Alcohol & Drug Policy and Prevention Program
Standards of Conduct
In compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), Hutchinson Community College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as defined in these Acts) by a student or employee on college property or at any college event or activity.
No alcohol is allowed on college property or property controlled by the college without the prior written approval by the Board of Trustees.
Residence halls, student clubs and organizations may impose additional restrictions.
Student Sanctions
Students who violate this policy are subject to the HCC Disciplinary Policy and the sanctions included in that policy. The Disciplinary Policy is located at http://www.hutchcc.edu/catalog/policy/?id=47 Violations of this policy by students will be reported to the Vice President of Student Services and to law enforcement officials.
Employee Sanctions
As a condition of employment, employees of HCC who violate this policy will be reported to the Director of Human Resources and, when appropriate, to law enforcement officials. Employees of HCC who violate this policy will be subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
- Placement on probationary status.
- Short-term suspension with pay.
- Short-term suspension without pay.
- Long-term suspension without pay.
- Required participation in a drug and alcohol education treatment, counseling, or rehabilitation program.
- Termination of employment.
- Or other actions determined appropriate by the Human Resources Director.
Employees who violate this policy will be afforded a hearing in accordance with current policies relating to employee discipline. Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the right of the college to take any other disciplinary action permitted or authorized by HCC policies or the negotiated agreement. If it is determined that an employee should complete a drug or alcohol education or rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment, payment of the costs of any such program will be the employee’s responsibility.
Employees convicted of a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace are required to notify HCC of the conviction no later than five calendar days of the conviction. After receiving the notification from the employee, HCC must provide notice of the conviction, including position title and affected grants, to the U.S. Department of Education’s Director of Grants and Contracts Service.
Distribution
The following information will be distributed annually to all employees (including part-time and adjunct faculty) and all students (including part-time students and those enrolled in off-campus programs of the college but not including continuing education students).
This policy and related procedures will be reviewed and updated biennially by the Regulatory Compliance and Due Process Committee. The Director of Financial Aid may make minor modifications to policy if Federal Regulations warrant such revisions.
Consequences of the Use, Misuse, and Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol
Health Consequences
Students and employees of Hutchinson Community College should be aware that the following health risks have been associated with the use, misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol:
Alcohol: Birth defects, ulcers and gastritis, liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and brain damage.
Anabolic Steroids: Acne, cancer, heart disease, liver disease, sterility, jaundice, and kidney stones.
Cocaine/Stimulants: Increased blood pressure, blurred vision, sleeplessness, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and death.
Hallucinogens: Increased body temperature, increased heart rate, blood pressure, sleeplessness and tremors.
Marijuana: Irritation of the lungs, emphysema, increased heart rate, reduced short term memory, and cancer.
Opiates/Narcotics: Decreased heart rate, nausea, cold, moist skin, bluish in color, and slowed breathing.
Sedatives: Slowed body function, drowsiness, convulsions, and coma.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications: Risks associated with the non-medical use, abuse or misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications are dependent upon the particular medication and may include any of the risks described above. Students and employees should note that the above listing is not intended as all inclusive.
Workplace Consequences
The negative impact of substance abuse by employees in the workplace can be; increased risk of accidents, lower productivity, increased insurance costs, increased institutional costs, increased absenteeism. Loss of jobs and loss of life may result from substance abuse on the job.
Legal Consequences
Local, state and federal laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions and penalties for the possession, distribution, misuse and abuse of controlled substances, pharmaceutical products, prescription and over-the-counter medications and alcohol. The Federal Controlled Substances Act provides penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $25,000 for unlawful distribution or possession with intent to distribute narcotics. For unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a person is subject to up to one year of imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. Any person who unlawfully distributes a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one years of age may be punished by up to twice the term of imprisonment and fine otherwise authorized by law. Kansas law provides that any person who violates the criminal statutes on controlled substances by possessing, offering for sale, distributing, or manufacturing opiates and narcotics, such as cocaine and heroin, shall be guilty of a Class C felony. For a conviction of a Class C felony, the court may sentence a person to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of three to five years, a maximum of 10 to 20 years, and a fine of up to $15,000. Unlawful possession of a depressant, stimulant or hallucinogenic drug is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine of $2,500. Under Kansas law, persons under 21 years of age may be subject to minimum fines of $200 for possessing, consuming, obtaining, purchasing or attempting to obtain or purchase alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverages. Persons convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are subject to severe fines, imprisonment, and other penalties. For the most recent & complete Federal Trafficking Penalties visit http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ftp3.shtml
Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
Drug and alcohol counseling and treatment programs are available to students and employees on a national, state, and local basis. The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website maintains a substance abuse treatment locator at https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Alcohol assessments and personal counseling are available to currently enrolled students and employees through The Student Success Center (620) 665-3377. Additional counseling information and resources are available at http://www.hutchcc.edu/student-success-center/personal-counseling The Student Success Center maintains a list of local treatment facilities and this is available for students and employees to pick upon request.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Information
The following web sites provide additional drug and alcohol abuse and prevention information: