Fort Hays State University has long recognized that an academic community is harmed in many ways by the abuse of alcohol and the use other drugs. This high risk behavior is exemplified by decreased productivity of members of the community, serious health problems, strained social interactions as well as forms of vandalism. Problems associated with the illicit use and abuse of substances have a pervasive impact upon the academic community and are not associated with a singular socioeconomic group or age level. The processes of education and learning are especially impaired by alcohol abuse and the use of illicit drugs.
      Fort Hays State University subscribes to the basic philosophy of the Network of Colleges and Universities committed to the Elimination of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Which states:

1. The institutional establishment enforces clear policies that promote an educational environment free from the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
2. The institution will provide education for its members for the purpose of preventing alcohol and other drug abuse as well as educating them about the use of legal drugs in ways that are not harmful to self or others.
3. Fort Hays State will create an environment that promotes and reinforces healthy responsible living; respect for community laws; campus standards and regulations; the individual's responsibility within the community; and the intellectual social, emotional, spiritual or ethical, and physical well-being of its community members.
4. The institution will provide for a reasonable level of care for alcohol and drug abusers through counseling, treatment and referral.

The foundation of the philosophy concerning alcohol and drug abuse for Fort Hays State University is the firm commitment to an educational program which provides the adequate information and counseling to help all members of the academic community to make informed and responsible decisions concerning the use of any controlled substance. The institution is committed to a healthy environment for learning and living.

FHSU FACULTY SENATE has adopted a statement to support the membership guidelines and standards of the Network of Drug Free Colleges and Universities and its commitment to the elimination of drug and alcohol abuse.