Student Substance Use Harm Reduction Commitment

Our harm reduction commitment

The University of St Andrews is committed to taking steps to support student physical and mental wellbeing and resilience, and to foster a culture of care and compassion. We recognise that people may use drugs and other harmful substances during their time at university.

While the University does not condone drug or other substance use, we want our students to be safe, and to make educated and responsible choices that will reduce the risk of harm to themselves and others.

We have adopted a harm reduction approach to educate our students about the risks of drug and alcohol use, to empower them to take responsibility for their own wellbeing, and to encourage students to seek support and advice for themselves and others.

We are committed to open and direct communication about drug and substance use and to the provision of safe and confidential spaces to disclose concerns and seek support.  

This commitment is underpinned by a framework for acceptable and responsible behaviour in the University and in the wider community. It also sets out the action that may be taken in the event of a breach of such behaviour.

Our harm reduction approach will:

  • provide information and support to students who are affected by substance use
  • discourage the use of harmful or illegal substances
  • encourage students to seek support relating to their own or others’ substance use
  • educate students on the effects and adverse consequences of substance use
  • provide a clear expectation of responsible behaviour to protect the University of St Andrews community, our neighbours and members of our wider community from the harm and risks associated with students’ substance use
  • be aligned with relevant professional and statutory parameters

The scope of our commitment

This policy commitment applies to all students at the University of St Andrews, who have:  

  • not completed and or ceased their studies
  • not had their studies terminated
  • formally accepted an offer to study at the University
  • completed their studies but continue to have an Associate Student status at the University  

We expect University of St Andrews students to:

  • have regard for their own wellbeing and safety and that of others
  • be aware of our approach and policies supporting our commitment to harm reduction
  • use the educational resources provided by us and other agencies about substances to make informed decisions and healthy life choices
  • use the network of support provided by the University or other support services
  • reach out for support if they are worried about their own, or others’ substance use
  • be alert of their own, and others’ behaviour to ensure safety and wellbeing
  • contact an appropriate staff member if they have health and safety or legal concerns
  • not share prescription medication with others
  • uphold University values and behave in accordance with our Student Conduct Policy, Sponsio Academica and Honour Code.

For more information about the principle of respect for others and for the values of the University, please see the Student Conduct Policy, the Sponsio Academica and the Honour Code. 

The University commits to:

  • providing educational materials to increase awareness and support students in making healthy life choices
  • taking a preventative and early intervention approach to providing support and advice to students surrounding substance use
  • collaborating with external agencies to refer and or signpost into specialist support to maintain student wellbeing
  • providing training for staff to support students in a non-judgemental, informed way and hold supportive harm reduction conversations
  • educating students on what it means to be a member of the St Andrews community and how to behave responsibly and respectfully towards members of the University and the wider community
  • regularly assessing and updating our policy and provision relating to alcohol and drug safety to ensure we remain responsive to the needs of our community

Prevention and support

Our approach to the prevention of drug and alcohol related harm will include:

  • the delivery of regular communication campaigns to support understanding of the potential harms and risks associated with substance use
  • working in collaboration with the Students’ Association and the Got Limits committee to ensure the students’ voice is at the centre of harm reduction messaging
  • working in partnership with third-party specialist support and education services to share knowledge and promote educative opportunities to our students
  • offering training and workshops to student leaders, including representatives of University clubs and societies

Our support programme and activities will include:

  • providing accessible and inclusive support and advice to students who are affected by substance use, whether their own use or that of friends and peers
  • providing clear referral procedures and pathways to external specialist services
  • delivering key information and offering training opportunities to all University staff, providing guidance and support and clarifying the avenues of enquiry and referral

Student conduct

We do not condone the possession or use of illegal substances in any University buildings.

While our approach is grounded in harm reduction and support, the dealing or distribution of drugs, and any coercive, pressuring, or exploitative behaviour related to drug use, will not be tolerated.

If a student’s behaviour causes harm to the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves or others, they may be subject to one of the following:

Regardless of any formal process, the student will continue to be offered appropriate support and assistance for the duration of their enrolment.   

Professional and Statutory Regulated Bodies (PSRBs)

Some courses require a statement by the University to the appropriate PSRB. This is to confirm that the graduating student is fit and safe to practise in their chosen profession. 

Some students may be concerned that any difficulties they may have with substance use might be reported to the relevant PSRB. As a result, they may not reach out to seek the support and help they need to reduce harm to themselves and others.

Our primary aim is to ensure that the student is safe and well. All cases where a student is registered with a PSRB will be considered individually. We will consider the specific circumstances that the student faces and the regulations of the course that they are studying. 

We will seek to support the student at all times to ensure that they are safe, well and fit to practise. Any concerns that we may have will be considered under the University’s Fitness to Practise Policy.

Related policies and procedures