit drugs are health threatening. Examples include cannabis - impairment of short-term memory and comprehension and ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, lung damage, paranoia and possible psychosis; narcotics, depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens - nervous system disorders with possible death the result of an overdose. Illicit inhalants can cause liver damage. Dependence and addiction are a constant threat to users. AIDS is widely spread among intravenous drug users.
For more information on health risk, visit the CHAW Health topics: Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs.
Description: Harm-reduction intervention for college students. Students often conform to patterns of heavy drinking or cannabis use they see as acceptable, while holding false beliefs about cannabis/alcohol’s effects or actual cannabis/alcohol-use norms. BASICS is designed to help students make better decisions about using alcohol and cannabis. Participating requires 2 appointments, each lasting about 60 minutes. In the first appointment, students complete self-report measures about their use and building rapport with the facilitator. The second appointment consists of an individualized/personalized feedback session, providing normative student data, etc. Students may refer themselves to this program, be referred by a campus entity, be required to complete the program as part of a court order.
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW)
Outcome for Students; Medical Amnesty Referrals
Higher Effectiveness, Individual
Description: Harm-reduction intervention for college students. Students often conform to patterns of cannabis use they see as acceptable, while holding false beliefs about cannabis effects or actual cannabis-use norms. CASICS is designed to help students make better decisions about using cannabis. Participating requires 2 appointments, each lasting about 60 minutes. In the first appointment, students complete self-report measures about their use and building rapport with the facilitator. The second appointment consists of an individualized/personalized feedback session, providing normative student data, etc. Students may refer themselves to this program, be referred by a campus entity, be required to complete the program as part of a court order.
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW)
Outcome for Students; Medical Amnesty Referrals
Higher Effectiveness, Individual
Description: The CHOICES alcohol program is a brief intervention approach aimed at reducing alcohol-related problems among college students. It typically involves a structured session where students reflect on their drinking behavior, explore the consequences of alcohol use, and learn strategies to make healthier choices. The program often includes personalized feedback based on individual drinking patterns and risks, goal-setting exercises, and skills training to resist peer pressure and manage stress without relying on alcohol. CHOICES aims to empower students to take responsibility for their drinking behavior and make informed decisions to reduce harmful drinking patterns.
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW)
Outcome for Students; Medical Amnesty Referrals
Higher Effectiveness, Individual
Description: Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO is a web-based survey that provides students with personalized feedback about their drinking/cannabis patterns and how their alcohol/cannabis use might affect their health and personal goals.
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW)
General Student Population; Outcome for Students
Universal; Indicated when sanctioned
Higher Effectiveness, Individual
Description: Alcohol Edu is an on-line alcohol education program mandated to be completed by all first-year students. This program includes individualized feedback on student’s drinking behaviors, challenging myths related to alcohol, and strategies to avoid high risk drinking behavior.
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW)
General Student Population
Higher Effectiveness, Individual
Description: CAPS provides alcohol and drug evaluation, utilizes brief motivational interviewing and provides ongoing therapy and referrals. All mandated students who are arrested or charged with a conduct violation for the second time are referred for an Alcohol Other Drug evaluation at CAPS. CAPS provides numerous voluntary therapy groups and substance abuse is a recurring theme.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
General Student Population
Higher Effectiveness, Individual
Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW), Campus Space, Zoom
General Student Population
Education, Skills Training
Description: This presentation is usually presented by your Residential Hall Adopt-A-Copp’s. The presentation consists of dangers associated with underage drinking, drinking and driving, binge drinking, drug usage, and more. The officer presenting will provide an overview of local alcohol laws and FSUPD’s efforts to keep campus safe. This presentation is usually accompanied with the use of FSUPD’s impairment goggles and pedal cart to simulate the effects associated with impairment. (If you wish to use the impairment goggles or pedal cart please request them in the additional details box.)
General Student Population
Description: Description: Each semester all new Risk Management Officers attend a risk management session addressing high risk behaviors.
Fraternity & Sorority Life
General Student Population; FSL Students
Description: In partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Family, UHS conducts Naloxone education and distribution. Participants learn the signs of overdose, how to use Narcan to reverses overdose, and receive their own Narcan kits.
