James A. Rhodes State College
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STUDENT POLICY FOR A DRUG-FREE CAMPUS
PREFACE
The publication of this document is intended to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) by setting forth the standards and principles for promoting and providing a campus environment which is safe, healthy, and productive for the James A. Rhodes State College community. Rhodes State College is committed to maintaining a drug-free campus.
POLICY/PENALTIES
The unlawful possession, distribution, or sale of drugs or alcohol by any student is prohibited at Rhodes State College or as part of any of its authorized off-campus instructional programs or student activities. Procedures enforcing this policy and applicable disciplinary sanctions are outlined in the Student Policy 10, Code of Student Conduct, 10.5 (I), as published in the Rhodes State College catalog and outlined in College Policy 5.9, Drug Free Campus. Such sanctions are consistent with local, state, and federal law, and may include dismissal from the College and referral to the appropriate law enforcement authority for prosecution. In addition to the imposition of any of the sanctions listed in the Code of Student Conduct, students found to be in violation of this policy will be required to participate in a college-approved alcohol/drug assistance or rehabilitation program. The cooperative participation of a student in a college-approved program of assistance which includes treatment and monitoring may be exercised as an alternative to disciplinary action.
HEALTH RISKS
In its efforts to provide a drug-free environment, Rhodes State College recognizes the need to educate its students concerning the health risks associated with alcohol and/or drug use. The underlying principal directing the College's effort in this area is the acknowledgment that drug or alcohol dependence is a disease which can be successfully treated. Furthermore, all drugs, both legal substances such as tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol as well as illegal substances such as marijuana and cocaine have been proven to have potentially harmful effects on the body.
Alcohol decreases inhibitions which can result in participation in unhealthy or risky behaviors and can result in the destruction of such human qualities as curiosity, dreaming, exploration, wonder, desire, friendship and the capacity to love. Abuse of alcohol or other drugs tends to fragment thinking and feeling, inhibits comprehensive learning, and inhibits an integrated response to stimuli and experience.
Drugs and alcohol can destroy body cells, impair physiological functions, and cause long-term or irreversible damage to organs and systems of the body.
TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION
Although Rhodes State College provides no professional on-campus alcohol/drug rehabilitation program, it encourages students who are suffering from or are at risk of developing alcohol/drug problems to seek counseling and treatment from one of the following resources: