HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

DRUG FREE COLLEGE POLICY

 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM

 

Policy and Program Statement -- The College is committed to providing a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure workplace and environment, and has implemented a drug and alcohol abuse, prevention, and assistance program.

 

The College will annually notify employees and students that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on College property, or as any part of College activity, is prohibited.

 

Illicit Drugs Prohibited -- The unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs on College property, or as any part of College activity, is prohibited.

 

Alcoholic Beverage Service -- Alcoholic beverages may be served at scheduled events at Highline Community College provided all Washington laws and Highline Community College administrative procedures, guidelines, and regulations are met.

 

Criminal Penalties -- A student or employee's violation of this prohibition may result in arrest and conviction under applicable criminal laws of the United States, the State of Washington, or local municipalities.  Conviction may result in legal penalties. 

 

Sanctions imposed by College --  Students and employees who violate the College's policy against illicit drugs and alcohol are subject to sanctions imposed by the College which are consistent with local, state, and federal law and regulations.  Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the offender's completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, expulsion from the College or termination of College employment, and referral to other authorities for prosecution.  Disciplinary action against employees or students will be initiated in accord with the Washington Administrative Code, applicable contract provisions, and College policy.

 

Health Risks -- The following nonexclusive list of health risks have been identified with the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol:  memory loss; depression; fetal alcohol syndrome; problem pregnancy; sclerosis; circulatory problems; insomnia; heart failure; respiratory arrest; cardiac arrest; seizures; coma; anxiety; paranoia; irritability; fatigue; mental illness; death. 

 

Available Assistance Treatment Programs -- The College recognizes drug and alcohol dependency and/or the abuse of drugs and alcohol to be a major health problem, as well as a safety and security problem.  Many resources are available to students seeking assistance with such problems.  The College counseling center and the Human Resources Office can provide referrals.

 

Employees may take advantage of these services as well as the Washington State Employee Advisory Service and their health insurance plan, if appropriate.  The Employee Advisory Service is available statewide to all state employees with offices in Seattle, Olympia and Spokane.  The Seattle number is 206-281-6315.  More information on EAS and the phone numbers and locations of other offices can be found through the EAS web site at http://hr.dop.wa.gov/eas.html: 

 

 

ORIGINAL SIGNED ON OCTOBER 10, 2002

Michael J. Allan, Chair

Highline Community College

Board of Trustees

_____________________________________________________

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OCTOBER 10, 2002

 

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