Two federal laws, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, mandate that the College notify all students of its policies, and of the sanctions which will be applied for violations of these policies, relating to the possession, use and/or distribution of illicit (illegal) drugs and alcohol. This information has been developed to meet our obligations to students.
Our commitment to our students is to take responsible action to prevent possession, use and/or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol and, when practicable, to help those students who need help with alcohol or drug issues overcome those problems. Should these efforts to prevent or remediate a problem fail, punitive actions may be initiated.
College policies and procedures clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of illicit drugs and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus.
The College will make every reasonable effort to assist students in meeting these institutional standards of conduct and policies. Be advised, however, that the College is prepared to impose disciplinary sanctions, consistent with local, state, and federal law, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, for violation of policy and standards of conduct.
33588 Federal Register/Vol. 55, No. 159 Thursday, August 16, 1990/Rules and Regulations
21 U.S.C.844 (a) 1st Conviction: Up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000 or both. After one prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years and fined at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both.
Special sentencing provision for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least five years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if:
21 U.S.C.853 (a) (2) and 881 (a) (7) Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one year imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions re: crack)
21 U.S.C.881 (a) (4) Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.
21 U.S.C.844a Civil fine of up to $10,000 (pending adoption of final regulations).
21 U.S.C.853a Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent offenses.
18 U.S.C. 922 (g) Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
Miscellaneous Revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies.
NOTE: These are only federal penalties and sanctions. Additional state penalties and sanctions may apply.
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental junctions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
Many community referral agencies are prepared to provide services and/or treatment programs for individuals seeking help with alcohol and/or illicit drug abuse.
Alcohol/drug referral center listing