For Students and Employees
Purpose The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989 require an institution of higher education to certify to the U.S. Department of Education by 10-1-90, that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees in order to remain eligible for federal financial assistance of any kind. This policy is adopted by Connors State College to comply with this statutory directive. The DFSCA requires that every two years (on even numbered years) the college conduct an internal audit of the effectiveness of their drug-free schools policy.
Policy
As set forth in local, state, and federal laws, and the rules and regulations of the college, Connors State College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees in buildings, facilities, grounds, or other property owned and/or controlled by the college, or as part of college activities.
Internal Sanctions
Any student or employee of the college who has violated this prohibition shall be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, referral for prosecution, and/or completion, at the individuals expense, of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Any disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with applicable policies of the college.
External Sanctions
Local, state, and federal laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions for the unlawful possession and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions include, but are not limited to, incarceration and monetary fines.
Federal law provides rather severe penalties for distributing or dispensing, or possessing with the intent to distribute or dispense a controlled substance, and penalties of a less severe nature for simple possession of a controlled substance. The type and quantity of the drug, whether the convicted person has any prior convictions, and whether death or previous injury resulted from use of the drug in question (this, however, is not a factor in a case of simple possession) all affect the sentence. For example, if less than 50 kilograms of marijuana are involved and it is your first offense (no prior convictions), then you are subject to imprisonment of not more than 5 years, a fine of $250,000, or both. If however, 50-100 kilograms of marijuana are involved instead of less than 50, and all other factors are the same as in the preceding example, you are subject to imprisonment of not more than 20 years, unless death or serious injury results from the marijuana use, then you are subject to not less than 20 years or life, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. While the penalties for simple possession are less severe, the first conviction still carries a sentence of up to a year imprisonment, a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both. With regard to simple possession, the number of convictions makes both the minimum period of imprisonment and fines greater. Under special provisions for possession of crack, a person may be sentenced to a mandatory term of at least 5 years in prison and not more than 20 years, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Starting July 1, 2000, conviction under federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall make a student ineligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance beginning with the date of conviction and ending as follows: (1) conviction for possession of a controlled substance: first offense – 1 year; second offense – 2 years; third offense – indefinite; (2) sale of a controlled substance: first offense – 2 years; second offense – indefinite. Students may regain eligibility earlier than specified by satisfactorily completing a rehabilitation program or other requirement as specified in the regulations.
State law provides similar penalties with regard to the simple possession, distribution, or possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to 1 year in the county jail. A second or subsequent conviction for simple possession of marijuana carries 2-10 years in the state penitentiary. Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute is a felony and carries a punishment of 2 years to life in the penitentiary and a fine of up to $20,000 for the first conviction. A second or subsequent conviction carries a punishment of 4 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $40,000. Depending upon the quantity involved, a convicted individual could be sentenced under the Oklahoma trafficking in illegal drugs act which provides for much harsher penalties.
A new state law, prevention of youth access to alcohol, became effective July 1, 2006. For minors consuming/in possession of alcohol or 3.2 beer, the following penalties apply:
- 1. 1st violation: fines up to $300 and/or community service not to exceed 30 hours, and mandatory revocation of drivers license for 6 months;
- 2. 2nd violation: fines up to $600 and/or community service not to exceed 60 hours, and mandatory revocation of drivers license for 1 year;
- 3. 3rd violation: fines up to $900 and/or community service not to exceed 90 hours, and mandatory revocation of drivers license for 2 years;
- 4. All minors who violate this law are subject to drug and alcohol assessment;
- 5. Minors who have not yet received a drivers license will not be allowed to obtain a license for the same amount of time as the license would have been revoked.
There are also Warner and Muskogee laws similar to those described above. If drugs are involved the city will, most likely, defer to the state or federal authorities because their penalties are more severe. If alcohol is involved, you may be convicted of violating both local and state law and punished according to both laws.
Courts do not excuse individuals convicted of these offenses from a prison sentence to go to college or work. A conviction for such an offense is a serious blemish on your record which could prevent you from entering many careers or obtaining certain jobs.
The above-referenced examples of penalties and sanctions are based on the relevant laws at the time of adoption of this policy statement. Such laws are, of course, subject to revision or amendment by the way of the legislative process.
