The illegal use of controlled substances, substances that cause impairment, and alcohol misuse or abuse are harmful to the health, well-being and safety of Isothermal Community College’s (College) employees and students. Students who illegally use controlled substances, substances that cause impairment, or abuse alcohol are less productive, less reliable and prone to greater absenteeism resulting in unnecessary delays and safety risks. The College is committed to maintaining a safe educational environment free from the influence of illegal controlled substances, substances that cause impairment and alcohol.

I. PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

Isothermal Community College campuses have been designated as "Drug Free" and only under approved circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted. The possession and/or use of any non-prescribed controlled substance, as defined in Chapter 90 of the General Statues of North Carolina and federal laws, is not permitted on the campuses of Isothermal Community College. The consumption of alcohol or the possession of an open container that contains alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the campuses of Isothermal Community College.

This policy does not apply to the use of alcohol in instructional situations (e.g., cooking classes, laboratory experiments), social activities outside of normal business hours when attendance is not required or in conjunction with events at The Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center which meet the requirements of all state laws and the nonexclusive catering services agreement. This policy does not apply to the proper use of lawfully prescribed controlled substances by a licensed health-care provider. "Proper use" is defined as the manner in which the healthcare provider prescribed the medication.

II. DEFINITIONS

      For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply:

1. Alcohol means any beverage containing at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) alcohol by volume, including malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, spirituous liquor and mixed beverages.
2. Controlled Substance means any substance listed in 21 CFR Part 1308 and other federal regulations, as well as those listed in Article V, Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Generally, the term means any drug that has a high potential for abuse and includes, but is not limited to heroin, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, GHB, methamphetamines, fentanyl, opiods and crack. This term also includes any drugs that are illegal under federal, state, or local laws and legal drugs that have been obtained illegally or without a prescription by a licensed healthcare provider or are not intended for human consumption. 
3. Substance means any substance taken that may cause impairment, including but not limited to bath salts, inhalants, or synthetic herbs.
4. Conviction means the entry in a court of law or military tribunal of (1) a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, no contest or the equivalent; (2) a verdict of guilty; or (3) a prayer for judgment continued or a deferred prosecution.

III. DUTY TO REPORT

Each student is required to inform the College, in writing, within five (5) days after they are convicted for violation of any federal, state, or local criminal drug statute where such violation occurred while on College premises or as part of any activity initiated by the College. A conviction means the entry in a court of law or military tribunal of (1) a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, no contest or the equivalent; (2) a verdict of guilty; or (3) a prayer for judgment continued or a deferred prosecution.

If any student is convicted of violating any criminal drug or alcohol statute while on College premises or as part of any activity initiated by the College, they will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Furthermore, students or guests who are in violation of alcohol and/or drug laws may suffer legal consequences ranging from fines up to criminal prosecution. Alternatively, the College may require the student to obtain a substance abuse evaluation from a certified or licensed substance abuse treatment professional and successfully complete any drug educational counseling and aftercare recommended, consent to regular drug testing at their expense, and adhere to other conditions and restrictions, including community service, as a precondition for continued enrollment at the College.

 

IV. CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION

Isothermal Community College does not differentiate between drug users, drug pushers, or sellers. Any student or guest who unlawfully possesses, uses, sells, gives, or manufactures a controlled substance while on College premises, or as part of any activity initiated by the College, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and prosecution.

When there is evidence that a student or guest of the College is impaired by alcohol or another substance (including controlled substances), disciplinary actions may be taken up to and including expulsion and prosecution. Alternatively, the College may require the student to obtain a substance abuse evaluation from a certified or licensed substance abuse treatment professional and successfully complete any drug education counseling and aftercare recommended, consent to regular drug testing at their own expense, and other conditions and restrictions as a precondition for enrollment at the College. Evidence of impairment may be determined by behavior and/or appearance and includes but is not limited to: dilated pupils, a lag in response to verbal request(s), staggering or unsteadiness, the smell of alcohol, and/or incoherent communication. In the event that a situation arises, it is the responsibility of the student to provide contact information for transporting purposes. If no other transportation is available, law enforcement may be contacted. This section does not apply to law enforcement officers serving the College through the local sheriff’s department. Law enforcement officers must adhere to their normal standards when conducting a search.

A student employed by the College is considered an employee of the College and is subject to the Drug-Free Work Place Policy.  Any student who unlawfully possesses, uses, sells, or transfers alcohol while in the workplace, on College premises, or as part of an acticity initiated by the College, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and prosecution.

