All categories of employees and students are subject to this policy and to applicable federal, state and local laws related to this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions as set forth in the applicable sections of this policy. Tennessee Technological University employees and students are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol on the university campus, and at off-campus facilities owned or controlled by the University. Various federal state and local statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, sell or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell, controlled substances. Repeat offenders may be punished to a greater extent as provided by statute.
Drugs cause physical and emotional dependence.
Drugs and their harmful side effects can remain in the body long after use has stopped. The extent to which a drug is retained in the body depends on the drug's chemical composition, that is whether or not it is fat-soluble. As a result, they build up in the fatty parts of the body such as the brain and reproductive system. Such accumulations of drugs and their slow release over time may cause delayed effects weeks, months and even years after drug used has stopped. Such use during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome.