Drug Free Schools, Communities and Workplace

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 require all schools and institutions of higher education to adopt and implement a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

The below statement, which is part of Touro University Nevada’s program adopted to comply with these Acts, is being provided to you as required by law. If you have any questions regarding this statement or wish to receive further information on the university’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act program, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Philip Tompkins, Dean, Division of Student Affairs or Ms. Tammy Plutz, Director of Human Resources.

Touro University Nevada (TUN) is committed to proving a safe, healthy learning community for all its students. TUN supports and endorses the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 USC § 701 et seq.) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989 (20 USC § 1145(g). Pursuant to these Acts, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as defined in these Acts) by a university employee or student on university property or as part of any university activities is prohibited.

Information and Resources

Expand All

Specifically, the Student Conduct Code, which can be found in the University Catalog, states that the following acts are violations of acceptable student conduct:

  • Using, selling, possessing, distribution, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages except permitted by law and university policy. Members of the university community are accountable for their decisions regarding use of alcohol as well as behavior that occurs as a result of those decisions.
  • Using, selling, possessing, distributing, an illegal drug or narcotics.
  • Using and/or being under the influence of an illegal drug or narcotic during class, laboratory, externship, clerkship, or any other situation under the jurisdiction of the university in which professional conduct is expected or required.
    The illegal use or abuse of drugs which impair a student’s ability to perform academically, or disrupts others in the performance of their work or academic endeavors is strictly prohibited. The unlawful sale, manufacture, possession, distribution or use of controlled substances on the University’s campuses is strictly prohibited.

Any student who is using prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may impair their ability to safely perform their academic duties, or affect the safety or well-being of others, must notify the Director of Student Health. The student need not disclose the condition(s) for which the drugs are being used. Following the required disclosure, the University will determine whether arrangements can be made which would allow the student to perform his or her duties safely.

Any student found responsible for violating the Student Conduct Code or their programs handbook’s rules involving alcohol or drug use will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from his/her program of study and the University. Other possible sanctions include: restrictions, loss of privileges, restitution, assessments and or treatment referrals, reflection papers, conduct probation, deferred suspension, suspension, deferred dismissal, and other educational sanctions.

The University will encourage students with alcohol or drug dependencies to seek treatment and/or rehabilitation. Students may consult with Student Counseling Services on campus for referral information. The University is not obligated, however, to retain any student whose academic or professionalism performance is impaired because of drug or alcohol use, nor is the University obligated to re-admit any person who has participated in treatment and/or rehabilitation if that student’s performance remains impaired as a result of dependency. Students who are given the opportunity to seek treatment and/or rehabilitation, but fail to successfully overcome their dependency, may not be retained as a student.

Educational Programming

In addition to this document, Student Affairs provides educational programming, workshops and orientation programs to students on the consequences of using illicit drugs and problem alcohol use. Please contact the Director of Student Counseling for more information.

Rehabilitation

Touro University Nevada will reasonably accommodate any student who volunteers to enter an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program, provided the reasonable accommodation does not impose undue hardship on Touro University Nevada. Reasonable accommodation could include a Medical Leave of Absence. However, Touro University Nevada is not obligated to offer an accommodation for any student who has violated any University policy that, in Touro University Nevada’s sole discretion, merits termination of the relationship before asking for assistance. Touro University Nevada will take reasonable measures to safeguard the privacy of the student concerning enrollment in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program. If a student enters into a state approved rehabilitation program, he/she shall sign an agreement with Touro University Nevada, which will include the following:

Enroll in and complete a University approved rehabilitation program at the student’s expense.
Execute the appropriate release of medical information forms to the University in order to monitor the compliance with the rehabilitation program.
Ensure the treatment facility provides the University with the necessary documentation to establish compliance.
Abstain from any illegal drug misconduct.
Acknowledge that any future violation of Touro University Nevada drug prohibitions shall result in immediate dismissal.
Failure to comply with any provision of the agreement shall result in immediate dismissal.
Provide a statement from licensed professional that the student is able to resume the rigors of their medical, camp, or educational program.

