Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program Task Force Biennial Review

Transcription

1 Southwest Texas Junior College Uvalde 2401 Garner Field Road Uvalde, Texas Main phone: (830) Fax: (830) Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program Task Force Biennial Review In Compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution, serving an 11-county area of Southwest Texas since 1946

2 Southwest Texas Junior College Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program Task Force Biennial Review The Southwest Texas Junior College Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Task Force is responsible for the planning, implementing and assessing of the College s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) abuse prevention programs. This committee consists of the following SWTJC Personnel: Chief of Police Director of Housing Student Success Director Tutorial & Disabilities Coordinator Director of Counseling Biennial Review The Southwest Texas Junior College Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Task Force will meet the last Monday in January on even numbered years in order to conduct a biennial review of prevention efforts from this point forward. This Task Force will: Review the current disciplinary and arrest records Compare those records to the previous two years reports Assess the success of intervention methods used in the previous two years Recommend to the Vice President of Students Service adjustments and enhancements to the current program Review the policies distributed annually to students and employees Recommend to the Vice President of Students Service adjustments and enhancements to the current policies distributed The results of the biennial review are made available on the Southwest Texas Junior College website. Description of AOD Program Elements Alcohol- free options: a. Alcohol- free events and activities are sponsored. b. Student service- learning or volunteer opportunities are created, publicized, and promoted. c. Community- service work is required as part of the academic curriculum in certain courses. d. The campus offers a student center, recreation center, and other alcohol- free settings.

3 e. The student center, fitness center, and other alcohol- free settings have expanded hours. f. Nonalcoholic beverages are promoted at events. Normative environment: a. Exams/projects require class attendance and academic responsibility. b. Substance- free residence options are available (all dorms are tobacco, alcohol and drug free). c. The campus encourages an increase in academic standards. d. Faculty are encouraged to engage in a higher level of contact with students. e. Student leadership in prevention is developed (orientation leaders, resident assistants, student organizations). f. Students have opportunities to advise and mentor peers (orientation leaders, ambassadors, RAs, and tutors). Alcohol availability: a. Alcohol is banned on campus. Marketing and promotion of alcohol: Alcohol advertising on campus is banned or limited. Policy development and enforcement: a. On- campus functions must be registered. b. Attendees are subject to ID checks at on- campus functions. c. Patrols observe on- campus parties. d. Disciplinary sanctions for violation of campus AOD policies are enforced. e. All local, state and federal laws are enforced. AOD Program Goals and Goal Achievement Southwest Texas Junior College is an alcohol and drug free campus and desires to provide a campus free of Code of Conduct and Personnel Policy violations. Arrests on Campus -- Alcohol Violations Disciplinary Actions on Campus -- Alcohol Violations Uvalde Uvalde Del Rio Del Rio Eagle Pass Eagle Pass Crystal City Crystal City Arrests on Campus -- Drug Abuse Violations Disciplinary Actions on Campus -- Drug Abuse Violations Uvalde Uvalde Del Rio Del Rio Eagle Pass Eagle Pass Crystal City Crystal City Copies of Policies Distributed Annually to Students and Employees

4 A copy of the most recent Annual Notification follows: Southwest Texas Junior College Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program Annual Notification Southwest Texas Junior College adheres to and complies with the Drug- Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law ), which require an Institution of Higher Education to certify with the United States Depart- ment of Education that it has adopted and implemented programs to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of al- cohol by students and its employees. The Drug- Free Schools Act, which has been adopted by the College, will be pub- lished and disseminated to students and employees, in writing, annually and will be enforced. Included within this annual notice are: 1. The College s standards of conduct; 2. A description of the applicable legal sanctions/disciplinary actions under federal, state, or local law and campus policy; 3. A description of the health risks associated with alcohol and drug use; 4. A list of available treatment programs available; and 5. A description of disciplinary sanctions for violations of College standards of conduct. I. Standards of Conduct A. Students: All Southwest Texas Junior College students are responsible for complying with Texas state laws and policies of SWTJC. These guidelines establish that: No person under 21 years of age may use or be in possession of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may not be available to minors. Misrepresentation of age for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages is a violation of state law. Personal possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in residential halls, at athletic events, at social events attended by students, and on the campus grounds. The college s alcohol and drug policies and disciplinary sanctions are contained in the Student Handbook ALCOHOL A student shall be prohibited from using or being under the influence of intoxicating beverages in classroom buildings, laboratories, auditoriums, library buildings, museums, faculty and administrative offices, intercollegiate and intramural athletic facilities, dormitories, and all other public campus areas. With the prior consent of the Board or the Board s de- signee, the provisions herein may be waived with respect to any specific event that is sponsored by the College District. State law shall be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the College District in regard to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES No student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use, or transmit, or be under the influence of, any of the following substances on College District premises or off premises at a College District- sponsored activity, function, or event: Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation. Any performance- enhancing substance, including steroids. Any designer drug. Any other intoxicant or mood- changing, mind- altering, or behavior- altering drug.

