Alcohol and Drug Awareness
Have you ever taught a class and had a student enter who smells heavily of alcohol or marijuana? In case you wondered what to do in light of NOVA’s Alcohol and Drug Policy, this Daily Flyer article is for you.
- Contact NOVA Police.
If someone from the NOVA community suspects a person of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in possession of, consuming or selling drugs or alcohol on campus, please report this to the NOVA Police immediately by calling NOVA’s 24/7 police dispatch at 703-764-5000 or through the LiveSafe App. - Speak with the student.
Speak with the student on how the smell of marijuana or other drugs is impacting the class and ask them to be mindful of the Alcohol and Drug Policy. During the conversation, share your concern for the student’s wellbeing and refer them to the Office of Wellness and Mental Health for resources.
- Speak with the class.
Remind the class of NOVA’s Alcohol and Drug Policy and share that NOVA expects that all students come to class ready to learn and not under the influence of marijuana, other drugs or alcohol. Share with your students NOVA’s Alcohol and Drug Policy and explain that any student who violates the policy may be referred to Student Conduct. - Report your concerns.
Smelling like marijuana may not be a violation of the code of conduct, but please submit an FYI report via the Student Conduct Report Form and provide details of your concern. If you become aware of a student vaping or smoking inside a building, please report this to Student Conduct via the Student Conduct Violation Form. If you become aware of a student coming to school under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or who is in possession of or consumes or sells alcohol or drugs on campus or at a campus event, please report these violations to NOVA PD and to Student Conduct.
If you have questions about NOVA’s Alcohol and Drug Policy, please reach out to one of the contacts here.
Submitted by:
Matthew Coates, Director of OSRR, MCoates@nvcc.edu