Biennial Review

Touro University Nevada’s Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations Biennial Review 2020-2022 on compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act is available to look through.

Where can students go for help?

Carla Perlotto, PhD
Director of Student Counseling Services
Student Counseling Services
Touro University Nevada
874 American Pacific Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
Phone: (702) 777-2095
Fax:  (702) 777-2096
Email: cperlott@touro.edu 

Or

Philip J. Tompkins, EdD
Dean
Division of Student Affairs
Touro University Nevada
874 American Pacific Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
Phone: (702) 777-1761
Email: ptompkin@touro.edu 

The Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988 requires that the University, as a recipient of federal grants, maintains a drug-free work place, and informs all employees of its policy.  The illegal use or abuse of drugs that impair a person’s ability to perform his or her job responsibilities is prohibited. In addition, the sale, manufacture, possession or use of illegal drugs on the University’s campuses is strictly prohibited.  Employees are required to notify the University if they are convicted of any criminal drug violation. Touro University Nevada must then report this conviction to the federal agency with which the University does business.  Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Where can employees go for help?

Tammy Plutz
Director of Human Resources
Touro University Nevada
874 American Pacific Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
Voice: 702-777-3855
Fax:     702-777-1758

Health Risks:

The abuse of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, or alcohol can cause serious detriment to a person’s health. The health risks associated with the misuse of the previously mentioned drugs vary but include, and are not limited to: convulsions, coma, paralysis, irreversible brain damage, tremors, fatigue, paranoia, insomnia, and possible death. Drug and alcohol abuse is extremely harmful to a person’s health, interferes with productivity and alertness.  Attending classes, rotations, and work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol could be a danger to the student/employees under the influence, fellow students/employees, and to patients/clients under the student/employee’s care.

Described below are some of the additional dangers and symptoms relative to use/abuse:

