Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures that support a safe, healthy, professional, and productive learning environment for all students of Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM), free from the effects of alcohol misuse and substance abuse.
The reasons for this policy include:
- The use of controlled substances prohibited under the laws of Aruba is unlawful.
- The use of controlled substances and the misuse of alcohol increase the risk of accidents, compromise the safety of the learning environment, and adversely affect an individual's health, judgment, academic performance, and personal wellbeing.
- Substance abuse may impair professional judgment and decision-making, creating risks to animal health, public health, client safety, and student safety.
- Substance abuse is inconsistent with the professional standards and ethical responsibilities expected of veterinary medical students.
Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled at Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine.
For implementation of this policy, XUSOVM may utilize qualified occupational health providers, medical review officers (MROs), testing laboratories, or other designated healthcare professionals.
Students may be subject to substance testing whenever deemed necessary by the University in accordance with this policy.
For purposes of this policy:
- A controlled substance means any substance whose possession or use is prohibited under applicable laws of Aruba.
- A specimen may include saliva, urine, blood, hair, breath, or any other biological sample collected for testing.
- The presence of controlled substances shall be determined through appropriate laboratory testing and confirmation procedures.
- Evidence of alcohol use may be determined through breath, saliva, urine, blood, or other approved testing methods.
Prescription Medications
Students prescribed medications by a licensed healthcare provider are responsible for determining whether such medications may impair their physical or cognitive abilities.
If a prescribed medication may affect academic performance, laboratory participation, clinical activities, driving, or other professional responsibilities, the student must provide appropriate documentation from the prescribing healthcare provider to the Dean of Student Affairs.
To protect privacy, the documentation does not need to identify the medication but should specify any restrictions and their expected duration.
Types of Testing
XUSOVM may conduct the following forms of testing:
1 Pre Admission Testing
Drug screening may be required before admission or as part of the admissions process.
2 Post Accident Testing
Students involved in accidents occurring during University-sponsored activities, laboratories, clinical experiences, or other educational activities may be required to undergo testing.
3 Random Testing
Students may be selected for random testing throughout the academic year.
4 Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Testing may be required when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
5 Comprehensive Testing
The University may require testing of all students when deemed necessary to protect the safety and integrity of the educational environment.
Refusal to Test
Refusal to participate in any required testing procedure shall be considered equivalent to a positive test result.
Examples include:
- Failure to appear for testing;
- Failure to provide an adequate specimen;
- Failure to cooperate with testing procedures;
- Tampering with or adulterating a specimen;
- Leaving the testing facility before completion of testing;
- Failure to sign required testing documentation.
Positive Test Results
For purposes of this policy, refusal to test shall be considered a positive result.
Students who voluntarily disclose a dependency on drugs or alcohol and seek assistance prior to disciplinary action may be permitted to withdraw temporarily from the academic program and pursue rehabilitation at their own expense.
Re-entry into the program may be considered following successful completion of treatment and appropriate medical documentation.
Students found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including probation, suspension, dismissal from the University, mandatory counseling, or other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Promotions and Progress Review Committee and Dean.
Failure to disclose prior disciplinary actions, substance abuse violations, or rehabilitation history during the admissions process may result in dismissal from the University.