Students are required to come to learn in a mental and physical condition that will allow them to perform satisfactorily as students. PNWU does not condone any form of drug, substance, or alcohol abuse by its students. Any student who attends class or a clinical course or is on the premises of a facility affiliated with PNWU while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs is subject to immediate suspension and possible dismissal at the discretion of the Student Progress Committee and/or dean/program director.
Students may use legally prescribed drugs only if they do not impair their ability to perform the essential functions effectively and safely without endangering themselves or others. Some states have passed laws that decriminalize or legalize medical or recreational marijuana. Those laws do not change federal law, under which marijuana is an illegal drug. PNWU students must comply wiht the more restrictive provisions of federal law. Policy violations will not be excused because a given state has a law permitting medical or recreational marijuana use.
PNWU reserves the right to require a drug screen of accepted or current students at any time. Students may be required to complete a drug screening prior to clinical experiences and should refer to their academic program handbook for specific drug screen requirements and timeframe to submit documentation.
All drug screen results must be provided to Enrollment Services for review and uploaded to the student’s onboarding system (MyRecordTracker for MAMS and DO class of 2027 and 2026, Exxat for DPT and MSOT, and eValue for DO class of 2025 and 2024). Any findings in the drug screen report will be given to Student Affairs for further evaluation.
Challenged Results of the Drug Screen
- Students who question the accuracy or results of the drug screen should immediately contact the private company that conducted the drug screen regarding the area they believe to be incorrect. Students can request the company’s contact information from Enrollment Services. All disputes pertaining to the drug screen findings must follow the policies and procedures of the private company that conducted the drug screen.
- If the student does not challenge the questionable or adverse information from the private company that conducted the drug screen and when the drug screen findings are such that the student does not meet PNWU standards, the student will be referred by Student Affairs to the academic program Student Progress Committee for further evaluation and recommendations.
- The student may appeal any adverse decision by the Student Progress Committee through the dean/program director. Students who wish to appeal must submit a detailed letter to the dean/program director within five business days after receiving the notice from the Student Progress Committee. The decision of the dean/program director is final.
There are health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause physical and emotional dependence. Users may develop a craving for these substances and their bodies may respond to the presence of drugs in ways that lead to increased use. Certain drugs, such as opiates, barbiturates, alcohol, and nicotine create physical dependence. When a regular user stops taking the drug the body experiences the physiological trauma known as withdrawal. Psychological dependence occurs when taking drugs becomes the center of the user’s life. Some drugs affect the mind and body for weeks or even months after drug use has stopped. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception. They can distort experiences and cause loss of self-control that can lead users to harm others as well as themselves.
There are local, state, and federal sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol State law considers the illegal use of drugs and alcohol serious crimes. The sanctions for first-time violations of these laws range from fines to terms of incarceration, or both. Additionally, local ordinances and municipal codes impose a variety of penalties for the illegal use of drugs and alcohol. Access Washington RCW Chapter 69.50, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, for additional information. There may also be civil consequences that result from the violation of state drug and alcohol statutes. For example, property associated with the criminal acts, including homes and vehicles, can be confiscated by the government and persons convicted of felonies may be barred from government employment, and lose the right to vote. Federal law considers the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs, or any controlled substance, a serious crime. For the most up to date Federal Trafficking Penalties information, visit the website of the US Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition to possible criminal sanctions, students can lose federal financial aid eligibility.
Policy link: Drug and Alcohol policy
Page revision date: June 21, 2023