The excessive use of alcohol by students abroad is one of the primary causes of accidents and incidents resulting in injuries. UCEAP doesn’t condone any behavior that results from the use and/or abuse of alcohol. Such behavior may lead to dismissal. Alcohol and other drug abuse and the resulting consequences can have a significant negative impact on UCEAP participants.
It’s the student’s responsibility to know what the alcohol laws and the legal drinking and purchasing age are in the host country or region. Students should be careful to limit their alcohol intake and pay particular attention to host country or region laws and regulations. Students are expected to obey all the laws of the countries or regions they visit. Those who break these laws may face severe penalties, including prison sentences. UCEAP and the US Embassy won’t be able to help.
Overview
As participants in an official academic program of the University of California (University), students enrolled in, and employees of, UCEAP are subject to all the rules and regulations of the University. The substance abuse policies at UC apply equally to students abroad who are receiving credit from the University through UCEAP as well as its employees.
UC Policy on Substance Abuse
The University of California recognizes dependency on alcohol and other drugs as a treatable condition and offers programs and services for University employees and students with substance dependency problems. Employees and students are encouraged to seek assistance from local resources, including counseling or psychological services available on-site. Information about an employee or student during participation in such programs or services will be treated as confidential, in accordance with federal and state laws. To promote an environment of academic excellence and to comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, academic and staff employees and students:
- Shall not use illegal substances and shall not abuse legal substances in a manner that impairs scholarly activities, job performance, or student life.
- Shall not use illegal or legal substances in a manner that violates applicable criminal or civil laws in the workplace, on university premises, at university activities, or while conducting university business.
- Are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol or a controlled substance in the workplace, on university premises, at university activities, or while conducting university business.
Students found guilty of violating the UCEAP Substance Abuse Policy, the University of California System Campus Regulations Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students 102.17-18 are subject to disciplinary sanctions, which may include loss of privileges and exclusion from activities, probation, warning, suspension, or dismissal. In addition to or in lieu of a corrective action, a student may also be required to participate in an approved counseling or treatment program. This treatment program may not be covered by student travel insurance—students will pay for any costs associated with such treatment and can submit a claim with the student travel insurance for reimbursement consideration.