Alcohol, Substances, and Testing

ALCOHOL

Students in grades 7-12 may not drink or possess alcohol, except grade 12 students with drinking privileges (see section 8.12). Breathalyzers are used at dorm check-ins and randomly. A second test is taken approximately  ten minutes to confirm positive results.

Consequences for alcohol use or possession:

  • First offense: On-campus suspension, parent notified
  • Second offense: Off-campus suspension, parent notified
  • Third offense: Recommended dismissal

Alcohol Possession
Possession of alcohol, including empty containers, or attempt to buy alcohol is a violation. Consequences may escalate based on quantity and type.

Alcohol Privilege
Grade 12/PG students with parental permission may drink beer or wine at The Cave. This privilege can be revoked.

Guidelines

  • Beer and wine only; no hard alcohol, off-campus drinking, or alcohol in dorms.
  • Breathalyzers will be used, low readings are permissible.

Consequences for high readings, over 0.05 BAC

  • 1st offense: Clipboard, parent notified, privileges revoked for one week
  • 2nd offense: On-campus suspension, privileges revoked for one month
  • 3rd offense: Off-campus suspension, permanent loss of privileges
  • 4th offense: Recommendation for dismissal

For BAC above 0.08, consequences start at the 2nd offense level.

Alcohol in The Cave
Students must drink responsibly. The following rules apply:

  • Breathalyzers will be used before serving alcohol in The Cave.
  • Maximum of one drink per hour, three per night.
  • Alcohol must stay in The Cave.
  • Only beverages served in The Cave may be consumed; no outside drinks.
  • Sharing alcohol is prohibited and will result in an alcohol violation.

 

DRUGS

Drug Policy
Drugs are prohibited at LAS per Swiss law. Violations may lead to expulsion. Students must refrain from drug use during breaks or summer. A positive drug test, even for substances used outside of school, violates the policy. A drug violation is a serious offense and will result in an off-campus suspension or expulsion.  

Drug Testing
LAS has the right to request a confidential medical examination, including urine drug testing, at any time and without prior notice.

Refusal to comply with a drug test, or any attempt to tamper with the testing process—such as using someone else's sample—constitutes a failed drug test.

If a student deliberately avoids providing a sample, or if there is evidence of tampering (such as dilution with water, an abnormally low sample temperature, or any suspicious behavior during collection), the test may be deemed invalid and treated as a failed drug test.

Classifying Drugs
LAS may classify new products or activities as drugs. Students using drugs, including abusing prescription drugs or chemicals for drug-like effects, may face immediate withdrawal.

 

TOBACCO & NICOTINE

Nicotine Use
LAS has a strict no-tobacco policy, including nicotine products like JUULs, vape pens, dokha, shisha, spice, and tobacco pellets.

Consequences for possession or use:

  • 1st offense: Letter to parents, dorm restriction (Friday-Saturday), enrolled in the Healthy Habits  program
  • 2nd offense: Letter to parents, 1-week on-campus suspension, mandatory counseling to talk about cessation strategies
  • 3rd offense: 1-week off-campus suspension 
  • 4th offense: Recommendation to withdraw

Possession of Nicotine Products
Possession of nicotine products in a student's room or belongings is a violation.

Suspicion of Smoking
LAS reserves the right to issue a disciplinary consequence if there is reasonable suspicion that a student has used nicotine products, even in the absence of direct evidence.

 

HONOR COUNCIL APPEAL

When a community standard is violated, the Dean of Students may refer the case to the Honor Council. In certain circumstances, students may request an appeal. Appeals are generally considered only when there is reasonable ambiguity regarding either the nature of the violation or the appropriateness of the assigned consequence. The student has to notify the Dean of Students office that they would like to appeal to the honor council.