General Student Population
Education, Skills Training
Description: CERV (Campus Emergency Response Volunteers) is a volunteer program that offers training throughout the year that can support campus public safety initiatives and response effort.
General Student Population
Education, Skills Training
Description: Healthy Noles peer health educators advocate for and promote health and wellness of all students in a variety of topic areas, including alcohol and drugs use.
By request, weekly
General Student Population
Education, Skills Training
FSU Campus, StarMetro, FSUPD
Select evening hours, by request
General Student Population
Description: Available to all students, this tailgate provides activities, food, and alcohol-free beverages before home and away football games. Sponsorship is provided by various FSU constituent groups.
Select evening hours, by request
General Student Population
Description: The University’s highest priority is the physical and mental health and safety of students and members of the University community. Therefore, no student seeking assistance for themselves or others as a result of a hazing incident, intoxication, or medical emergency from alcohol or other drugs will be charged with violation of the alcohol, controlled substances, and illegal drug or hazing provisions of the Code if: the student calls local or University law enforcement or medical assistance; the student cooperates fully with University, law enforcement, and medical personnel as applicable; and the student remains at the scene with the person in need until assistance has arrived.
General Student Population
Program: University Expectations
General Student Population
Program: Health Communication Campaigns
Description: In partnership with multiple campus organizations, FSU conducted health communication campaigns related to alcohol and other drug prevention. These campaigns include:
General Student Population
Description: Wallet-sized cards are handed out at freshman orientation and at Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness outreach events to help students gauge how drinks can affect their blood alcohol level.
General Student Population
Description: The SeminoleSAFE app is the official mobile safety tool from Florida State University that includes emergency resources, alerts, and safety tips.
General Student Population
Description: Several times each semester, campus events are held to provide education on healthy living, including strategies to avoid high-risk drinking.
General Student Population
Description: Provided by the Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness, these programs are designed to help students make healthy decisions. High-risk groups are targeted to receive these presentations, including Fraternity and Sorority Life students and Athletics.
General Student Population
Description: Collegiate Recovery Program at Florida State University for students who identify as being in recovery for substance misuse. The mission of LIFT is to support students interested in recovery from addiction and substance misuse thrive during their college experience. LIFT views the process of recovery as "an individualized, intentional, dynamic, and relational process involving sustained efforts to improve wellness" (Recovery Science Research Collective, 2020). Students learn beneficial coping skills in an accountable recovery community where they can develop friendships with like-minded peers.
Students in recovery, substance use recovery allies
University Support Student Organization membership
Description: A 2-hour bystander intervention type training specific to substance misuse. It encourages students to change the way they think about addiction, alter how they talk about substance misuse, and adapt how they approach recovery. It's an interactive workshop that facilitates reflection and dialogue around identifying addiction and substance misuse within oneself and peer groups. Students gain tangible tools for intervening and connecting with resources to address addiction and substance misuse.
Recovery allies, students in recovery, general population
Bystander intervention training
Description: LIFT All-Recovery Meeting is not a 12-step related meeting, and all pathways for recovery are supported in this recovery meeting format. All-Recovery Meetings are open to any student who considers themselves to be in recovery, recovery curious, or wants to support other students as recovery allies. Each meeting takes place weekly and is facilitated by LIFT staff as an open discussion meeting on wellness-related topics. Ultimately, the goal of the LIFT All-Recovery Open Discussion Meetings is to inspire hope that recovery is possible on FSU’s campus through students sharing their lived recovery or ally experiences.
University Campus at LIFT Lounge, 4th floor of Thagard Building
Recovery allies, students in recovery, general population
Bystander intervention training
Description: To staff and faculty, EAP provides identification/assessment services, short-term intervention, as well as referrals. EAP offers biweekly support groups for individuals needing substance abuse management. EAP also distributes annual posters informing faculty of their services.
All FSU employees
Education, Skills Training, Screening, Treatment
The University Standard of Conduct is that no employee will report to work under the influence of or unlawfully possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs and alcohol on university property or as part of any University activities.
