Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention

Return To: 2017-2018 Student Handbook  

Ozarks Technical Community College is committed to providing a safe, positive and healthy environment for students and employees. Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, OTC has established a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program for students and employees. This program is designed to raise awareness across the institution about the risks of, policies governing, and available resources for alcohol and drug abuse. OTC policies provide, in part, that no student or employee shall consume, possess, manufacture, distribute or sell any unauthorized alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs or be under the influence of such substances on college-owned or -controlled property or at events sponsored by OTC. In observance of state law, no person under the age of twenty-one (21) may purchase or attempt to purchase, or have in his or her possession, any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage on the college premises or at college-sponsored events. OTC complies with all laws related to underage drinking, and any violation of the state’s underage drinking laws will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

In accordance with legal mandates and its commitment to providing a drug and alcohol-free workplace and learning environment, OTC will implement and enforce the following Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program elements:

1. The possession, purchasing, selling or consumption of alcoholic beverages on college property (except as authorized in the course of a curricular program, e.g. Culinary Arts), or being present on campus while under the influence of such is strictly prohibited.
2. The unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution or dispensation of illicit drugs or being present on campus or at college-sponsored functions while under the influence of such is strictly prohibited.
3. Students who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action, severity of which will be based on the seriousness of the offense. Sanctions will be applied consistently and may range from an informal reprimand to dismissal from the college. Employees who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action ranging from an informal reprimand to termination of employment depending upon the seriousness of the offense. If the conduct resulting in discipline also involves a violation of state or federal law then the College will refer the matter to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
   
   Commonly Imposed Disciplinary Sanctions for On-Campus Policy Violations
   
   Minor violations, such as first offense intoxication or possession of small amount of alcohol or illegal drugs:
   - Written reprimand
   - Disciplinary probation up to one year and/or
   - Referral for substance abuse evaluation/treatment (optional)
   
   Subsequent or major violations, such as on-campus use, distribution or manufacture of alcohol or illegal drugs:
   - Suspension for a period up to one year and/or
   - Disciplinary probation up to one year and/or
   - Referral for substance abuse evaluation/treatment (optional)
    
4. Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for terms up to and including life. The purchase, attempt to purchase or possession of any intoxicating liquor by a person under 21 years of age is punishable by a fine of $50 to $1,000 and up to a year in jail. The same penalties apply to persons who knowingly furnish alcohol to minors and to persons under the age of 21 who are visibly intoxicated.
5. Serious health risks are d with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Some but not all of the risks are listed below:
   1. Alcohol and other depressants: Consumption of alcohol and other depressants causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair judgment and coordination required for safety and care. Use of alcohol and depressants can lead to addiction and accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment.
   2. Marijuana: Use of marijuana can lead to panic reactions, impaired short term memory, increased risk of lung cancer and emphysema, particularly in cigarette smokers, and impairment of driving ability.
   3. Cocaine: Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, and psychosis. Similar risks are d with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
   4. Hallucinogens: Unpredictable behavior, emotion instability, violent behavior, and organic brain damage in heavy users, convulsions and coma.
   5. Narcotics (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, etc.): Addiction, accidental overdose, risk of hepatitis and AIDS from contaminated needles.
   6. Inhalants (gas, aerosols, glue, etc.): Loss of consciousness, suffocation, damage to the brain and central nervous system, sudden death, nausea and vomiting, nosebleeds and impaired judgment.
6. Any student or employee may contact OTC’s Counseling Services department for crisis intervention or for information about available community resources and referral assistance for drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or re-entry services. Counseling Services provides educational information on drug and alcohol abuse through the distribution of printed materials, a website that includes substance abuse-related resources and online screenings, as well as scheduled programming throughout the academic year.
7. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, this policy will be distributed to all employees on an annual basis. A copy of the annual notification will be provided during new employee orientation to those that begin employment after the distribution date. Each term (fall, spring, summer) all enrolled students will be emailed a document which summarizes the college’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention policy and refers them to the current student handbook and the college’s website for complete information.
8. During each even numbered year, a biennial review of the comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse prevention program will be conducted to determine its effectiveness, make changes where necessary, and ensure that it is consistently enforced. This review will be conducted by a task-force with representatives from the following offices: Human Resources, Safety and Security, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Counseling Services and Institutional Research along with possibly other relevant office representatives.