Drug and Alcohol Abuse Information
The Law
RRCC is a state-system community college governed by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. Board policy requires RRCC to comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendments of 1989 (PL 101 226 in Federal law). A copy of this law is on file in the Human Resources Office for your reference. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program includes:
Code of Conduct
Neither students nor employees shall engage in the unauthorized or unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, use, or abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs on college property or as a part of any college activity. This includes the use, distribution, or possession of "medical marijuana," which remains a violation of Federal law. See the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook for more information. www.rrcc.edu/student-life/handbook.
Legal Sanctions
There are legal sanctions for violations of the Code of Conduct. Any student or employee who is convicted of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, use, or abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol is subject to criminal penalties under local, state, and federal law. These penalties range in severity from a fine of $100 up to $8,000,000 and/or life imprisonment. The exact penalty assessed depends upon the nature and severity of the individual offense.
College Penalties
The college will impose penalties against students and employees who violate the Code of Conduct. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action under student and employee disciplinary policies. The sanctions include, but are not limited to, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college or probation, suspension, or termination of employment, and referral to authorities for prosecution as appropriate.
Illegal Substances
A controlled substances schedule is on file in the Student Life Office and in the Campus Police Department.
Illegally possessing, using, distributing, or manufacturing any narcotic, dangerous drug, or controlled substance as classified by federal, state, and local laws, or appearing on campus while under the influence of any illegally obtained narcotic, dangerous, or controlled substance is a crime and violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Under federal law, marijuana (including "medical marijuana") is a Schedule I substance. Its possession and/or use on any College property is illegal and subject to prosecution and College sanctions. All students must comply with the RRCC Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendment of 1989 (PL101-226).
Health Risks
Many health risks are associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Risks include, but are not limited to, malnutrition, brain damage, heart disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, mental illness, death, low-birth-weight babies, and babies born with drug addictions. Personal relationships, family dynamics, and the ability to work and study are also at risk. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program information and counseling services are available through the Behavioral Health Counseling Office located in the Student Health & Counseling Center.
Community Resources
Consult the yellow pages of the local telephone book for a listing of all private and community-based programs. Check listings under "Alcoholism Treatment" and "Drug Abuse Information and Treatment." For 24-hour assistance, call:
- National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-784-6776
- National HOPEline Network: 1-800-273-8255