It is the policy of Clinton Community College to maintain a campus/workplace that is free of alcohol and illegal drugs in order to curtail abuse of these substances and also to comply with provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-106, Title V, Subtitle D) and Section 22 of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendments Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). The following definitions will be applied within this policy statement:
- "Drug" refers to anything defined as a "Controlled Substance" (includes opiates, stimulants, narcotics, depressants and hallucinogens) or "Marijuana" in Section 220.00, Subdivisions 5 and 6 of the New York State Penal Law.
- "Alcohol" refers to any "Alcoholic Beverage" as defined in Section 3 of the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
Further information regarding Public Laws and New York State Laws cited is available in the college library.
Policy of Clinton Community College regarding drugs and alcohol is as follows:
- Possession of any drug or any other action in violation of Article 220 (Controlled Substances Offenses) or Article 221 (Offenses Involving Marijuana) of the New York State Penal Law is prohibited.
- Possession of alcohol on college property or at any college-sponsored event is prohibited unless specifically otherwise approved by the CCC Board of Trustees and the Clinton County Legislature.
- Paragraphs 1 and 2 apply in all circumstances except when possession is in accord with a prescription issued by a Medical Doctor or when possession is both legal and necessary for proper instruction during a college course or activity.
Violation of college policy regarding drugs and alcohol will result in appropriate disciplinary action against any student and/or employee involved. Student sanctions, particularly in serious situations, include possible expulsion from the college.
An employee, particularly if the violation involves a conviction in court, will be subjected to action by the college, which may include termination of services or mandatory participation in an abuse assistance or rehabilitation program selected or established by the college. Where the sanction is participation in such a program, failure to cooperatively or satisfactorily participate can lead to termination of employment.
Clinton Community College is particularly concerned about how the complex issue of drug and/or alcohol abuse may affect students and employees, not only in connection with college activities, but also in their individual lives. These concerns are not only with the legal issues involved, but just as importantly, with the physical and psychological effects of abuse to the individual student or employee.
While there is no criminal penalty for use of a drug, there are sanctions against any possession, sale (including giving away), or manufacture of drugs. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can result in a non-criminal, permanent public record. The stigma of a drug-related offense may constitute a bar to some employment possibilities and professional goals. Possible sanctions for a criminal conviction include, among other things, a prison term, financial penalties, probation, and/or loss of certain citizenship rights during the period of a sentence.
Selling or giving alcohol to a person under the age of twenty-one (21) constitutes criminal conduct under New York State law. While this is not generally as serious as most drug offenses, a conviction does result in a criminal record with associated long-term effects on the individual. Additionally, it is a non-criminal violation of New York State Law for a person under the age of twenty-one (21) to possess alcohol except at home with permission of his/her parent or guardian.
As a responsible educational institution, the college can not and will not provide a sanctuary to insulate students or staff from the consequences of illegal acts. Information concerning use, sale, exchange, or manufacture of drugs that comes to the attention of the college will be communicated to appropriate public officials. The college has no control over procedures that may be utilized by law enforcement agencies, including arrests, for violations of laws pertaining to drugs or alcohol and will in no way impede the work of law enforcement agencies.
Abuse of drugs or alcohol impacts the lives of users and others in serious ways. Such abuse may lead to "accidents" or incidents that affect others negatively and lower campus morale. Adverse publicity and community reactions to these can reflect negatively on CCC as an institution and members of the college community as a group. Users of drugs or alcohol also subject themselves to serious long-range physical and psychological effects including addiction, communicable diseases and deterioration of physical and/or mental capabilities.
Drug and/or alcohol abuse or dependencies have serious ramifications for all persons in all situations. Because the college recognizes this, the following is provided as guidance information and to help students and employees gain insight into the college position in these areas:
- Substance users or abusers need help. Everyone in the college community has a responsibility to contribute in this area.
Do not cover for a co-worker or student who you suspect has a problem with drugs and/or alcohol.
If you become aware someone has such a problem, do not try to handle it alone. Seek guidance from qualified professionals.
Do not be afraid to act. Your intervention may be just the thing needed to start your friend, colleague, or fellow student on the road to recovery.
- Employees can obtain confidential assistance from:
Immediate supervisor or division coordinator.
Clinton County Employee Assistance Program, 563-8293 or 1 (800) 724-0747.
- Students can obtain assistance from:
Student Health Office, Room 149M, 562-4129, college extension 129.
Student Counseling Office, Room 140M, 562-4198, college extension 198.
Assistant Dean for Student Services Office, Room 210H, 562-4221, college extension 221.
- Assistance is also available through Alcoholics Anonymous, 561-8444 and Champlain Valley Family Center, 561-8480