State law prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21, punishable for the first offense by a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days and/or a $500 fine, and for a subsequent offense by a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and a fine of $1,000. It is similarly prohibited and punishable to distribute alcohol to minors. State law makes it a crime for any person to possess or distribute illicit drugs (controlled substances as described in Section 893.03, Florida Statutes) under Section 893.13, Florida Statutes. Law provides certain limited exceptions. The crimes range from second-degree misdemeanors (up to 60 days imprisonment and up to a $500 fine) to first-degree felonies (up to 30 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine). Trafficking (distributing specified large quantities of various controlled substances under Section 893.03, Florida Statutes) under Section 893.135, Florida Statutes is punishable, depending on the particular illicit drug, quantity involved and location, by a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 to 30 years and a fine of $25,000 to $500,000. Federal trafficking penalties for first offenses, depending upon the illicit drug involved, range from not more than 1 year imprisonment and a fine of not more than $100,000 for an individual to 40 years to life imprisonment and a fine of not more than $200,000 for an individual to not less than life imprisonment and a fine of not more than 8 million dollars for an individual. Florida State University requires that an employee notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.
The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on employees who violate the standards of conduct described.
The disciplinary sanctions for the illegal possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, reporting to work under the influence, and using alcohol or drugs while on duty will be consistently enforced and will range from a written reprimand to a 3-day suspension without pay on the first occurrence, up to and including or dismissal from employment on the first occurrence.
Sanctions will be taken in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and/or other applicable policies and procedures, as well as referral for violation of the criminal law. A sanction may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.
Florida State University requires all current employees (excluding faculty) to inform their supervisor within two business days if arrested for any felonies or first -degree misdemeanors (or the equivalent thereof in another state). The employee must also notify their supervisor of the final disposition of their case within two business days. In both circumstances, the supervisor must immediately consult with the Office of Human Resources, Employee & Labor Relations section, to determine if the offense is job related and for additional guidance.
No employee will report to work under the influence of or unlawfully possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs and alcohol on university property or as a part of any University activity.
For the health and wellness of the campus community, tobacco use, including simulated tobacco use such as electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on property, interior and exterior, owned or managed by Florida State University within the State of Florida. Tobacco is not permitted in university facilities, common or private work areas, elevators, hallways, garages, restrooms, dining areas, employee lounges, conference, and meeting rooms, and all other enclosed or semi enclosed areas. Additionally, no tobacco use will be permitted in outdoor areas including parking lots, parking garages, grounds, rooftops, plazas, courtyards, entrance/exit ways, University owned or leased vehicles, and any other indoor or outdoor areas owned or managed by the University. This policy applies to all Florida State University students, employees, consultants, contractors, visitors, external individuals, and companies renting university-owned or managed space. It is important that everyone participates in the establishment and maintenance of our tobacco-free campus. This shared enforcement responsibility will ensure a healthy environment for all of us, as well as reduce the hazards, accidental fires, and costs associated with the disposal of discarded tobacco products.
Outcomes are status designations or education assignments that alone or in any combination are assigned to a student as a final outcome at the conclusion of a resolution process.
The purpose of outcomes through the student conduct process is to facilitate student accountability, learning, and overall wellness. The outcomes listed below are not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all outcomes the University may be able to utilize regarding a given student conduct concern. Source: Student Conduct Code
1. Status Outcomes
2. Educational Outcomes
3. Administrative Directive Outcomes
It is important to FSU that our community norms are that we do not tolerate violence on our campus. Florida State University prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The kNOw MORE sexual violence prevention initiative is about action, education, and the continuum of care for our students, faculty, and staff. This is a one stop location for resources available to students, faculty, staff, family members and community members to obtain the needed resources related to sexual violence. Resources are available at knowmore.fsu.edu.
FSU engages in comprehensive and intentional educational programing related to interpersonal violence prevention. The following is an overview of prevention education efforts:
Description: This online sexual violence prevention educational program covers topics including definitions related to sexual misconduct; campus conduct policies and state statutes; reporting options: acquaintance assault; abusive relationships; bystander intervention; survivor support; understanding trauma; and on-campus and off-campus resources. Students are sent invites during the 2nd week of classes and have approximately 6 weeks to complete the Alcohol EDU and SAPU modules.
Online – Vector Solutions Platform
2nd week of classes – 8th week of classes