5 The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above- listed substances shall also be pro- hibited under this policy. EXCEPTION A student who uses a drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically for that student s use shall not be considered to have violated this rule. VIOLATION Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. [See FM and FMA] 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. NOTICE Each student taking one or more classes for any type of academic credit except for continuing education units shall be given access to the College District s policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and al- cohol, 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 of alcohol. II. Health Risks Outlined below is a listing of drugs of abuse and their health risks taken from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website. A more complete and detailed accounting may be found at their website at Alcohol: Alcohol consumption causes a number of impairments including changes in behavior and normal body function. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, mental function, thus increasing the risks of accidents and inju- ries. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses taken acutely can cause respiratory depression and even death. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including ac- quaintance rape, vandalism and fights. Additional consequences include DUI arrests and serious or fatal car crashes. Con- tinued abuse may lead to dependency, which can cause permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle. Amphetamines: Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, convulsions, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts. Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish): The use of marijuana may impair or reduce short- term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users can often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. Users also often lack motivation and general drive to achieve goals. Club Drugs: Club drugs are drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy), Rohypnol, GHB, LSD, and methamphetamine and others, which are used at all- night parties such as trances or raves, dance clubs and bars. These party drugs, particularly when mixed with alcohol, can cause serious health problems, injuries, or even death. Cocaine/Crack: Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temper- ature, followed by depression. Crack, or rock cocaine, is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, and even death. Hallucinogens: Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Be- cause the drug blocks pain receptors, PCP episodes may result in self- inflicted injuries, violence and aggressive behavior toward others. Heroin: Heroin is an opiate drug that causes the body to have diminished pain reactions. Overdoses of this highly addic- tive drug can result in coma or death due to respiratory failure or cardiovascular collapse. Methamphetamines: Methamphetamines can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature. Possible side effects with long- term use include mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion and insomnia. All users risk becoming infected with diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

6 Prescription Drug Abuse: Taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed, is prescription drug abuse. Commonly abused classes of prescription medications in- clude opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants and stimulants. Long- term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Opioids and CNS depressants may cause the user to experience drowsiness, slowing of brain function, as well as decreased heart and respiration rates. Stimulants can cause anxiety, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures or seizures if taken repeatedly or in high doses. Salvia Divinorum: Use of salvia can cause hallucination, changes in visual perception, feelings of detachment and a decreased ability to interact with one s surroundings. Synthetic Drugs (Spice, Bath Salts, etc.): Sprice refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as safe, legal alternatives to that drug. The term bath salts re- fers to an emerging family of drugs containing one or more synthetic chemicals related to chathinone, an amphetamine- like stimulant found naturally in the Khat plant. Though research on synthetic substances is still limited, they have been found to be potentially more dangerous than marijuana, cocaine, or other substances of abuse, as they are addictive and can be highly dangerous to humans. IV. Drug and Alcohol Programs and Resources Southwest Texas Junior College provides multiple educational and support opportunities for employees and students regarding alcohol and drug abuse. Information is provided through new student orientation sessions, provided in writing in various policy manuals updated annually and available on the college s website, and through the Vice President of Stu- dent Services office. Additionally, licensed professional counselors are available for information, support or referrals to appropriate services. Drug and alcohol education programs are provided throughout the semester by various departments. Student Life typi- cally sponsors an awareness campaign (such as Safe & Sober) prior to Spring Break. SWTJC offers outreach and educa- tional information throughout the semester. Below is contact information for a variety of information resources on drug and alcohol related issues. Alcoholics Anonymous: The Alcohol & Drug Addiction Resource Center: Boys Town National Hotline: National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: HELP (4357) National Co- caine Hotline: 800- COCAINE ( ) Al- Ateen: Alcohol Abuse and Crisis Intervention: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Helpline and Treatment: Alcohol Hotline Support & Information: Elite Counseling Services LLP: Community Health Development: ext. 3217

