Drug and Alcohol Policy

Michigan State University's compliance with provisions of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 applying to students is achieved through a comprehensive alcohol and other drug prevention program which includes policy enforcement, education programs and treatment services.

General Student Regulations 2.11 to 2.14 prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on Michigan State University property or as part of any of its activities. These regulations are as follows:

2.11 No student shall possess or use any drug prohibited by federal or state laws.

2.12 No student shall manufacture, produce, sell, exchange, or otherwise distribute any drug prohibited by federal or state laws.

2.13 No student shall possess or use any alcoholic beverages, except as permitted by state law, University policy, and University ordinance.

2.14 No student shall manufacture, produce, sell, furnish, exchange or otherwise distribute any alcoholic beverages except as permitted by state law, University policy, and University ordinance.

Students, employees, and visitors may not use or possess marijuana on any MSU-governed property or during off-campus MSU business or events.

Marijuana use remains illegal and fully criminalized according to federal law, and MSU is subject to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989.

Additionally, the MSU Drug and Alcohol Policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs or alcohol on property governed by the Board of Trustees and at any site where university work is performed.

Those found in violation of university policies or federal laws prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus are subject to legal and disciplinary action.

Alleged violations of MSU regulations are adjudicated through the MSU student judicial process. Consequences for violations may include, but are not limited to, some form of disciplinary probation, required attendance at educational programs, referral for assessment and treatment, relocation to a new living environment, and suspension from Michigan State University for sale of illegal drugs or repeated violations of the regulations. In addition, students can expect to be arrested and fined for violations of State Law on campus.

Michigan State University supports, and sponsors programs aimed at the prevention of substance abuse by students. Information about education and treatment services may be obtained from the Olin Health Education Office, Olin Health Center.

PA Medicine Additional Drug and Alcohol Policies

Clinical sites may also require additional criminal background checks and/or drug screening immediately prior to starting a rotation. If the program or a clinical site demands a spot drug test, failure to comply is tantamount to failing the drug test, with all applicable consequences.

The Department PA Medicine faculty approved this student handbook and policies on March 16, 2020.
Revised and approved by the Faculty of the Department of PA Medicine on 3/19/2021, 3/15/2022, 4/18/2023.