The UNT Crime Statistics report for 2014-2016, showed an increase in drug violations by 73 incidents from 2014 to 2016 on-campus. Drug violations incidents increased by 16 between the same years within residential facilities.

           Per the UNT Police Crime Log, possession of marijuana or other drug paraphernalia have been reported at Maple, Crumley, Bruce, West, Victory, Kerr, and Legends Hall, making up half of the current residence halls.

Kennard Boykin, an RA at Rawlins Hall, said when training to be an RA, administration teaches student RA’s certain protocol for any type of drug suspicion.

         “Well first you have a suspicion come from any source, be it yourself or another student,” he said.

         “During a safety check you can check and see. If any drugs are found, then the police are called immediately,” Boykin said.

          CollegeFactual, an online source for ranking and simplifying college stats nationwide, found 57.9 percent of reported incidents were arrests related to possession of alcohol, drugs, or weapons in their 2016 report.

          As of Jan. 1, there have been 35 reported cases of drug possession on UNT’s campus, 12 of the cases being reported from within the residence halls.

         While common for drug violations to fluctuate among college campuses, the increasing use and possession of drugs such as marijuana, various opiates, and cocaine may influence the education quality that students may obtain.

         UNT’s Substance Abuse Resource Center offers various resources to educate students and offer support for those in recovery.  

        “Who knows what you are really putting into your body,” the SARC said on their website.

CBD is hard to qualify for and is only accessible through the Compassionate Care Act, according to the SARC’s Quick Tips page.

         Jeanne Clery’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report for 2017-2018 said programs have been developed to, “ensure alcohol and other drugs to not interfere with the goals of the students or staff members.”

         Programs such as Orientation Leader Training, Eagle Watch Bystander Intervention, and Life on Campus presentations are some of the many steps the Dean of Students and fellow administration have taken to educate students on drug awareness.

        Corporal Kevin Crawford of the UNT Police Force explained the two-part strategy that campus police in an email.

       “One part of the strategy is through community education…the other part is the enforcement component” he wrote.

        The first component focuses on increasing awareness of health and legal dangers that come with drug use, Officer Crawford explained.

       Housing community development continues their on-going campaign against drug and alcohol abuse.

“To educate residents on the consequences and effects of alcohol/drug abuse as well as personal choices that impact academic success,” the Department of Housing & Residence Life stated as their goal in the 2018 Biennial Report for the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

       Possession of drug paraphernalia in Lots 55, 81, 29, 54, 41, and the Highland Street Parking Garage were reported just this month.

       Incidents involving possession of four or more ounces of marijuana have occurred at Willis Library, Jan. 1, Barnes & Noble in the Union, Jan. 12, Kerr Hall, Feb. 5, and various other on-campus locations.

      While drug and alcohol use have become part of a college sub-culture, the current education on such substances has yet to decrease usage.