Appendix XII: Policy on Drugs and Alcohol in the Community Colleges (4.15)

See Also Student Code of Conduct, Part D, item 18, Appendix I

Policy on Drugs and Alcohol in the Community Colleges (4.15)

Drugs and Alcohol in the Community Colleges

The Board of Trustees of Community-Technical Colleges endorses the statement of the network of colleges and universities committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol abuse, which is based on the following premise:

American society is harmed in many ways by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs - decreased productivity, serious health problems, breakdown of the family structure, and strained social resources. Problems of illicit use and abuse of substances have a pervasive effect upon many segments of society - all socio-economic groups, all age levels, and even the unborn, Education and learning are especially impaired by alcohol abuse and illicit drug use.*

The board recognizes that education regarding alcohol and substance abuse is an appropriate and even necessary part of contemporary college life. Since the unauthorized use of controlled substances, in addition to the potential harmful effect it may have on students and employees, is contrary to state and federal law and regulation, it must be prohibited in any college activity, on or off the college campus.

Although the conditions of alcohol and drug dependency may be considered disabilities or handicaps under state and federal law and regulation and board of trustees policy, and employees and students will not be discriminated against because they have these disabilities, all students and employees are considered to be responsible for their actions and their conduct.

These provisions shall apply to all colleges under the jurisdiction of the board:

1. No student or employee shall knowingly possess, use, distribute, transmit, sell, or be under the influence of any controlled substance on the college campus or off the college campus at a college-sponsored activity, function, or event. Use or possession of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be a violation of this provision.
2. All colleges shall develop and enforce policies regarding the sale, distribution, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus, subject to state and federal law. Consistent with previous board policy, the consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus may be authorized by the president subject to the following conditions, as appropriate:
   1. when a temporary permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages has been obtained and dram shop act insurance has been purchased;
   2. when a college permit has been obtained;
   3. when students bring their own beverages;
   4. when alcoholic beverages are provided by a student organization and no fee is charged for attendance or for said beverages.
3. All colleges shall provide educational programs on the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and referral for assistance for students and employees who seek it. Colleges are encouraged to establish campus-wide committees to assist in development of these programs in response to particular campus needs and identification of referral resources in their respective service planning regions.
4. This policy shall be published in all college catalogs, faculty and staff manuals, and other appropriate literature.
5. Failure to comply with this policy will result in invocation of the appropriate disciplinary procedure and may result in separation from the college and referral to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

*Statement of the Network of Colleges and Universities Committed to the Elimination of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

(Adopted November 20, 1989)

Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug-free Workplace