Drug and Tobacco Possession and Use Policy

Philosophy

Bethel University is a Christian community committed to helping students belong and become as they grow intellectually, relationally, personally, and spiritually. We seek to cultivate a community where students can learn, develop meaningful relationships, care for one another, and pursue healthy lives.

As a Christian university, Bethel recognizes that substances affect not only individuals but also the broader community. Our choices have an impact on those around us. For this reason, Bethel is committed to maintaining a drug-free student community and approaches substance-related concerns with both care and accountability.

Bethel recognizes that laws and cultural attitudes regarding drugs and other substances vary by state and country. The University's expectations are established independently of those differences and reflect the standards of the Bethel community.

Bethel prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, cultivation, distribution, sale, provision, and misuse of drugs and other substances identified in this policy. These expectations apply to all students, regardless of age, and apply on and off campus during the school year.

Bethel's commitment to a drug-free community exists alongside its commitment to student safety and well-being. Students who are struggling with substance use or who are concerned about another student are encouraged to seek help from the Office of Student Life, Counseling Services, Health Services, or another appropriate resource.

Policy

Students are expected to refrain from possessing, using, manufacturing, cultivating, purchasing for others, selling, providing, distributing, sharing, or otherwise facilitating the use of prohibited drugs or substances.

Prohibited Drugs and Substances

The following are prohibited:

The prohibition applies regardless of whether a substance is legal to purchase or possess under state or local law.

Marijuana and Cannabis

The possession, use, manufacture, cultivation, distribution, sale, or provision of marijuana, cannabis, THC, or cannabis-derived products is prohibited.

This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana flower, concentrates, oils, edibles, gummies, beverages, and other products containing THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids.

Bethel University does not recognize state legalization or medical authorization of marijuana or cannabis as an exception to this policy. Students with a medical need involving cannabis or another prohibited substance should contact a Student Life dean to discuss available options before possessing or using the substance.

Tobacco and Nicotine Use

Bethel University is committed to providing a healthy environment that supports the physical, emotional, and relational well-being of its students. As part of this commitment, Bethel maintains a tobacco- and nicotine-free student community.

The possession and use of tobacco and nicotine products by students is prohibited on and off campus during the school year, regardless of age.

Prohibited tobacco and nicotine products include, but are not limited to:

Students may not purchase for others, provide, distribute, sell, or otherwise facilitate the use of tobacco or nicotine products.

Vaping Devices

Vaping devices and electronic cigarettes are prohibited regardless of the substance being vaporized. This includes devices used for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, or other substances.

Possession or use of a vaping device may be addressed under this policy or the University's Drug Possession and Use Policy depending on the substance involved.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

The misuse or unlawful possession, use, distribution, or sharing of prescription or over-the-counter medications is prohibited.

Students may not:

Drug Paraphernalia

Possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

Drug paraphernalia includes items that are designed, intended, or reasonably understood to facilitate the use, preparation, storage, or distribution of prohibited drugs or substances. Examples may include pipes, bongs, bowls, rolling papers, drug-use devices, or other equipment associated with prohibited drug use.

Being in the Presence of Drugs

Being in the presence of prohibited drugs or drug use is a violation of Bethel University's drug policy.

Students are expected to make choices that support an alcohol- and drug-free community by removing themselves from situations where prohibited drugs are being possessed or used and, when appropriate, reporting the situation to a member of the Bethel community.

Hosting or Facilitating Drug-Related Gatherings

Hosting, organizing, facilitating, or knowingly assisting with a gathering where prohibited drugs are available or being used is a serious violation of Bethel University's community standards. Students who host or facilitate drug-related gatherings may face serious disciplinary consequences, up to and including suspension or dismissal from the University.

Distribution and Sale

The sale, distribution, provision, or sharing of prohibited drugs or substances is strictly prohibited. Students involved in the sale, distribution, or provision of prohibited drugs or substances may face serious disciplinary consequences, up to and including suspension or dismissal from the University.

Mail and Delivery Services

Students may not use University mail services, shipping services, residence hall mail systems, or other delivery services to purchase, receive, possess, pass, distribute, or otherwise facilitate the distribution of prohibited drugs or substances.

Jurisdiction

This policy applies to all Bethel students, regardless of age, and applies on and off campus during the school year.

Students remain accountable to Bethel University's drug policy when traveling to states, countries, or other jurisdictions where particular substances may be legal, decriminalized, or otherwise permitted.

The legal status of a substance in a particular jurisdiction does not create an exception to Bethel University's policy.

Students participating in University-sponsored activities, programs, travel, athletics, student organizations, internships, employment, or other University-affiliated experiences are expected to comply with this policy.

Response to Policy Violations

Bethel University responds to drug-related policy violations with a combination of accountability, education, care, and concern for student safety.

Students who violate this policy will be referred through the University's student conduct process. The University will consider the circumstances of each incident when determining an appropriate response.

Responses may include:

Seeking Help and Medical Emergencies

Bethel's commitment to a drug-free community does not diminish our commitment to student safety. Students should seek immediate assistance when they are concerned that they or another person may be experiencing an overdose, poisoning, severe impairment, injury, or another substance-related medical emergency.

Students should contact emergency services, Public Safety, Residence Life staff, Student Life staff, or another appropriate resource when immediate assistance is needed.

Students should not delay seeking medical assistance because they are concerned about disciplinary consequences.

Students who are concerned about their own substance use or who believe they may be developing an unhealthy relationship with drugs or other substances are encouraged to seek support through Counseling Services, Health Services, or the Office of Student Life.

Legal Requirements

Students are responsible for complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as University policies.

Bethel University's policy may be more restrictive than applicable state or local law. The fact that a substance is legal, decriminalized, medically authorized, or otherwise permitted in a particular jurisdiction does not exempt a student from Bethel University's policy.

When violations of law come to the attention of University officials, the University may refer matters to appropriate law enforcement authorities when required or appropriate.