Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)
What is the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)?
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (“DFSCA”) (EDGAR Part 86) is a federal regulation which requires any institution of higher education receiving federal funds to certify it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit alcohol and other drugs by all students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities.
Since the DFSCA is a federal regulation, UConn and UConn Health (collectively as “UConn” and the “University”) as well as other colleges and universities are required to enforce federal laws as they pertain to the possession, use, and distribution of illicit substances which can cause some confusion when regulations differ at the federal and state levels. For example, while Connecticut allows the recreational use of Cannabis in certain circumstances, Cannabis is illicit at the federal level. Consequently, the only circumstances in which Cannabis use, possession, or distribution is lawful at UConn is in the context of approved research activity following the University’s Controlled Substances Policy.
Complying with the DFSCA
To comply with the DFSCA, UConn must: 1) provide written notification once a year to all students, faculty, and staff about its program to prevent unlawful use, possession, and distribution of illicit substances; and 2) conduct a review the prevention program every two years to determine effectiveness and identify any necessary changes.
In spring 2022, UConn created the DFSCA Oversight Committee to monitor UConn’s compliance with the DFSCA, including ensuring distribution of the annual notification, steering completion of the biennial review, and overseeing progress made on any recommendations for strengthening compliance. Membership on the DFSCA Oversight Committee includes representatives from Campus Safety, Community Standards, Human Resources, the Office of University Compliance, Student Health and Wellness, The Graduate School, UConn Health Graduate Programs, UConn School of Dental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, UConn School of Law, UConn Stamford, and University Communications.
DFSCA Resources
Annual Notifications
UConn and UConn Health Students:
UConn Health Medical and Dental Students
UConn and UConn Health Employees:
August 2022 Employee Notification, Daily Digest and Lifeline
June 2024 Employee Notification, Daily Digest
June 2024, Employee Notification, Lifeline
DFSCA Oversight Committee Chairs
Labor Relations Associate, Labor & Employment Attorney, Human Resources, Employee Relations
Director of Health Promotion & Community Impact, Student Health and Wellness