As members of the USC community, we all share a commitment to provide an educational environment in which excellent teaching, research, and learning can flourish.  As part of this commitment, we recognize the need to counsel and educate members of our community concerning the dangers of abusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

The academic life can be stressful at times.  Students undergo many new pressures while attending college, caused by the desire to succeed academically and fit in socially with one’s peers. Both are important and laudable aspects of the university experience.  However, a university should not be a place where one abuses alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.  To help members of the USC community adjust to academic life, the university provides students, faculty, and staff with resources and activities that promote a drug‑free campus.

This webpage has been developed for all members of the USC community. The information contained herein is disseminated to all students, faculty, and staff annually and is available here year-round as a guide and reference for those who are planning events, interested in getting involved with substance-abuse education and prevention programs, or having problems related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Sincerely,
Steven B. Sample, President

Welcome!

USC Drug-Free is provided through the Office of Contracts and Grants in accordance with the Drug-Free School and Campuses Act of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 .

The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and/or other drugs by students, faculty or staff adversely affects USC's commitment to provide an environment of excellence in teaching, research and learning.  As members of the USC community, we all share in the responsibility for creating and maintaining a healthy and productive environment for work and study alike. With this responsibility comes the obligation to be involved in preventing problems caused by the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

USC's comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse emphasizes:

  • Taking effective steps to create and maintain a drug-free workplace and educational environment for students, faculty and staff.
  • Providing continual prevention, education and counseling services along with referrals to off-campus treatment facilities as appropriate.
  • Encouraging individuals who are experiencing problems associated with alcohol and other drugs or chemical dependency to seek assessment, counseling and/or treatment voluntarily with the understanding that this assistance is confidential and will not be used against them.
  • Assessing university sanctions for the manufacture, distribution, use or possession of illegal drugs or the unlawful use or possession of alcohol which may include prosecution under applicable state and federal laws. Such sanctions may include educational intervention, mandated community service, suspension, expulsion and termination of employment.