Students Rights and Responsibilities: Student Alcohol and Drug Use Policy and Procedures
Alcohol
A student shall be prohibited from using, possessing, controlling, manufacturing, transmitting, distributing, selling, or being under the influence of intoxicating beverages on College District property, in College District vehicles, and at College District-related activities. With the prior consent of the College President and notification to the Board at a Board meeting, these provisions may be waived with respect to a specific location on College District property or a specific event that is sponsored by the College District.
State law shall be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the College District in regard to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Controlled Substances
No student shall possess, use, control, manufacture, transmit, distribute, sell, or attempt to possess, use, control, manufacture, transmit, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of, any of the following substances on College District property, in College District vehicles, or at College District-related activities:
- Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.
- Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.
- Any performance-enhancing substance, including steroids.
- Any designer drug.
- Any other intoxicant or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drug.
The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above-listed substances shall also be prohibited under this policy.
Exceptions
It shall not be considered a violation of this policy if the student:
- Uses or possesses a controlled substance or drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically for that student's use;
- Possesses a controlled substance or drug that a licensed physician has prescribed for the student's child or other individual for whom the student is a legal guardian
- Cultivates, possesses, transports, or sells hemp as authorized by law; or
- Possesses, sells, or distributes Dextromethorphan.
Paraphernalia
The use, possession, control, manufacture, transmission, distribution, or sale of paraphernalia related to any prohibited substance is prohibited.
Violation
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. [See FM] Such disciplinary action may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs or student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.
Notice
Each student taking one or more classes for any type of academic credit except for continuing education units shall be given a copy of the College District's policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law, and a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
For more information, students may contact Raquel A. Peña at the Office of the Director of Student Discipline/Title IX Coordinator (Memorial Hall Room 227, Phone 956.794.4988, Email: rapena@laredo.edu).
Student Conduct: Alcohol and Drug Use FLBE (LOCAL)
Student Alcohol and Drug Use Procedures
Introduction
The purpose of FLBE(LOCAL) policy is to implement the federal "Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986" and subsequent updates to this act. Laredo College is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, lawful and productive working and educational environment for students. Studies have shown that excessive use of alcohol and/or use of illegal drugs and controlled substances increases the potential for accidents, absenteeism, tardiness, and poor performance by students.
The intent of this policy is to make Laredo College a better place to study by upgrading the mental and physical health of the total College community. LC’s Student Alcohol and Drug Use Policy acknowledges the freedom of choice for individuals who require or seek assistance and/or referral. The intent of this policy is not to restrict individual freedom, but rather to encourage students, primarily through education and information efforts, to make intelligent choices about drugs, controlled substances and alcohol use and abuse. In implementing LC’s Student Alcohol and Drug Use Policy, administrators, faculty, and supervisors must exercise sound and reasonable judgment while protecting the rights of individual students and other personnel. Reason and common sense must be guidelines in the execution of the policy and procedures.
Training and Education
Drug and alcohol abuse prevention education shall be included in college-sponsored student programs. Additional drug/alcohol prevention and educational programs will be provided through programming lectures, community service, student activity programs, presentations and participation in state/national campaigns. These activities are scheduled throughout the year for LC’s campuses and the community at large. The LC Manual of Policy is available online and includes all Federal, State, and Local Policies applicable to the college. Students may access the LC Manual of Policy through LC’s Web Page (www.laredo.edu) - Homepage; select - Campus Information, select - Manual of Policy – Students – Actual Policy FLBE(LOCAL).
Notification
The college shall inform its students of this policy and referral services through various means, such as, the Student Handbook, brochures available in the Student Success Center, and student sponsored "drug and alcohol free" related activities each semester.
Applicability and Scope
FLBE(LOCAL) policy applies to all students of Laredo College and all organizational elements that occupy space in/or conveyances, dormitories, offices, buildings, facilities, or grounds over which Laredo College has custody and control. This policy does not cancel or supersede other state and federal laws, orders, instructions or regulations which make the use, possession and/or distribution of controlled substances illegal.
Biennial Review
Laredo College will biennially review its Student Alcohol and Drug Use Policy to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed to comply with the enforcement of this policy. This handbook addresses the requirements for the implementation of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and subsequent amendments to this act.
For further information regarding LC’s Student Alcohol and Drug Use Policy contact the following individuals:
Counseling and Disability Services: 956.721.5137
Director of Student Discipline/Title IX Coordinator: 956.794.4988