Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy

RAND School of Public Policy

Applies to: All enrolled students and school employees including faculty, staff, research personnel, and contractors performing work on School or RAND premises | Campuses: Santa Monica, CA and Washington, D.C.

This policy is distributed annually to all students, faculty, and staff in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. 1011i; 34 C.F.R. Part 86) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. A printed copy is available from the Registrar's office upon request. RAND Employees should also reference RAND’s Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy (PDF).

1. Purpose and Commitment

The RAND School of Public Policy is committed to providing a safe and healthy educational environment for all students and school employees. The School prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on School premises or as part of any School-sponsored activity, consistent with federal law and RAND institutional policy.

This policy applies to all enrolled students at RAND School of Public Policy campuses. Additionally, RAND’s Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse policies applies to all students eligible to work at RAND.

Compliance with this policy is a condition of enrollment for students and a condition of employment for all school employees. For school employees engaged in work under a federal grant or contract, compliance with this policy is also a condition of employment under that grant or contract, as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §§ 8101–8106).

2. Standards of Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

the use, possession, sale, purchase, transfer, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of any illegal drug or controlled substance on School or RAND premises, or as part of any School-sponsored activity
reporting to School, class, or any School-sponsored event under the influence of alcohol or a prohibited substance
the unlawful possession or consumption of alcohol (including by individuals under 21 years of age)
providing alcohol to any person under 21 years of age.

School Employee Standards of Conduct

In addition to the prohibitions set forth above, all school employees are prohibited from

the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace or on School or RAND premises, or while conducting School or RAND business, whether on or off premises
reporting to work or performing job duties while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, except as prescribed by a licensed health care provider and only if such use does not impair job performance or workplace safety
the unlawful possession or consumption of alcohol during work hours or on School or RAND premises, except at authorized School or RAND events in accordance with the Serving Alcoholic Beverages policy.

School employees are expected to perform their duties free from the influence of any illegal drug or the unauthorized use of alcohol. A school employee who is taking a prescription medication that may impair job performance or safety should notify their supervisor or the Office of Human Resources so that appropriate accommodations can be considered.

Alcohol at School Events

Alcohol may be consumed in moderation at School and RAND-sponsored events in accordance with RAND’s policy on Serving Alcoholic Beverages. Alcohol must be served with food and may not be served before 4:00 p.m. Alcohol may not be served to anyone under 21 years of age or to anyone who appears intoxicated.

Cannabis: Important Notice for Both Campuses

California (Prop 64) and Virginia law both permit recreational cannabis use by adults 21 and older under state law. However, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law (21 U.S.C. 812). Because the RAND School receives federal financial aid, federal law governs on School premises and at School-sponsored activities. The possession, use, or distribution of cannabis is prohibited on all RAND School premises regardless of state law.

3. Legal Sanctions

Students and school employees who violate federal, state, or local drug and alcohol laws may face criminal penalties in addition to institutional disciplinary action.

Federal Law

Under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841 et seq.), penalties for federal drug offenses include

Possession of a controlled substance: up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fines for a first offense; up to 2 years for a second offense; up to 3 years for subsequent offenses
Manufacture or distribution of a Schedule I or II substance: 5–40 years imprisonment and fines up to $2 million for a first offense (higher penalties apply for larger quantities or distribution near schools)
Distribution to a person under 21: penalties doubled

California Law (Santa Monica Campus)

California Health and Safety Code penalties include

Possession of most controlled substances: felony, up to 3 years in state prison (many offenses now eligible for diversion under Prop 36 or Penal Code 1000)
Possession for sale/sale of controlled substances: felony, 2–4 years imprisonment
Furnishing alcohol to a minor (under 21): misdemeanor, up to 1 year in county jail and/or fine up to $1,000 (Business and Professions Code 25658)
Driving under the influence (DUI): misdemeanor for a first offense, fines, license suspension, and possible jail time; felony for repeat offenses or offenses causing injury
Cannabis: possession of more than 28.5 grams by an adult is a misdemeanor; any cannabis possession, use, or distribution remains prohibited on School premises regardless of quantity or age

California Good Samaritan Protections: California Health and Safety Code § 11376.5 provides that a person who experiences a drug-related overdose and who, in good faith, seeks emergency medical assistance, or who in good faith provides emergency medical assistance to a person experiencing a drug-related overdose, shall not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for the possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia if the evidence of such possession was obtained as a result of the person seeking or providing emergency medical assistance.

Virginia Law (D.C. Campus)

Virginia Code penalties include

Possession of a controlled substance (Schedule I or II): Class 5 felony, up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fine up to $2,500 (Virginia Code 18.2-250)
Distribution or possession with intent to distribute (Schedule I or II): felony, 5-40 years imprisonment (Virginia Code 18.2-248)
Possession of marijuana/cannabis: Virginia legalized adult recreational use (Code of Virginia 4.1-1100 et seq.), but possession, use, or distribution remains prohibited on School premises under federal law
Providing alcohol to a minor (under 21): Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 12 months imprisonment and/or fine up to $2,500 (Virginia Code 4.1-306)
DUI: Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, mandatory minimum fine of $250, license revocation; enhanced penalties for repeat offenses (Virginia Code 18.2-266)

Virginia Good Samaritan Protections: Virginia Code § 18.2-251.03 provides that a person who, in good faith, seeks or obtains emergency medical attention for himself or herself or for another person who is experiencing an overdose shall not be prosecuted for the unlawful purchase, possession, or consumption of a controlled substance obtained as a result of that report or investigation. This immunity is available if the person remains at the scene until emergency services arrive and cooperates with law enforcement.

