Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Information

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to  establish drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs for students and employees.  Students and employees must receive materials annually that contain information on the five points below.

Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations Biennial Review: Academic Years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020

  • Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees
  • A description of the applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, or local law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
  • A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol
  • A list of drug and alcohol programs (counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry) that are available to employees and students
  • A clear statement of the disciplinary sanctions students and employees may face for violations of standards of conduct relating to drugs and alcohol.

Students, faculty, and staff may request information about the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students at 843.953.5522 and the Counseling Center at 843.953.5640.

In compliance with this act, this information is made available to students, staff and employees. The information provided in response to each point below has been compiled from the Student HandbookHuman Resources and other campus web pages.

For Students and Employees


For Employees, Staff and Faculty

Additional Information

College of Charleston Policy Website
The Counseling Center  
Dean of Students  Policies and Procedures
Human Resources Department  Policies
Public Safety - Campus Police
Victim Services (OVS) Office of Victim Services

Did you know...

The College of Charleston has a campus recovery program just for students.
Our Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) at College of Charleston provides a safe and nurturing student-focused community in which students in recovery from substance and/or addictive disorders can be empowered in furthering their academic, professional and personal potential to become healthy, responsible, productive members of society.

Our CRP aims to help our sober students stay substance-free through peer-to-peer support, group support and through connection to the local recovering community.   Find out more...

Community Resources

In partnership with MUSC Youth Collaborative, the College of Charleston invites students who are curious to learn more about alcohol, cannabis, or e-cigarette use to check out the free resources and supports available to all students at MUSC Youth Collaborative or text RESEARCH to 843-608-0514 for confidential information, treatment support, and paid research opportunities.