Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)

What is the DFSCA?

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 policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs for faculty, staff and students. UW faculty, staff and students are also subject to federal and Washington state laws.

The DFSCA requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program as well as the notification and distribution of the information below. All members of the UW community are encouraged to review the information on the linked pages. This information is also distributed on an annual basis to faculty, staff and students via mass e-mail by UW PD in the Annual Security, Fire Safety and Drug Free Schools and Communities communication.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires that each institution distribute the following to all students and employees annually:

  • Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or as part of any school activities for employees (Policy) or students (Code of Conduct);
  • 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 description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry programs that are available to employees or students;
  • A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with federal, state, or local law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of established standards of conduct.

DFSCA Biennial Report

DFSCA Biennial Report (Academic Years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024)