4. Health Risks

The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol poses serious risks to physical and mental health, academic performance, and personal safety. Key risks include:

Alcohol

Impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time
Alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal
Increased risk of accidents, injury, and involvement in sexual misconduct
Long-term risks: liver disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, and alcohol use disorder

Cannabis

Impaired memory, concentration, and learning—particularly harmful during young adulthood when the brain is still developing
Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis with heavy use
Respiratory problems with regular smoking
Risk of cannabis use disorder

Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants misused)

Cardiovascular risks including heart attack and stroke
Severe psychological effects including paranoia and psychosis
High potential for dependence

Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids misused)

Extremely high risk of overdose, including fatal overdose—especially with fentanyl-contaminated supply
Rapid physical dependence and addiction
Risk of infectious disease transmission through shared needles

Other Substances

Benzodiazepines and sedatives: risk of dependence, dangerous interactions with alcohol
Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, MDMA): psychological distress, risk of dangerous behavior
Inhalants: risk of sudden death, severe neurological damage

5. Counseling, Treatment, and Support Resources

Students and school employees who are concerned about their own substance use or that of someone they know are encouraged to reach out for support. The following resources are available:

Santa Monica Campus

Personal physician or health care provider Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: 800-854-7771 (24-hour crisis line)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referrals)
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health - Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH): 1-844-804-7500 (available 24/7)
California Department of Health Care Services substance use treatment locator: www.dhcs.ca.gov
RAND’s Employee Assistance Program (employees only)

Washington, D.C. Campus

Personal physician or health care provider
DC Department of Behavioral Health Access Helpline: 888-793-4357 (24/7)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services: www.dbhds.virginia.gov
RAND’s Employee Assistance Program (employees only)

Crisis Lines (Both Campuses)

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

Students and school employees are encouraged to self-refer. Seeking help for substance use concerns will not, by itself, trigger disciplinary action.

RAND will, at the school employee’s request, permit school employees to take an appropriate leave of absence or otherwise modify their schedule so that the employee may seek professional help for substance use.

Services are available through RAND’s Employee Assistance Program for active regular employees, RAND School of Public Policy Students and immediate family members. Those eligible may also access services through RAND’s health insurance and/or counseling or psychological services. All communications will be kept strictly confidential, and employees will not be subject to discipline for voluntarily disclosing their drug or alcohol use.

6. Disciplinary Sanctions

Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, consistent with the School’s student conduct procedures. Violations may also be referred to law enforcement. Possible sanctions include:

Formal warning
Required completion of an educational program or substance use assessment
Probation
Suspension
Expulsion
Referral for criminal prosecution

Disciplinary sanctions do not preclude parallel criminal proceedings under federal, state, or local law.

School employees who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, consistent with RAND’s policies and applicable law. Violations may also be referred to law enforcement.

7. Notification of Drug Conviction

In compliance with the Higher Education Act, all students and school employees are required to notify the School of any criminal drug statute conviction within five (5) calendar days of the conviction. Notification should be directed to the Office of Student Life (students) and Human Resources (school employees).

Students convicted of drug offenses may lose eligibility for federal student financial aid:

Conviction for possession of a controlled substance: loss of eligibility for 1 year (first offense), 2 years (second offense), indefinite (third or subsequent offense).
Conviction for sale of a controlled substance: loss of eligibility for 2 years (first offense), indefinite (second or subsequent offense).

A student may regain eligibility by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program that meets criteria established by the Secretary of Education and that includes two unannounced drug tests, or by passing two unannounced drug tests administered by such a program.

8. Annual Distribution and Biennial Review

This policy is distributed annually to each enrolled student and each school employee individually, by institutional email with a direct link to the full text of this policy, in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. § 1011i; 34 C.F.R. Part 86) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §§ 8101–8106). New students receive this policy at orientation; new employees receive it upon hire.

The School conducts a biennial review of its drug and alcohol prevention programs to assess program effectiveness and ensure consistency with applicable law, in accordance with 34 C.F.R. Part 86. Part 86. The biennial review includes the following components, as required by 20 U.S.C. § 1011i(a)(2):

An assessment of the effectiveness of the School’s drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, including identification of any needed changes to the program;
A determination of the number of drug- and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occurred on campus or as part of any institutional activity and were reported to campus officials during the review period;
A determination of the number and type of sanctions imposed on students and employees as a result of drug- and alcohol-related violations and fatalities during the review period; and
An assessment of whether disciplinary sanctions for drug and alcohol violations are consistently enforced.

The results of the most recent biennial review are available upon request to the Secretary of Education and to the public, in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1011i(b). Requests may be directed to the Office of Student Life (for student-related inquiries) or the Office of Human Resources (for employee-related inquiries).

A printed copy of this policy is available upon request from the Registrar’s office.

For purposes of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the School’s workplace locations include the Santa Monica, California campus at 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 and the Arlington, Virginia campus at 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202 as well as any other location where School or RAND employees perform work under a federal grant or contract.

This policy is effective as of May 8, 2026. The most recent revision was completed on May 8, 2026.

Questions about this policy may be directed to the Office of Student Life (students) or Nick Bacon in RAND Human Resources (employees).