Pine Technical College
Policy and Procedure

Policy Number: 120 Date: 01/20/06
Division/Department: General Author: Nancy Mach, Kathy Arola
Subject: Drug and Alcohol-Free College

Authorities:
MnSCU Board Policy 5.18

Purpose:
To outline the state of compliance, standards of conduct, legal sanctions, health risks, educational and treatment programs and disciplinary sanctions as required by the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations.

Policy:
Pine Technical College encourages students, faculty and employees to review and understand the following commitment and responsibilities for a Drug-Free College.

State of Compliance: Pine Technical College adheres to the federal Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board Policy 5.18 which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on the college premises, or in conjunction with any college-sponsored activity or event, whether on- or off- campus. In accordance with federal regulations, this policy is printed in the Student Handbook, which is made available to every student and employee and included with the annual Campus Crime and Security Report, which is distributed to every student and employee. The college conducts a biennial review of this policy to determine the effectiveness of this policy and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions for violating standards of conduct are enforced consistently.

Standards of Conduct

• No student or employee shall manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute; or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off- campus.
  
• No student or employee shall possess a controlled substance, except when the possession is for that person’s own use, and is authorized by law while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off-campus.
  
• No student shall report to campus, and no employee shall report to work while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, except as prescribed by a physician, which affects alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision-making, or safety.
  
• Except as allowed by MnSCU Board Policy 5.18, the possession, use, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages and 3.2% malt liquor at PTC and PTC-sponsored events is prohibited.
  

• Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, and incidents of drinking and driving. Continued abuse may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle.
  
• Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, depression, damage to the brain and lungs, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.
  
• Cocaine/Crack users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, paranoia and depression. Cocaine is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, psychosis, convulsions, stroke and even death.
  
• Hallucinogens— Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) causes illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Hallucinogens can cause liver damage, convulsion, coma and even death.
  
• Marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. Users also experience interference with psychological maturation and temporary loss of fertility. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.
  
• Methamphetamines, known as speed, meth, ice, glass, etc., have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Taking even small amounts may produce irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Over time, methamphetamine users may experience symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, a severe movement disorder.
  
• Narcotics such as codeine, heroin or other opiate drugs cause the body to have diminished pain reactions. The use of heroin can result in coma or death due to a reduction in heart rate.
  
• Steroid users experience a sudden increase in muscle and weight and an increase in aggression and combativeness. Steroids can cause high blood pressure, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, sterility and prostate cancer. Additional information can be found at: www.nida.nih.gov .
  

• PTC provides periodic information and training for employees and information to students that foster a drug- and alcohol-free environment.
  
• A Counselor is available to assist students with personal concerns the might interfere with their academic work while at PTC. Services are free and confidential and can be arranged by contacting Counseling Services at 320.629.5135 or the Student Affairs Department 320.629.5100.
  
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all MnSCU employees. EAP can assist employees by providing a professional assessment of a possible alcohol or drug problem. The mission of EAP is to provide confidential, accessible services to individual employees and state agencies in order to restore and strengthen the health and productivity of employees and the workplace. For additional information, contact the PTC Human Resources Department or the State Employee Assistance Program 651.296.0765.
  
• Community area substance abuse treatment center referrals include:
  

Responsibilities:
College President, Dean of Students, PTC Management Team, Counselor

Dissemination:
PTC Student Handbook, Employee Handbook, website, Intranet.

Reviewed by Leadership Team: 2-6-06
Reviewed by Faculty Shared Governance: 2-14-06

Approved: ____________________________________ Date: 2-24-06
Robert L. Musgrove, Ph.D., President