Drug and Alchohol Abuse Prevention

NORTHEAST TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE   
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM  


ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT

Alcohol and Other Drug Free Prevention and Policy Statement. 开云体育 is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, lawful and productive working and educational environment for its students and employees. Studies have shown that excessive use of alcohol and use of illegal drugs and controlled substances increase the potential for unsatisfactory performance in class and on the job, absenteeism, tardiness, inefficiency, accidents and poor morale. As per College policy (Policies DHB and FLBE), no student or employee shall, in any campus area, possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or other intoxicant (as those terms are defined by the Texas Controlled Substance Act). Any student or employee violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action. Consistent with federal, state and municipal law, criminal prosecution may also be pursued. The Office of Counseling Services, located in the Administrative Services Building, will provide confidential assistance to students and employees, including making referrals to outside agencies.


The intent of this policy is to make Northeast a better place to study and work through upgrading the mental and physical health of the total College community. It acknowledges the freedom of choice for those individuals who require or seek assistance and/or referral. The intent is not to restrict individual freedom but rather to encourage students and employees, principally through education and information efforts, to make intelligent choices about drugs, controlled substances, and alcohol use and abuse.  It is expected that educational leaders, administrators, faculty, and supervisors exercise sound and reasonable judgment while administering this policy in a caring manner. The appropriate Vice President is expected to supervise the enforcement of this policy while protecting the rights of individual students, employees, and other personnel.  


The National Drug Control Strategy, issued in September 1989, proposed that the US Congress pass legislation requiring schools, colleges and universities to implement and enforce drug prevention and education programs as a condition of eligibility to receive federal financial assistance.  In keeping with the requirements of the US Department of Education鈥檚 Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, and Drug-Free Workplace of 1988, Northeast presents the following information to all of its students and employees: 

  1. The Northeast standards of conduct regarding the possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and drugs.
  2. The Northeast disciplinary sanctions for students and employees in violation of the standards of conduct.
  3. A description of the legal sanctions under local, state, and/or federal law.
  4. A description of the health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
  5. A description of the drug and alcohol counseling and treatment resources available to Northeast students and employees.

STUDENT STANDARD OF CONDUCT

(FLBE) and state law prohibit the use, possession, and/or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs on campus.  Northeast requires all students to be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding controlled substances, including, but not limited to their use, sale, possession, and manufacture.  A student shall be prohibited from using or being under the influence of intoxicating beverages in the classroom buildings, student housing, laboratories, auditoriums, library buildings, museums, faculty and administrative offices, intercollegiate and intramural athletic facilities, and all other public campus areas.  
Each student taking one or more classes for any type of academic credit, except for continuing education units, shall be given a copy of the College District鈥檚 policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol; a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law; and a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse or excessive use of alcohol.     


EMPLOYEE STANDARD OF CONDUCT

Northeast will uphold all federal, state and local laws regarding alcohol and other drugs. Northeast employees are required to adhere to state and federal laws relating to controlled substances, illegal drugs and alcohol use. Northeast policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on College property while employees are on official duty or at any school-related events during or outside of usual working hours. An employee need not be legally intoxicated to be considered 鈥渦nder the influence鈥 of a controlled substance.   


Employees should report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs or alcohol. This policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications. Employees must, however, consult with their physicians about the medications鈥 effect on their fitness for duty and ability to work safely, and promptly disclose any work restrictions to their supervisor. Employees should not, however, disclose underlying medical conditions unless directed to do so.  


Northeast will assist and support employees who voluntarily seek help for such problems before becoming subject to discipline and/or termination under this or other policies. Such employees may be allowed to use accrued paid time off, placed on leaves of absence, referred to treatment providers and otherwise accommodated as required by law. Such employees may be required to document that they are successfully following prescribed treatment and to take and pass follow-up tests if they hold jobs that are safety sensitive or that require driving or if they have violated this policy previously. 

 

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE POLICY

Alcohol and drug use is prohibited in and around all Northeast property.  Any student who possesses or participates in the presence of and/or under the influence of the use, sale, manufacturing, or distribution of illegal drugs, mood-enhancing substances and/or drug paraphernalia will be subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal proceedings.  (Drug paraphernalia, includes bongs, hookah pipes, clips, residue, seeds, a smoke-filled residence hall room, or any other items used in the preparation or consumption of illegal drugs and/or mood-enhancing substances.)  Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (FM) (FLBE).  Such disciplinary action may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs or student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.  State law shall be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the college in regard to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. 

In support of a drug-free school and work environment, the College has instituted these policies and procedures.  The Student Handbook and Employee Handbook (both accessible from myEagle Portal) provide greater detail and outline discipline and penalties.  The RESIDENTIAL LIFE HANDBOOK also expressly states the zero tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use.

 

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Northeast prohibits the possession or use of narcotics or drugs. No student shall possess, use, transmit or attempt to possess, use or transmit or be under the influence (legal intoxication not required) of any of the following substances on college property during any school term or off-school premises at a school-sponsored activity, function or event: 

  1. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, look-alike drugs such as synthetic marijuana (K2) and bath salts, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine or barbiturate.
  2. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.
  3. Any other intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering or behavior-altering drug.
  4. Any performance-enhancing substance, including steroids