Parental Notification Policy

The University of Virginia's philosophy in dealing with students who commit major alcohol- or drug-related infractions or who demonstrate a pattern of substance abuse is to work with them to solve these problems and focus on education. The University will continue to rely on the professional judgement of its faculty and administrators when assessing each student's situation.

In addition, due to the recent amendment to federal laws giving colleges the authority to notify parents of students under 21 who violate alcohol or drug laws, the University is adopting a written Parental Notification Policy.

This policy is in addition to the intervention and education programs already offered students when such infractions are brought to our attention. Intervention may include one or more of the following: substance abuse assessment by a trained clinician; psychological assessment by a trained clinician; substance abuse counseling; enrollment enrollment in educational programs.

When parents will be notified:
  1. When the Office of the Dean of Students receives notification from law enforcement officials that a University of Virginia student under the age of 21 has been arrested during an academic session for a drug- or alcohol-related violation, a professional staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students will notify that student's parent or guardian.

    2. The professional staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students will encourage the student to make the initial call to a parent or guardian. The staff member ordinarily will follow up with a phone call, unless family circumstances make a call inappropriate. In such cases, the student will be encouraged to use the University's professional counseling resources.

    Violations that would trigger parental notification include driving under the influence, public drunkenness, and underage possession.
  2. All other drug- or alcohol-related incidents will be discussed with the student involved. In cases where pattern or severity might be a concern, the incident also will be evaluated by a professional staff member in the office of the Dean of Students - in consultation with other professionals as appropriate.

When there is reason to believe that a student's health and well-being are in jeopardy, a professional staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students will notify a parent or guardian.

The professional staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students will encourage the student to make the initial call to a parent or guardian. The staff member ordinarily will follow up with a phone call, unless family circumstances make a call inappropriate. In such cases, the student will be encouraged to use the University's professional counseling resources.

Pattern or severity includes frequent episodes of drunkenness and/or binge drinking.do to support your daughters and sons, and please know that I am profoundly grateful for your advice and counsel.

Sincerely,

John T. Casteen III

President