7 Southwest Texas Junior College Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program Annual Employee Notification Southwest Texas Junior College adheres to and complies with the Drug- Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law ), which require an Institution of Higher Education to certify with the United States Depart- ment of Education that it has adopted and implemented programs to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of al- cohol by students and its employees. The Drug- Free Schools Act, which has been adopted by the College, will be pub- lished and disseminated to students and employees, in writing, annually and will be enforced. Included within this annual notice are: 1. The College s standards of conduct; 2. A description of the applicable legal sanctions/disciplinary actions under federal, state, or local law and campus policy; 3. A description of the health risks associated with alcohol and drug use; 4. A list of available treatment programs available; and 5. A description of disciplinary sanctions for violations of College standards of conduct. I. Standards of Conduct A. Employees: The College District reserves the right to conduct searches when the College District has reasonable cause to believe that a search will uncover evidence of work- related misconduct. The College District may search the employee, the employ- ee s personal items, work areas, lockers, and private vehicles parked on College District premises or worksites or used in College District business. Note: The following provisions apply to employees who are covered by the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TESTING PROGRAM The College District shall establish an alcohol and controlled substances testing program to help prevent accidents and injuries resulting from the misuse of alcohol and controlled substances by the drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The primary purpose of the testing program is to prevent impaired employees from performing safety- sensitive functions. DRUG- RELATED VIOLATIONS The following constitute drug- related violations: 1. Refusing to submit to a required test for alcohol or controlled substances. 2. Providing an adulterated, diluted, or a substituted specimen on an alcohol or drug test. 3. Testing positive for alcohol, at a concentration of 0.04 or above, in a post- accident test. 4. Testing positive for controlled substances in a post- accident test. 5. Testing positive for alcohol, at a concentration of 0.04 or above, in a random test. 6. Testing positive for controlled substances in a random test. 7. Testing positive for alcohol, at a concentration of 0.04 or above, in a reasonable suspicion test.

8 8. Testing positive for controlled substances in a reasonable suspicion test. The College President shall designate a College District official who shall be responsible for ensuring that information is disseminated to employees regarding prohibited driver conduct, alcohol and controlled substances tests, and the conse- quences that follow positive test results. CONSORTIUM With specific Board approval, the College President may contract on behalf of the College District with outside consultants and contractors and work with a consortium of other local governments to secure the testing services, educational mate- rials, and other component elements needed for this program. Under such contract, the consortium shall be responsible for implementing, directing, administering, and managing the alcohol and controlled substances program within the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. The consortium shall serve as the principal contact with the laboratory and for collection activities in assuring the effective operation of the testing portion of the program. REASONABLE SUSPICION TESTING Only supervisors specifically trained in accordance with federal regulations may, based upon reasonable suspicion, re- move a driver from a safety- sensitive position and require testing for alcohol and/or controlled substances. The determi- nation of reasonable suspicion shall be based on specific observations of the appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors of the driver whose motor ability, emotional equilibrium, or mental acuity seems to be impaired. Such observations must take place just preceding, during, or just after the period of the workday that the driver is on duty. The observations may include indication of the chronic and withdrawal effects of controlled substances. Within 24 hours of the observed behavior, the supervisor shall provide a signed, written record documenting the observations leading to a controlled substance reasonable suspicion test. CONSEQUENCES OF POSITIVE TEST RESULTS In addition to the consequences established by federal law, a College District employee confirmed to have violated the College District s policy pertaining to alcohol or controlled substances shall be subject to College District- imposed disci- pline, as determined by his or her supervisor(s) and the College President. Such discipline may include any appropriate action from suspension without pay during the period of removal from safety- sensitive functions, up to and including termination of employment. In cases where a driver is also employed in a non- driving capacity by the College District, disciplinary action imposed for violation of alcohol and controlled substances policies shall apply to the employee s functions and duties that involve driv- ing. Additionally, upon recommendation of the employee s supervisor, disciplinary measures up to and including termina- tion of employment with the College District may be considered. ALCOHOL RESULTS BETWEEN 0.02 AND 0.04 A driver tested under this policy and found to have an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater, but less than 0.04, shall be suspended without pay from driving duties for 24 hours. A subsequent violation may subject the driver to termination in accordance with Board policy. II. Health Risks Outlined below is a listing of drugs of abuse and their health risks taken from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website. A more complete and detailed accounting may be found at their website at Alcohol: Alcohol consumption causes a number of impairments including changes in behavior and normal body function. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, mental function, thus increasing the risks of accidents and inju- ries. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses taken acutely can cause respiratory depression and even

