Drug-free Schools And Communities Act

Purpose
To comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988.

Scope and Applicability
This issuance applies to the entire College community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and visitors to the campuses.

Standards of Conduct
The unlawful manufacture,distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of illicit drugs and alcohol on Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College property or as a part of any College sponsored function is prohibited. Reporting to work, class, or any College sponsored function under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs is prohibited.

Disciplinary Sanctions
The College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees consistent with local, state, and federal laws for violation of the standards of conduct outlined above.All persons should be aware that violations could result in expulsion from school, termination ofemployment, or referral for prosecution.

Federal Trafficking Penalties include substantialfines and imprisonment up to life.

West Virginia Law provides penalties dependent upon the classification of the controlled substance, the particular activity involved, and whether multiple convictions are involved. Under WV law, the most severe penalties for drug violations are for possession with intent to sell. On a first offense conviction, one may receive a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for 15 years. Sanctions for violations of state alcohol laws vary according to the severity of the offense, with the minimum vehicular violation calling for imprisonment in the county jail for 24 hours, and a $500 fine.

College sanctions will be imposed consistent with procedures used in disciplinary actions.Sanctions for employees may include oral warning, written reprimand, suspension, termination, and referral for prosecution. Disciplinary sanctions for students may include reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral for prosecution.

Health Risks
Substance abuse and drug dependency are problems of staggering proportions in our society today. They are the leading causes of preventable illness, disability, and death in the U.S. and are estimated to afflict 25.5 million Americans.

While alcoholism may develop in anyone, it tends to first appear between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more prevalent in persons with a family history of alcoholism. This number increases dramatically when one considers the harm done to the families of substance abusers as well as those injured or killed by intoxicated drivers or in drug related work accidents. Alcohol abuse is often characterized by one of three different patterns: (1) regular and daily use, (2) drinking large amounts of alcohol at specific or irregular intervals, or (3) periods of sobriety interspersed by periods of heavy drinking. The disorder is progressive, and can be fatal. If yourecognize any tendencies toward alcohol abuse, please seek help as outlined below. Health risks of other drugs include:

• Narcotics (including opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, and others) - physical addiction, loss of awareness, respiratory restriction, and possible death.
• Depressants (including barbiturates, Quaaludes, and others) - Slurred speech, disorientation, shallow respiration, coma likely with overdose.
• Stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamines, and others) - Increased heart rate and blood pressure, possible leading to death, increased excitation, loss of appetite.
• Hallucinogens (including LSD, “mushrooms”, PCP, mescaline, and others) - Illusions and hallucinations, poor perceptions of time and distance, psychotic and unpredictable behavior, often leading to injury and arrest. Symptoms may reappear some time after use.
• Cannabis (marijuana, hashish, THC, and others)
• Unrealistic euphoria, diminished inhibitions, disoriented behavior, diminished motivation, increased pulse.

Counseling and Assistance
Assistance and information concerning substance abuse and its treatment may be obtained from the counselors’ offices at each of the College’s campuses. Services are also available from the following agencies:

Logan-Mingo Area Mental Health, Inc.
304.792.7130 Logan Co.
304.235.2954 Mingo Co.

Family Service of Kanawha County
922 Quarrier Street
Charleston, WV 25301

Disclaimer
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, in providing the list of counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs, is in no way affiliated with these agencies. Southern cannot accept liability for any services, treatment, or counseling provided by these agencies or their employees or any acts of misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance by same. The individual and his/her parents or guardian should conduct checks or reviews of these agencies to determine if they will meet the needs of the individual.