Buckingham set to become UK's first 'drug-free' university

The University of Buckingham is set to become the UK’s first ‘drug-free’ university, with students signing a contract promising not to take drugs on campus.

The launch of the drug-free policy comes as figures from 116 universities obtained by The Sunday Times reveal a 42% rise in the number of those being disciplined for drug use compared to 2015.

Writing in the newspaper, Buckingham University’s vice-chancellor Sir Anthony Seldon said a “completely new approach” was needed by universities who he said are “failing their students on drugs and mental health”.

“Student lives are needlessly being lost and imperilled,” he said. “Universities need to shake themselves up and take more responsibility for students in their care.

“The University of Buckingham is working towards becoming Britain’s first ‘drug free’ university.”

He added: “We plan to ask our students to sign a contract that makes it clear that they will not take drugs on university property, nor be under their influence when on university business.

“Drug-taking has no place at all in our vision of what a university is about. If students persist in taking drugs, they will be asked to leave.”

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According to the Sunday Times research, more than 1,300 students were disciplined for drugs by British universities in the 2016-17 academic year – a 42% rise on 2014-15.

The highest discipline figures came from Kingston, where 331 students faced sanctions, and Nottingham, where 283 students were disciplined.

Sanctions often include fines, but can be as severe as suspension from the university.

At Leicester University, and City, University of London, not a single sanction was given for drug use, according to the Sunday Times.