Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 requires each institution of higher education that receives any form of federal financial assistance (including direct loans to students) to certify to the Secretary of the Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

Institutions are also expected to take steps to educate students and employees regarding the health risks of alcohol and other drugs, as well as identify sources for drug and/or alcohol counseling and rehabilitation services. In an attempt to assist students with these programs, all funds received through the assessment of monetary fines for alcohol violations will be devoted to the support of special substance abuse educational programs.

The following information is intended to represent Dana College’s desire to comply with this amendment and affirm its commitment to seeking to establish a campus free of alcohol and other drugs. Each student of the college is advised to read carefully and abide by the stipulations and polices put forth. Any questions concerning the intent or letter of these policies should be referred to the Dean of Students.

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Alcohol Policy
Dana College prohibits the illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or controlled substances on college property or as a part of any student activity/event where the college’s identity is clearly implied. The presence of an alcoholic beverage container, including one that is empty, will be treated as possession. All people in the immediate vicinity of such a container may be considered to be in violation of the policy. Any consideration of exceptions to this policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

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Possible Disciplinary Sanctions for Alcohol Violations
Sanctions used for all campus policies are applicable to the alcohol policy. Disciplinary sanctions for the alcohol policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis and determined by the college official(s) handling the disciplinary meeting. The sanctions listed below are possible sanctions only. If necessary, other sanctions could be added. Repeated violations or violations occurring at higher levels may necessitate more serious disciplinary sanctions.

First time violations of the alcohol policy will be required to complete an on campus substance abuse assessment. All students under the age of 21 may be assessed additional sanctions above and beyond this assessment. In addition, first time violations will likely be assessed a fine and/or community service. Repeat violations will likely see increased fines and community service hours. Students violating the alcohol policy three or more times will be subject to disciplinary suspension.

Possible alcohol sanctions include: fines, community service, letter to parents (subject to regulations governing a student’s right to privacy), educational programs, outside (professional) alcohol assessment, disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension. Students already on disciplinary warning or disciplinary probation who violate the alcohol policy may be placed on disciplinary suspension.

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Inappropriate Alcohol and/or Drug Related Behavior
Violations of the alcohol policy can occur in situations without the immediate presence of alcohol or other drugs. Most often, a student will have violated another campus policy or behavioral expectation when alcohol/drugs have been used. Evidence or signs of use shall include, but are not necessarily limited to: obvious odor on or about the individual, slurred speech, lack of normal coordination, irrational behavior, admitting to consumption/use. Inappropriate behavior, which may result in violations of the alcohol policy, is defined as, but necessarily limited to: verbal or physical confrontations, excessive belligerence, vomiting and/or unconsciousness, and vandalism.

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Required Medical/Police Attention
At times a student under the influence of alcohol/drugs may exhibit inappropriate behavior and be considered a threat to the welfare of other members of the Dana community (students, staff, faculty, guests) or even to the him/herself. Generally, it shall be the college’s policy to deal with such students by calling the local police and having the student taken to a hospital for diagnosis, treatment, and/or observation. Since a person under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs is likely to be unpredictable in his/her behavior, the college’s intention is to have the individual in an environment in which he/she can be closely monitored by health professionals. The student will be required to remain under the care of the hospital until he/she is released by the hospital’s attending physician. The student shall pay all costs involved.

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Illegal Drugs/Controlled Substances
Dana College prohibits the illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs/controlled substances on college property or as part of any college activity/event where the college identity is clearly implied.

Direct possession of an illegal drug and/or the presence of drug paraphernalia shall be considered evidence of a violation. First violation consequences (on-campus possession and/or sale):

a. Disciplinary suspension

b. Possible criminal prosecution

The college also prohibits the distinctive smell of marijuana to be in the environment. Individuals found to be causing the smell of marijuana to be in the environment will also be subject to referral for policy violation. All parties in the area of an offense may be considered equally responsible for the offense. Sanctions will be considered and administered on a case-by-case basis, and can include disciplinary suspension.

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