Drug and Alcohol Policy
DRUG-FREE CAMPUS PROGRAM
MCC is committed to providing its students and employees the opportunity for advancement academically, on the job, and in life in general. Misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, have been proven to hamper individuals’ ability to take advantage of such opportunities.
Consider the facts:
Ø Alcohol and other drug abuse is a serious workplace problem. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that approximately 68 percent of all illegal drug users are employed either full-or-part-time.
Ø The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 1 in every 10 people in this country has an alcohol problem.
Ø Workers who use alcohol and other drugs affect everyone. In fact, studies show alcohol and other drug users:
· Are far less productive.
· Miss more workdays (4-5 times higher absenteeism).
· Are two times more likely to injure themselves or someone else.
· File more workers compensation claims.
Ø Alcoholism is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., ranking only behind mental illness, heart disease, and cancer.
Ø Alcohol and other drug abuse increase the chances of crime, violence, injuries, automobile crashes, heart disease, strokes, cancer, emphysema and a long list of other concerns. Young people (15 to 24 years of age) make up the only age group in the U.S. whose life expectancy is decreasing due to alcohol and other drug abuse.
Ø A significant portion of the American workforce abuse illegal and prescription drugs.
Ø Alcohol and other drug use activities can carry severe penalties. Under Florida law, depending on the type and amount of drug involved, a person convicted of using, possessing, selling, purchasing, distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance is subject to penalties ranging from probation to thirty years in prison and fines up to $500.00. Habitual offenders, who have been convicted two or more times for a drug related felony, may be subject to life imprisonment. Federal penalties for illegal drug activities carry prison sentences ranging from probation to life in prison as well as more severe fines. Alcohol and other drug convictions can also result in the loss of driving privileges.
MCC ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG-FREE POLICY
Congress has recognized the epidemic affliction alcohol and other drug use is having on an individual and American society. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 were passed and implemented at a result. MCC, in order to accept Federal grants and awards, must adhere to the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, 34 Code of Federal Regulations Section 86.100 Subpart B – Institutions of Higher Education. MCC will not tolerate the manufacture, distribution, possession, or use/abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs on any campus or at any MCC-sponsored events, unless prior authorization by the President of the College has been obtained. MCC adopts the following policy in accordance with its commitment to its students and employees:
- Any student or employee who possesses or use alcohol or other drugs on any MCC campus or at any MCC sponsored event off campus will be subject to disciplinary action to include dismissal in some cases. Disciplinary action for students is outlined in the MCC Student Handbook. Disciplinary action for employees is outlined in the MCC Rules and Procedures Manual.
- Any student or employee who illegally sells or manufactures alcohol or other drugs on any MCC campus or at an MCC sponsored event off-campus will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the MCC Student Handbook and MCC Rules and Procedures Manuals. MCC may require proof that the individual is drug free after using drug rehabilitation or another accepted intervention.
- The college has the responsibility to refer for prosecution anyone engaging in illegal alcohol or other drug activity on MCC campuses or at MCC sponsored events.
- Any student or employee convicted of any alcohol or other drug related offense must notify the Administration within five days of such conviction. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
- Any student or employee using prescribed or over-the-counter medication, which may affect work performance or create a safety hazard, shall notify Student Services (if a student) or immediate supervisor (if an employee). Appropriate action will be taken to prevent concerns on campus.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ASSISTANCE AT MCC
Manatee Community College values the health and welfare of its students and employees. Alcohol and drug abuse (addiction) is recognized as a treatable disease. The Administration of MCC, as part of its policy to maintain a drug free campus, desires to:
§ Help students and employees identify alcohol and other drug misuse/abuse at the earliest possible stage.
§ Educate students and employees regarding signs and symptoms of the addiction process.
§ Motivate students and employees to seek intervention from the most qualified resources available on campus and in the community.
§ Recognize that students and employees who experience concerns with alcohol and other drug misuse/abuse are entitled to the same respect, confidentiality of intervention services and records handling, as those who experience other medical concerns or conditions which may impair work performance.
§ Students or employees who suspect problems with alcohol and other drug misuse/abuse are encouraged to contact the Director of the Institute of Alcohol and Drug Education on MCC campus (telephone 752-5284) or the Director of Human Resources (telephone 752-5375). A trained professional will assist in the assessment of the problem and provide information regarding appropriate services available on campus and/or within the community.
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE HELD IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANYONE EXCEPT BY THE INDIVIDUAL’S WRITTEN CONSENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL GUIDELINES OF CONFIDENTIALITY.
THIS SERVICE IS VOLUNTARY AND CONFIDENTIAL!!!
I have read the
Manatee Community College’s Drug Free Campus Program and fully understand my obligations and responsibilities as outlined therein. I understand that adherence to this program is a condition of my employment.
Date:________________
Print Name:__________________ Signature:_____________________