Health Risks
Alcohol and other drug used represent serious threats to health and quality of life. Alcohol and other drug use increases the risk of accidents, birth defects, HIV/aids, and other disease. Combining drugs may lead to unpredictable effects and many prescription and nonprescription drugs are potentially addictive and dangerous. Major categories of drugs and probable effects are listed below.
Alcohol is a depressant drug that impairs judgment and coordination, and in many persons causes a greater likelihood of aggressive and/or violent behavior. Even short-term use may cause respiratory depression and, when consumed by pregnant women, may cause irreversible physical and mental abnormalities in newborns (fetal alcohol syndrome) or even death. Long-term use may lead to irreversible physical and mental impairment, including liver disease, heart disease, cancer, ulcers, gastritis, delirium tremens, and pancreatitis. Alcohol interacts negatively with more than 150 medications. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is particularly dangerous and is a major cause of traffic-related deaths.
Cocaine/crack are powerful central nervous system stimulants that constrict blood vessels, dilate pupils, increase blood pressure, and elevate heart rate. Cocaine use may induce restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and death. Cocaine is extremely addictive, both psychologically and physically. Great risk exists whether cocaine is ingested by inhalation (snorting), injection, or smoking. Compulsive cocaine use may develop even more rapidly if the substance is smoked, and smoking crack cocaine can produce particularly aggressive paranoid behavior in users.
Date rape drugs (rohypnol, roofies, GHB, ketamine, etc.) may incapacitate a person, particularly when used with alcohol. Rohypnol and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) are characterized as date rape drugs because they incapacitate victims, thereby increasing vulnerability to sexual assault and other crime. Sedation, relaxation, and amnesia are associated with rohypnol use. Rohypnol may be psychologically and physically addictive and can cause death if mixed with alcohol or other depressants. GHB usage may result in coma and seizures and, when combined with methamphetamines, appears to cause an increased risk of seizure. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty in breathing. GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Ketamine may induce feelings of near-death experiences.
Ecstasy (x, adam, mdma, xtc, etc.) has amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. Its chemical structure is similar to other synthetic drugs known to cause brain damage. Ecstasy use may cause psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, paranoia and even psychotic episodes. Similar difficulties may occur weeks after taking MDMA. Physical symptoms such as increases in heart rate and blood pressure may result from use of such substances. Other physical symptoms include muscle tension, blurred vision, nausea, rapid eyes movement and involuntary teeth clenching.
Hallucinogens (acid, PCP, LSD, psilocybin [mushrooms]) are the most potent mood-changing chemicals and may produce unpredictable effects that may impair coordination, perception, and cognition. Some LSD users experience flashbacks, often without warning, without the user having taken the drug again. Violence, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, convulsions, coma, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure may result from hallucinogen use.
Marijuana (pot, grass, hash, cannabis sativa, etc.) impairs memory, attention, coordination, and learning. Long- term effects of smoking marijuana include problems with memory, learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, loss of coordination, increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks. Persons who smoke marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, including daily cough and phlegm, chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. Because users of marijuana deeply inhale and hold marijuana smoke in their lungs, they incur a higher risk of getting lung cancer.
Narcotics (heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, pain medication [demerol, percodan, lortab, etc.]) may produce temporary euphoria followed by depression, drowsiness, cognitive impairment and vomiting. Narcotic use may cause convulsions, coma, and death. Tolerance and dependence tend to develop rapidly. Using contaminated syringes to inject drugs may result in contracting HIV and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis.
Nicotine (tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine chewing gum and patches) is highly addictive and, according to the surgeon general, the major cause of stroke and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Over time, higher levels of nicotine must be consumed in order to achieve the same effect. Nicotine consumption results in central nervous system sedation and, after initial activation, may cause drowsiness and depression. If women smoke cigarettes and also take oral contraceptives, they are more prone to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases than other smokers. Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes run an increased risk of having stillborn or premature infants or infants with low birth weight.
Sedative-hypnotics (depressants, Quaaludes, valium, Xanax, etc.) Depress central nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory functions. Sedative-hypnotic use may lower blood pressure, slow reactions, and distort reality. Convulsions, coma, and death are outcomes associated with sedative-hypnotic use. Consuming sedative- hypnotics with alcohol or 3.2 beer is especially dangerous.
