In addition to possible prosecution under state or federal laws, persons who violate the prohibitions of this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions that may include, but are not limited to, suspension, expulsion, and/or referral for possible prosecution by federal or state authorities. Any disciplinary sanction imposed may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program and other requirements as a condition of reinstatement.

1. Prohibited Substances Hearing Board  

Upon completion of the judicial inquiry, the Prohibited Substances Hearing Board has jurisdiction over appeals of findings and sanctions assigned concerning these Institute Regulations on Other Drugs. The Prohibited Substances Hearing Board shall be comprised of three Institute judicial hearing officers as designated by the Dean of Students. Appeals from decisions by the Prohibited Substances Hearing Board may be taken to the Review Board and Provost as described in the Handbook.  

When an appeal is filed concerning an incident or series of related incidents that involves both a violation of Institute Regulations on Other Drugs and other Institute policies, the Prohibited Substances Hearing Board will review the appeal of both the drug-related violation and other Institute policies, with the following exceptions: 

a) Any alleged violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy will be handled in accordance with that policy; and

b) If a judicial inquiry determines that a student did not violate the Institute Regulations on Other Drugs but that the student did violate other Institute policies, an appeal of the findings will be referred to the Student Judicial Board.  

2. Mandatory Minimum Sanctions  

The following shall be considered mandatory minimum sanctions: 

1. For Trafficking Violations  

RPI has a zero-tolerance policy for any student found to have engaged in the sale, manufacture, marketing, trafficking, or transfer of any Prohibited Substances, including cannabis or THC, drug paraphernalia, or the intent and preparation to do so (hereinafter, “trafficking”). The penalty for students found to have engaged in such trafficking, including a first violation, will be expulsion from the Institute, without possibility of return.  

2. For Use or Possession of Prohibited Substances (excludes cannabis/THC use)

In conformance with RPI’s zero-tolerance drug use policy, any student found to have engaged in a violation of this policy related to the personal, non-trafficking use, consumption, or possession of a Prohibited Substance other than cannabis or THC use, or prescription drug/over-the-counter medication misuse shall be subject to the following minimum sanctions:  

• First Violation – if no finding of habitual use: Immediate suspension from the Institute for a term of not less than one (1) calendar year. After the expiration of such term of suspension, and provided the student has had no other suspensions, expulsions, or involuntary withdrawals for violation of RPI’s or any other institution’s drug policy, the student may be permitted to re-apply for admission to RPI. Reapplication for admission hereunder is subject to the terms for Disciplinary Suspension found in the RPI Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities under the section entitled, Types of Disciplinary Actions. Conditions for readmission may include, but are not limited to, mandatory educational programming and/or training, counseling, drug testing, supervision, restriction or loss of privileges, or other requirements. If such student is not granted permission to re-apply for admission, or where such re-application is denied, the student shall be deemed to have been expelled.
• Second Violation, or First Violation with a finding of habitual use: The student shall be immediately expelled from the Institute without the possibility of return.  

A determination that a student is a habitual user of Prohibited Substances may occur through external police, internal Public Safety, Student Life, or other information sources that make the condition known to the Administration of the Institute. Each allegation will be investigated and corroborated through whatever channels are available. RPI, in its sole and exclusive discretion, reserves the right to obtain medical advice and assistance to determine whether the subject of the inquiry is a habitual user of any Prohibited Substances. Parents or guardians of the subject may be notified immediately of a person identified as being a habitual user of a Prohibited Substance and subject to this policy.  

3. For Use or Possession of Cannabis/THC and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

Any student found to have engaged in a violation of this policy relating to the personal, non-trafficking use, consumption, or possession of cannabis/THC or possession of drug paraphernalia shall be subject to the following:  

• First Violation: Sanctions as determined by the RPI Judicial Process may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary probation, referral for required educational programming and training, substance use assessment, restriction or loss of privileges (including housing privileges), required treatment, drug testing, or other requirements as the severity of the offense dictates.  
• Second Violation: The student shall be suspended from the Institute for a term of not less than one (1) calendar year. After the expiration of such term of suspension, and provided the student has had no other suspensions, expulsions, or involuntary withdrawals for violation of RPI’s or any other institution’s drug policy, the student may be permitted to re-apply for admission to RPI. Reapplication for admission hereunder is subject to the terms for Disciplinary Suspension found in the RPI Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities under the section entitled, Types of Disciplinary Actions. Conditions for readmission may include, but are not limited to, mandatory educational programming and/or training, counseling, drug testing, supervision, restriction or loss of privileges, or other requirements. If such student is not granted permission to apply for re-admission, or where such re-application is denied, the student shall be deemed to have been expelled.