Drug Policy (Student Section)

Drugs

The College of Charleston is concerned with both the welfare of the College community and the academic and personal development of each student. The College strives to create a healthy environment where the illegal and/or improper use of drugs does not interfere with learning, performance, or development. Abuse of drugs disrupts this environment and places at risk the lives and well-being of the members of the College community, as well as the potential for students to contribute to society. It is important for all members of the college community to take responsibility for preventing the illegal and/or improper use of drugs from negatively affecting the community’s learning environment and the academic, physical, and emotional well-being of its students. Since there are numerous means by which the use of drugs may adversely affect both students and the College community, it is important that the College issue to all students a clear statement of policy concerning the illegal and/or improper use of drugs.

This policy is intended to accomplish the following:

• To promote a healthy and safe learning environment.
• To demonstrate the commitment of the College to the provision of:
  1. Education and prevention services designed to help prevent illegal and/or improper use of drugs.
  2. Early intervention and referral services related to the illegal and/or improper use of drugs.
• To encourage and facilitate the use of treatment and support services by those students who seek or are in need of assistance.
• To define expectations for student behavior with respect to the illegal and/or improper use of drugs.
• To identify appropriate disciplinary procedures for those students who engage in illegal and/or improper drug-related behaviors.

Education, Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment
The College’s first obligation in dealing with drug problems is to educate the College community. This obligation is addressed by a variety of prevention and education programs which are offered, including formal and informal classes, lectures, discussions, and activities that address both drug-abuse prevention and drug-related problems. Students are encouraged to participate in the numerous campus organizations and activities that promote drug-free experiences. A list of student organizations is available in the Stern Student Center. Current information about the risks and statistics related to drug use are available to students. Educational efforts also address personal intervention skills to help members of the College community to better respond to students demonstrating problems related to the use of drugs. As drug abuse is a societal issue, the College will also conduct research and offer expertise in this area as a public service.

A second responsibility of the College is to promote an atmosphere where students who have a problem with drug use will have the opportunity to seek help. Each student seeking assistance will be provided an opportunity for an individual diagnostic assessment and will be offered information on, or referral to appropriate services which address the improper use of drugs, including the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Available services may include educational activities, structured groups, counseling, and self-help groups. Some of these services are offered on campus at no cost to the student. The cost of off-campus services is the responsibility of the student.

Students may receive assessment, counseling, and educational services from the Office of Substance Abuse Services, 953-5640, or from off-campus treatment providers.

This policy is not intended to create obligations or restrictions which may interfere with the confidential nature of counseling, clinical, or therapeutic relationships. Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with state and federal laws.

Violations that occur within our residential system are not only violations of our community standards for students residing in housing but also of our campus community standards and values.

Violations
This policy prohibits:

• The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, attempted purchase, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances, including prescription medication distribution and use of non-anabolic steroids.
• The possession or sale of drug paraphernalia (such as roach clips, bongs, water pipes, cocaine spoons).
• The distribution or delivery of an imitation (“look alike”) non-controlled substance represented as a controlled substance by college students as set forth in the South Carolina Code of Laws.

The term "controlled substances" when used in this policy shall refer to those drugs and substances whose possession, sale, or delivery results in criminal sanctions under South Carolina law.

As citizens, students have responsibility for knowing of and complying with the provisions of state law referenced above. Any student who violates any of these laws is subject to prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities as well as to disciplinary procedures conducted by the College which may precede criminal or civil proceedings. It is not "double jeopardy" for both the civil authorities and the College to proceed to sanction of a person for the same specified conduct.

Penalties
The College considers any violation of the drug policy to be a serious offense. The College will respond to all reported violations of this policy in accordance with the disciplinary procedures published in the Student Handbook. Residential students will be referred to the Dean of Students office for adjudication. Sanctions imposed may be influenced, in part, by mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

The sanctions imposed by the College for students found responsible for a drug-related violation follow:

Trafficking and distributing illegal drugs -- Prior to hearing -- Because the distribution of illegal drugs is a threat and danger to both the health and safety of the community, when there is reason to believe, based on available facts, that the student represents an immediate threat to the safety, health, or welfare of herself/himself, other persons, or property, the College may immediately suspend alleged offenders prior to a hearing, in accordance with policies as published in the Student Handbook.

Following the hearing -- Students found responsible for the illegal distribution of drugs or controlled substances will be expelled in accordance with disciplinary procedures as published in the Student Handbook.

Possession or use of illegal drugs -- Students found responsible for the use or possession of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or the distribution of prescription medications will

• Be removed from campus housing if a residential student and the incident occurred within our residential system with full payment of the contract due.
• Be placed on disciplinary suspension from the College for a minimum of one semester.
• Have re-admission to the College dependent on successful completion of a pre-approved substance abuse counseling program.

Possession or sale of drug paraphernalia -- For students found in violation of the drug paraphernalia sections of this policy, the College’s response will be determined on a case-by- case basis in accordance with disciplinary procedures as published in the Student Handbook or Guide to Residence Living.

Eligibility for Financial Aid
Students found in violation of the alcohol and drug laws jeopardize their ability to receive federal financial aid, College of Charleston scholarships and South Carolina Scholarships for which they might otherwise be eligible.

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