  • Marijuana: Commonly known as “pot”, it is a plant with the botanical name of cannabis sativa. Pot is almost always smoked but can be ingested. Use causes the central nervous system to become disorganized and confused. Most users experience an increase in heart rate, reddening of eyes and dryness of the throat and mouth.
    Studies have proven that marijuana’s mental effects include temporary impairment of short-term memory and an altered sense of time. It also reduces the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, swift reactions and coordination. Feelings of euphoria, relaxation and bouts of exaggerated laughter are also commonly reported.
    Smoking “pot” may cause: brain chemical changes, and altered reality, physically damaged lungs, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, a weakened immune system, damage to sperm in males, irregular menstrual cycles in females, reduced fertility and sex drive.
  • Cocaine/Crack: Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which is derived from the coca plant. Street cocaine is available in the form of a powder or a “rock” of crack and is most commonly inhaled or smoked. Cocaine increases the heart rate and blood pressure and is very addictive.
    Crack is a form of smokable cocaine named for the popping sound it makes when burned. It is a mixture of cocaine, baking soda, and water. It is 5-10 times more potent than cocaine and is extremely dangerous. It has been reported that addiction can occur with as few as two “hits”.
    Some of the symptoms of cocaine/crack abuse are: personality changes, unexplained weight loss, excess sniffing and coughing, insomnia, depression, irritability, neglect of responsibility toward work, school, family and friends, and panic attacks.
  • Alcohol: In small doses, alcohol has a tranquilizing effect on most people, although it appears to stimulate others. Alcohol first acts on those parts of the brain that affect self-control and other learned behaviors; lowered self-control often leads to the aggressive behavior associated with those who drink. Alcohol use can also quickly cause dehydration, coordination problems, and blurred vision.
    In large doses, alcohol can dull sensation and impair muscular coordination, memory and judgment. Taken in larger quantities over a long period of time, alcohol can damage the liver and heart and cause brain damage and a great number of other health, medical, and social issues.
  • Hallucinogens: These are also known as psychedelics. The effects vary; the same person may have different reactions on different occasions. Most users are affected by changes in time and space perception, delusions and hallucinations. The effects may be mild or overwhelming, depending on the dose and quantity or the drug.
    Physical reactions range from minor changes such as dilated pupils, a rise in temperature and heartbeat to tumors. High doses can greatly alter the state of consciousness. After taking a hallucinogenic, the user loses control of thought processes. Although many perceptions are pleasant, others may cause panic or make a person believe that he or she cannot be harmed. These delusions can be quite dangerous.
  • Heroin: Heroin is a narcotic, which relieves pain and induces sleep. Commonly known as “junk” or “smack”, heroin is a highly addictive depressant and has been attributed as the cause of many deaths. Obvious symptoms include “pin point pupils”, drowsy, lethargic, slurred speech and an inability to concentrate.
    Heroin users experience a high rate of infectious diseases due to a weakened immune system and dirty needles shared by users. Children can be born addicted or can become addicted from heroin in the mother’s milk.
  • Crystal Methamphetamine: Crystal methamphetamine is a colorless, odorless powerful and highly addictive synthetic (man-made) stimulant. Crystal methamphetamine typically resembles small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes. Like powdered methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine produces long lasting euphoric effects. Crystal methamphetamine, however, typically has a higher purity level and may produce even longer-lasting and more intense physiological effects than the powdered form of the drug.
    Crystal methamphetamine use is associated with numerous serious physical problems. The drug can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain which can lead to stroke. Chronic use of the drug can result in inflammation of the heart lining. Overdoses can cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), convulsions, and death.
    Individuals who use crystal methamphetamine also may have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. The drug can produce psychotic symptoms that persist for months or years after an individual has stopped using the drug.
    Crystal methamphetamine users who inject the drug expose themselves to additional risks, including contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), methamphetamine also risk scarred or collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver or kidney disease.
  • Depressants: Depressants are highly addictive. They are usually known as “downers”. A user may be drowsy, lethargic, suffer from memory loss and have slurred speech. Many lawful drugs that have a depressant feature are from the family of drugs called barbiturates. More serious effects of the abuse of downers are liver damage, paradoxical anxiety and excited rage, coma and death.
  • Ecstasy: (MDMA) Also known as XTC, X and E, Ecstasy is a mind altering drug with hallucinogenic and speed like side effects. Often used at raves it is taken to promote loss of inhibition, excited-ness, euphoria, energy, and sexual stimulation. Ecstasy increases the amounts of serotonin in a person’s brain, which causes increased energy and cheerfulness; it also contains anticoagulative properties, which can cause a person to bleed to death if injured. Ecstasy can also cause serious brain damage in a short time. Side effects of ecstasy are: depression, increase in heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills, brain damage, organ damage, and death. Similar “designer drugs” include MDEA and MDA (also known as “Adam” and “Eve”)
  • Ritalin: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a medication prescribed for individuals (usually children) who have an abnormally high level of activity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains amphetamines and can be abused as a stimulant by those other than for whom prescribed. When abused, the tablets are either taken orally or crushed and snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture – complications can arise from this because insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels.
  • GHB: Gamma-hydroxyl butyrate is an intoxicating chemical with medical, recreational, and potentially dangerous uses. Its use is illegal for any purpose in the United States. Nicknamed the “date rape drug,” it is a clear liquid often mixed in drinks to promote relaxation or increased sociability. When taken, side effects can be: drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, amnesia, decreased motor skills, slurring of speech, unrousable sleep (coma) and death. GHB was used as a dietary supplement until banned by the FDA. GHB is now illegal in the United States. Common slang names for GHB are: G, Liquid X, GBH, Gamma-oh, Blue Verve, Grievous Bodily Harm, Goop, and EZLay.

Las Vegas

Henderson

Below are links to violation codes/penalties associated with the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of any controlled substance. Any student/employee violating any of the laws associated with drugs and alcohol could be subject to fines and imprisonment. Please note that state laws and statues may affect licensure for various medical and educational professionals.

Touro Nevada is committed to preventing the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Review our  Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations Biennial Review 2020-2022  o  o;lkjlkjlkj;lk on compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.