It is the College’s policy for all students and College personnel that the possession of, the distribution of, or the use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. We are committed to providing a drug-free learning and working environment. We have included in our orientation credit course, which is required of all entering students, a section on drug awareness. The College has and shall maintain a drug-free awareness program as an in-service requirement (annually) to inform employees about:
- the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
- the College’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
- any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, or employee assistance program; and
- the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.
WARNING: As set out more fully in Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, for anyone convicted of drug distribution or possession, the court may suspend eligibility for Title IV financial aid. Anyone convicted three or more times for drug distribution may become permanently ineligible to receive Title IV financial aid.
Philosophy
The College is concerned with both the welfare of the College community and with the academic and personal development of each student. The College strives to create a safe and healthy environment; one in which the high risk of alcohol and other drugs does not interfere with learning, performance and development. Substance abuse disrupts this environment and places at risk the lives and well-being of the members of the College as well as the potential of students for contribution to society. It is important for all members of the College to take responsibility for preventing the illegal or high risk use of alcohol or other drugs from negatively affecting the College’s learning environment and the academic physical and emotional well-being of its students.
The College assumes that students are mature adults who have developed mature behavior patterns, positive attitudes, and conduct above reproach. Students must assume responsibility for their own actions.
The College recognizes that the use of drug and alcoholic beverages poses potential risk to the health and safety of members of the College and to the community at large. The College policies and procedures regarding standards of conduct and enforcement; legal sanctions regarding unlawful use, possession or distribution; federal, state, and local ordinances; health risks, and where to get assistance are offered here to serve as a guide in Northwest Shoals’ Drug and Alcohol Prevention Policy.
I. Policy
It is the policy of the College that during the month of September of each academic year, information regarding the College’s drug and alcohol abuse prevention policy shall be distributed to each student and employee of the College. The campus Student Life Specialist shall review its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program and shall:
- Determine the effectiveness of its program and report to the President any revisions needed by the program to make it more effective;
- Ensure that the standards of conduct described in Part II hereof are fairly and consistently enforced; and
- Submit a written report to the President stating the findings and recommendations of the Team.
The President shall implement such of the Team’s recommended revisions as he shall deem appropriate and reasonable.
II. Standards of Conduct and Enforcement
The College is a public educational institution of the State of Alabama and, as such, shall not permit on its premises, or at any activity which it sponsors, the possession, use, or distribution of any alcoholic beverage or any illicit drug by any student, employee, or visitor. In the event of the confirmation of such prohibited possession, use, or distribution by a student or employee, the College shall, within the scope of applicable federal and state due process requirements, take such administrative or disciplinary action as is appropriate. For a student, the disciplinary action may include, but shall not be limited to, probation, suspension or expulsion. For an employee, such administrative action may include, but shall not be limited to, reprimand, or suspension, or termination of employment, or requirement that the employee participate in and/or successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program. Any visitor engaging in any act prohibited by this policy shall be called upon to immediately cease such behavior and/or leave the premises, be trespassed by Campus Safety or arrested.
If any employee, student, or visitor shall engage in any behavior prohibited by this policy which is also a violation of federal, state, or local law or ordinance, that employee, student, or visitor shall be subject to referral to law enforcement officials for arrest and prosecution.
III. Where to Get Assistance
Help is available for persons who are in need of counseling or other treatment for substance abuse. Following are several agencies and organizations which can assist those in need of such services.
A. On-Campus Assistance
On-campus assistance is available at the College for students and employees of the College through the Division of Student Services on both the Phil Campbell and Shoals Campuses. The Campus Assistance Program offers initial assessment and counseling services, information on substance abuse, and assistance in obtaining off-campus community services. Services provided on-campus are free of charge to the student and/or employee. Costs for off-campus services are the responsibility of the recipient. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with state and federal laws.
B. National Toll-Free Hotlines
1.800.622.2255
National Council on Alcoholism
C. Local Agencies and Referral Numbers
Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center
1100 7th Avenue
Jasper, Alabama 35501
205.387.0541
Satellites
Northwest Alabama Mental Health
71 Carraway Drive
Haleyville, Alabama 35565
205.486.4111
Northwest Alabama Mental Health
409 1st Street S.E.
Hamilton, Alabama 35570
205.921.2186
Bradford Health Services
1.800.879.7272
Riverbend Mental Health
P.O. Box 941
Florence, Alabama 35631
256.764.3431
Sunrise Lodge
1163 Washington Avenue S.W.
Russellville, Alabama 35653
256.332.0078