Steroids (anabolic-androgenic) may permanently damage liver, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Possible side effects include liver tumors, cancer, jaundice, fluid retention, and hypertension. In men, steroids may cause shrinking of testicles; reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, breast development, and increased risk for prostate cancer. In women, steroid use may cause growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, menstrual changes, enlarged clitoris, and deepened voice.
Stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, speed, crystal, crank, ritalin, caffeine, various over-the-counter stimulants and diet aids) are powerful central nervous system stimulants that may increase agitation, physical activity, and anxiety. Stimulants may decrease appetite, dilate pupils, and cause sleeplessness. Dizziness, higher blood pressure, paranoia, mood disturbance, hallucination, dependence, convulsions, and death due to stroke or heart failure may also result from use.
Reference: National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health www.nida.hih.gov
Connors State College provides educational information regarding alcohol and drugs and the risk associated in the Health Services Office. Educational/awareness programs are sponsored by the Student Activities Office.
Connors State College recognizes its responsibility as an educational institution to promote a healthy and productive learning environment. To that end, and based on the policies established by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents and state and federal laws, the college has established a program to aid in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse by its students and employees.
Activities Prohibited by Connors State College Connors State College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of illegal drugs and alcohol in the workplace, on college property, or as a part of college sponsored activities.
Serious health risks associated with the use of drugs or the abuse of alcohol include, but are not limited to: addiction to or dependency upon the substance, memory loss, liver failure, kidney failure, cancer of the kidney or liver, personal injuries while under the influence, infectious diseases, including aids (if needles or other delivery devices are shared), a lowered immune system, heart damage, loss of ability to concentrate or reason, personality changes, insanity, hallucinations, delusions, depression, inability to sleep or to remain awake, loss of judgment, and death. The use of drugs or alcohol before or during pregnancy can lead to birth defects or death to the children involved.
Available Counseling, Prevention, and Educational Programs
The following counseling, prevention, and educational programs are available to employees and students. Any employee or student may obtain educational literature with respect to alcohol and drug abuse from the Student Health Services Office or campus security.
Any employee or student wishing to receive assistance on a voluntary basis is encouraged to contact Student Health Services for a confidential meeting. Any assistance provided is confidential and includes referral to outside professional services.
An employee or student may also be referred for assistance by his or her supervisor, instructor, counselor, or campus nurse. Anyone referred for assistance must make an appointment with Student Health Services. Failure to make an appointment upon referral may result in disciplinary action in accordance with college policies.
Local Drug/Alcohol Treatment Resources
Green Country Behavioral Health Services
619 N. Main
Muskogee, OK 74401
918-682-8407
MCCOYS Counseling
4009 Eufaula Ave
Muskogee, OK 74401
918-682-2841
Monarch Inc.
2310 W. Broadway
Muskogee, OK 74401
918-682-7210
Legal Sanctions
Federal and state laws impose severe penalties on those who illegally possess, use, or distribute drugs or alcohol. The potential sanctions may depend on the quantity of the drug involved and whether the charge is made under state or federal law. Potential sanctions include, but are not limited to: fines, incarceration, and/or community service requirements.
Convictions become a part of an individuals criminal record and may preclude certain career opportunities.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a person may become liable for personal injuries or property damage which occurs because he/she illegally sells or, in some circumstances, furnishes illegal drugs or alcohol to another person. This liability may include injuries or death of the person to whom the illegal drugs or alcohol were furnished, and may include liability to third persons who are injured or suffer property damage by the actions of a person who was illegally furnished drugs or alcohol.
Enforcement The college will impose disciplinary sanctions on students, visitors, and employees, who unlawfully manufacture, distribute, possess or use illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace, on college property, or as a part of a college sponsored event. Violations of these standards of conduct can result in referral for criminal prosecution, satisfactory completion of an appropriate drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, and disciplinary action up to, and including, termination from employment, suspension, removal from housing, or expulsion from the college.
Employees, including student employees, are required to notify their supervisor of a criminal conviction of a drug-related offense which occurred in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days following the conviction. Information related to the drug and alcohol prevention program will be available for review in supervisory offices, student health services, and campus security offices.