PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM #93

Original Issue Date: May 4, 2000

May 4, 2000

Subject:  Parental Notification Policy for Alcohol and Other Drug Violations

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (P.L. 105-244 Sec. 952) permit educational institutions to disclose to the parents or legal guardians of a student information regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state or local law or any rule or policy of an institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the student is under age 21 and the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.

On February 17, 2000, the Florida Board of Regents approved a recommendation that each university develop and adopt alcohol and drug abuse policies, including a policy to notify parents when their underage dependents violate federal, state or local laws or rules of the University governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.

The purpose of Florida Atlantic University’s parental notification policy is to foster a safer campus community, promote the academic success of students and promote student health. Among several interventions that may be used to further this purpose, Florida Atlantic University will notify parents or guardians of dependent students (as defined in 26 U.S.C. s. 152 of the IRS Code of 1954) who are under age 21 if the University determines that the student violated a University rule or policy regarding alcohol or other drug, under any of the following circumstances:

1. The student is required to be transported to a medical facility and treated because of alcohol or other drug use.

2. The student has caused harm to him or herself or another while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

3. The student was arrested or taken into custody by police while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

4. The student was responsible for vandalism or other destruction of property while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

5. The student was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

6. The student has been found responsible for violation of a federal, state or local law or University rule or policy related to alcohol or other drugs at least one time previous to the current violation.

7. The information regarding the student is needed in connection with an emergency to protect the health or safety of the student or other individual.

8. Other circumstances that are determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs, or his or her designee, to be appropriate.

Parents or guardians will be contacted by the Dean of Students or his or her designee. Whenever possible, students will be notified in advance that their parents or guardians are to be contacted.

Anthony James Catanese
President and Professor

Distribution:  Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Chairpersons, and Directors

Contact Area:  Dean of Students

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