Visitors and/or guests are subject to College policies and sanctions and state and federal law. Violators will be dismissed from campus and could be referred for local prosecution.

Students in certain programs including, but not limited to, health sciences may be subject to additional requirements related to drugs and alcohol. Students should be advised that alternative instructional sites and future employers may also require drug testing, criminal background checks, etc.

Note: Drug and Alcohol Policy violations are handled by College Administrators, contracted Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputies, and/or local law enforcement when necessary.

DISSEMINATION TO STUDENTS

A copy of the drug and alcohol prevention program and policies will be distributed annually to each student taking one or more classes of any kind for academic credit regardless of the student’s program of study.

POLICY REVIEW

The College will review this policy in even numbered years.

COUNSELING, TREATMENT, REHABILITATION, AND RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS

The Advising and Success Center maintains a list of public and private treatment agencies, many of which are listed below. This list is subject to change. Students may contact College counselors for more information on these services.

Local Help Agencies

Blue Ridge Counseling Services (828) 286-0501

Family Preservation Services (828) 287-7945
Lifeline Counseling Center (828) 289-0574
*Life Span Psychological Services (828) 894-2300
*New Hope Counseling Center (828) 894-2238

Preferred Choice Healthcare (828) 287-7806 or (828) 248-4403
Western Highlands, LME 1-800-951-3792
Woodridge Psychological Associates (828) 287-7806
*Located in Polk County

 

Hotlines:

Alcoholics Anonymous - Western Piedmont Intergroup (for Rutherford meetings) (704) 332-4387
Alcoholics Anonymous - N.C. Mountain Central Office (for Polk meetings) (828) 254-8539
Alcohol/Drug Council of NC 1-800-688-4232
National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service 1-800-662-4357

SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM

The College has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals, and college disciplinary actions. The Student Activities Coordinator supports an overall coordination of the Drug-Free School Program. However, many services are the responsibility of other areas of the institution. These include:

• Alcohol and Drug Education: College counselors, Employee Assistance Program, college health classes, orientation classes.
• Counseling Services:  College counselors, Employee Assistance Program.
• Referral Services:  College counselors, Employee Assistance Program.
• College Disciplinary Actions:  Dean of Students, director of Human Resources, REaCH principal, dean of Continuing Education.

HEALTH RISKS

Health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol are wide ranging and varied depending on the specific substance involved and individual misuse or abuse pattern. These risks include, but are not limited to, psychological and physical addiction; respiratory depression; depression of the immune system; increased risk of heart disease, cancer, accidents, hypertension; brain damage; damage to unborn fetus; impotence at high dosage levels; liver disease. Even low doses significantly impair judgement and coordination required to drive and operate equipment safely and may increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts. Moderate to high doses can cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering the user’s ability to learn and remember. For more information on the health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse, consult the National Institute on Drug Abuse website at www.drugabuse.gov.

 

USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Isothermal Community College is a tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2019.  This applies to all employees, students, contractors, vendors, and visitors.  For policy details, see policy 802-02-01BP Use of Tobacco Products. 

STATE AND FEDERAL LEGAL SANCTIONS

The possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by contracted campus enforcement officers as well as local law enforcement. Violators are subject to College disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine, and imprisonment. For the most recent and complete Federal Trafficking Penalties information, visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration webpage. North Carolina Controlled Substances Act describes state specific penalties at https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_90/GS_90-95.html

NORTH CAROLINA LAWS: TO PURCHASE, OR ATTEMPT TO PURCHASE; TO SELL OR GIVE

Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws, including driving while intoxicated, are available from the North Caroling General Assembly. Distribution of malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, spirituous liquor, or mixed beverages to anyone under twenty-one (21) years old carries a: maximum penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding 120 days or a fine, or both, in the discretion of the court (misdemeanor); however, to possess, consume, attempt to purchase, or purchase by 19 or 20 year old is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

North Carolina General Statue defines an Aider and Abettor as:

1. Any person who is under 21 years of age to purchase and who aids or abets anyone to attempt to purchase, or to possess, sell or give shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
2. Any person over 21 years of age to purchase and who aids or abets another to attempt to purchase, or possess, sell or give shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
3. Any parent or person who has legal or physical custody of a person less than 21 years of age who aids or abets the person less than 21 years of age to attempt to purchase, or possess, sell or give shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall pay a fine of $500.00.

Additionally, some violations may result in driver’s license revocation.