Information for New Undergraduate Students

Substance-Free Housing

Substance-Free Housing is for students who desire a living environment which promotes and supports an individual's decision not to use unhealthy substances (i.e. alcohol, tobacco products and illegal drugs).

Living in this environment provides residents with opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities in which these substances are not a part and general wellness is encouraged. Past residents of Substance-Free Housing have commented that "life on substance-free halls is quieter and healthier." In a survey about campus life, the residents of substance-free halls had the highest satisfaction of any students on campus. One student commented that "offering substance-free housing to students lets them know they can have a full college experience without alcohol."

This living environment is unique, so it is not for everyone. It is important to take the time to think about yourself and the conditions of living in Substance-Free Housing, and decide whether or not you would prefer to live within such an environment. We encourage you to talk to your parents, but you need to make the final decision.

Your request for Substance-Free Housing does not guarantee you a substance-free assignment, given the limited number of spaces. We do, however, try to meet as many requests as possible. Currently, one residence hall is designated as a first-year substance-free area. Decisions on placement within substance-free areas are determined by the staff of Residence Life and Housing.

Substance-Free Housing Covenant

• I will, at no time while physically present in my residence hall, consume alcoholic beverages, use tobacco products, take prescription drugs which are not prescribed to me, or use other related unhealthy substances; additionally, I will not store any substances listed above in my room;
• I will, at no time, allow my guests to possess and/or consume any of the substances described above while present in my hall or in my room, and I will be responsible for the conduct of my guests at all times while they are present;
• I will not return to my residence hall or room after having consumed alcoholic beverages or other substances to the point at which I am intoxicated or my judgment is impaired in any way;
• I will participate on a regular basis in the ongoing education programs which are offered in my hall to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle;
• I will participate in the evaluation processes which are developed by the Office of Residence Life and Housing to determine the value and future improvement of Substance-Free Housing at Wake Forest University; and,
• I understand that any violations of the above stated regulations will result in one or more of the following penalties as a violation of my Residence Hall and Dining Agreement, depending on the seriousness of the violation, in addition to any other University judicial sanction which is appropriate for that offense:
  1. a. A written warning which includes probationary status with regard to my continued presence in a substance-free living area, a violation of which will result in loss of all University housing for the remainder of my undergraduate study at Wake Forest University;
  2. b. Removal from the substance-free living area with room reassignments to be determined by the Office of Residence Life and Housing;
  3. c. Loss of all University housing for the remainder of the academic year; or
  4. d. Loss of all University housing for the remainder of my undergraduate study at Wake Forest University.