The substance abuse program at Lapland University of Applied Sciences is part of the activities aimed at maintaining students’ study capacity and well-being. Our program includes the university’s rules, procedures, and responsibilities in situations where it is necessary to address students’ substance use. We aim to prevent problems arising from substance use and to intervene in problematic substance use as early as possible. The measures outlined in the substance abuse program are based on the University of Applied Sciences Act, tobacco, narcotics, and criminal law, as well as SORA legislation. In addition to the substance abuse program, the university has established safety and crisis management guidelines and SORA instructions.
If you are worried about your own substance use, you can discuss the matter with student health services. Support for changing substance use habits can also be sought from substance abuse services in your home municipality. If you are concerned about a peer’s substance use, it is important to address the issue with them. You can ask for advice on how to approach the topic from a healthcare professional. Before raising the issue, it is good to find out where to get help if needed.
The use and possession of substances and narcotics are prohibited in educational environments, with the exception of tobacco products. Our staff is obligated to intervene. Being under the influence of substances in the university’s facilities and during classes is forbidden. A person under the influence will be asked to leave by the staff. In internships, the guidelines of the internship site and the university’s substance abuse program must be followed. The internship site should contact the university if substance misuse occurs during the internship. This directive also applies to internships. If there is violent behavior involved, a police report will always be filed. More information about related practices can be found in the substance abuse program.
The rules regarding substance use during an international study program are determined by the host institution’s regulations as well as the laws and regulations of the respective countries. If substance use affects academic performance or endangers the student’s health, the host institution or internship site is advised to contact Lapland University of Applied Sciences.
The university may require a student to provide a drug test certificate under § 25d of the University of Applied Sciences Act if:
In some fields of study, the internship site may also require drug testing before the internship begins. A description of the phases of drug testing and procedures for drug offenses can be found in the substance abuse program.
Disciplinary measures and procedures are described in the degree regulations of Lapland University of Applied Sciences.