9 death. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including ac- quaintance rape, vandalism and fights. Additional consequences include DUI arrests and serious or fatal car crashes. Con- tinued abuse may lead to dependency, which can cause permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle. Amphetamines: Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, and convulsions, loss of coordina- tion, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts. Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish): The use of marijuana may impair or reduce short- term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users can often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. Users also often lack motivation and general drive to achieve goals. Club Drugs: Club drugs are drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy), Rohypnol, GHB, LSD, and methamphetamine and others, which are used at all- night parties such as trances or raves, dance clubs and bars. These party drugs, particularly when mixed with alcohol, can cause serious health problems, injuries, or even death. Cocaine/Crack: Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temper- ature, followed by depression. Crack, or rock cocaine, is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, and even death. Hallucinogens: Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Be- cause the drug blocks pain receptors, PCP episodes may result in self- inflicted injuries, violence and aggressive behavior toward others. Heroin: Heroin is an opiate drug that causes the body to have diminished pain reactions. Overdoses of this highly addic- tive drug can result in coma or death due to respiratory failure or cardiovascular collapse. Methamphetamines: Methamphetamines can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature. Possible side effects with long- term use include mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion and insomnia. All users risk becoming infected with diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Prescription Drug Abuse: Taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed, is prescription drug abuse. Commonly abused classes of prescription medications in- clude opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants and stimulants. Long- term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Opioids and CNS depressants may cause the user to experience drowsiness, slowing of brain function, as well as decreased heart and respiration rates. Stimulants can cause anxiety, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures or seizures if taken repeatedly or in high doses. Salvia Divinorum: Use of salvia can cause hallucination, changes in visual perception, feelings of detachment and a decreased ability to interact with one s surroundings. Synthetic Drugs (Spice, Bath Salts, etc.): Sprice refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as safe, legal alternatives to that drug. The term bath salts re- fers to an emerging family of drugs containing one or more synthetic chemicals related to chathinone, an amphetamine- like stimulant found naturally in the Khat plant. Though research on synthetic substances is still limited, they have been found to be potentially more dangerous than marijuana, cocaine, or other substances of abuse, as they are addictive and can be highly dangerous to humans. IV. Drug and Alcohol Programs and Resources Southwest Texas Junior College provides multiple educational and support opportunities for employees and students regarding alcohol and drug abuse. Information is provided through new student orientation sessions, provided in writing in various policy manuals updated annually and available on the college s website, and through the Vice President of Stu-

10 dent Services office. Additionally, licensed professional counselors are available for information, support or referrals to appropriate services. Drug and alcohol education programs are provided throughout the semester by various departments. Student Life typi- cally sponsors an awareness campaign (such as Safe & Sober) prior to Spring Break. SWTJC offers outreach and educa- tional information throughout the semester. Below is contact information for a variety of information resources on drug and alcohol related issues. Alcoholics Anonymous: The Alcohol & Drug Addiction Resource Center: Boys Town National Hotline: National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: HELP (4357) National Co- caine Hotline: 800- COCAINE ( ) Al- Ateen: Alcohol Abuse and Crisis Intervention: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Helpline and Treatment: Alcohol Hotline Support & Information: Elite Counseling Services LLP: Community Health Development: ext Included within the annual notice are: 1) The College s standard of conduct; 2) A description of the applicable legal sanctions/disciplinary actions under federal, state, or local law and campus policy; 3) A description of the health risks associated with alcohol and drug use; 4) A list of available treatment programs; and 5) A description of disciplinary sanctions for violations of College standards of conduct.

11 Standards of Conduct Employees: The policy manual of SWTJC contains the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy. A copy of these policies can be found here: Students: All Southwest Texas Junior College students are responsible for complying with Texas state laws and policies of SWTJC. A copy of the policies can be found here: SWTJC students are also responsible for complying with the provisions of the student handbook, as follows: The following behavior shall be prohibited: FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW 1. Violations of federal, state, or local law or College District policies, procedures, or rules, including the stu- dent handbook. PROHIBITED WEAPONS 2. Possession, distribution, sale, or use of firearms or other prohibited weapons without prior approval. [See FLBF] DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 3. The use, possession, control, manufacture, transmission, or sale, or being under the influence, of a drug or narcotic, as those terms are defined by the Texas Controlled Substances Act, or other prohibited substances described in FLBD, unless under the direction of a physician. 4. The use, possession, control, manufacture, transmission, or sale of paraphernalia related to any prohibited substance. 5. The use, possession, control, manufacture, transmission, or sale, or being under the influence, of alcohol or other intoxicating beverage without the permission of the College District. (page 27 Student Handbook).

12 Legal Sanctions The Southwest Texas Junior College Police Department enforces all federal and state laws and local ordinanc- es. All SWTJC students and employees are expected to comply with federal, state, and local drug and alcohol laws as well as SWTJC policies and procedures. Any student or employee who violates any of these drug or alcohol laws will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and will be subject to prosecution in accord- ance with the law. Legal sanctions for violation of local, state, and/or federal laws my include, but are not lim- ited to fines, jail, or prison sentences up to ninety- nine (99) years or life. Students who violate both the poli- cies of SWTJC and federal, state, local, or other applicable law may be accountable to both Southwest Texas Junior College and the civil or criminal authorities. Biennial Reports Biennial Reports will be posted here.