Drug-Free Workplace and Campus Policy

Although individuals often use drugs and alcohol to achieve a variety of effects on mind and body that are found to be temporarily useful or pleasurable, drugs can be highly addictive and injurious. A person can pay a price in terms of his or her physical, emotional, and social health. This can lead to risk taking behavior in regards to sexual health, the incidence of unwanted or unprotected sex when one is under the influence of drugs or alcohol is significantly raised, and drugs can be the trigger for violent crime. Economic and legal problems usually result when one tries to support a drug habit by resorting to crime. The dependence, illness, loss of job, and loss of family or friends that can result from drug or alcohol use and abuse can be tragic. In keeping with the mission of Prescott College and the requirements of state and federal law, Prescott College has adopted this program to ensure a drug-free campus and workplace and to prevent the use of controlled substances and the abuse of alcohol.

While the College’s alcohol policy reflects current interpretations of federal, state and local laws governing the possession, distribution, and use of alcohol, it also expresses the College’s commitment to responsible drinking and behavior. The following regulations apply to all functions sponsored by College groups on and off campus. Non-College groups that use College facilities may not serve alcohol unless approved by the College.

For the purposes of this policy, “function” is defined as a gathering sponsored by Prescott College, or any of its constituent groups, at which alcohol is served. The presence of alcohol at these functions creates a need to manage the activity with care and to be more concerned with the conduct of those present. Those who plan to choose to attend functions where alcoholic beverages will be served and consumed must assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

College functions that take place off-campus at establishments licensed to sell alcohol are not governed by the College’s alcohol policy. College functions that take place off-campus at locations not licensed to sell alcohol are governed by the College’s alcohol policy. Federal, state, and local laws (and not the College’s alcohol policy) govern off-campus employee sponsored functions, such as class parties and field trips; however, sponsors have the right to prohibit alcohol consumption. The Kino Center, Dopoi Center, Tucson Center, and field trips are considered on-campus and are governed by the College’s alcohol policy.

Inform the group advisor or other sponsor of both planned activities and the person(s) responsible for the event at least 72 hours in advance of the event. Focus on a theme rather than on alcohol. When alcohol is served, encourage mature and responsible use. A general guideline is one keg per 55 legal drinkers or one 12-ounce can of beer per hour, per person. Designate officers or members who will not drink alcohol during the functions. Sponsor activities that do not require driving afterwards if alcohol is served. Help guests find escorts or transportation home if needed. Call Security for assistance with oncampus emergencies. Observe proper fire and building codes with respect to maximum occupancy.

All use and distribution of alcohol is subject to state laws and regulations, which include the following duties and prohibitions: • No person or organization may sell, furnish, or give alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21, except as otherwise permitted by law.

• No person under the age of 21 is allowed to consume or possess alcoholic beverages, except as otherwise permitted by law.  
• No person authorized to sell or serve alcoholic beverages may consume such beverages while they are so engaged or employed.
• No person or organization may serve or sell alcoholic beverages to any intoxicated or disorderly person, and such intoxicated persons shall not be allowed to remain on or about premises in which alcoholic beverages are furnished for more than 30 minutes after the state of intoxication is known or should be known to a person selling or serving alcoholic beverages.
• Any person or organization authorized to serve alcoholic beverages who has reason to question whether the person ordering or attempting to order alcoholic beverages is under the age of 21 shall require that person to show an identification card, which includes a photograph, proving that the individual is at least 21 years of age.
• No person under the legal drinking age may misrepresent his or her age with the intent to induce another to sell or serve alcohol contrary to law.
• No person may solicit another person to purchase, sell, or serve alcohol contrary to law.

Prescott College, in all actions, will seek to uphold local, state, and federal laws. Insofar as permitted by these laws, Prescott College will apply sanctions that could lead to a student being fined, suspended, or expelled, or an employee being disciplined, suspended, or dismissed for violation of Prescott College’s standards of conduct. Students and employees may also be referred for prosecution. Disciplinary sanctions may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, at the student’s or employee’s expense, if necessary.

Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal possession of a controlled substance include the following:  

• First conviction: up to 1 year in prison, fine of $1,000 to $100,000, or both
• Second conviction: at least 15 days and up to 2 years imprisonment, $5,000 to $250,000 fine, or both
• After two drug convictions: at least 90 days and up to 3 years in prison, $5,000 to $250,000 fine, or both. Special federal sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine include a mandatory prison term of at least 5 years and up to 20 years, fine of up to $250,000, or both, for a first conviction if the amount of crack exceeds 5 grams, for a second conviction if amount exceeds 3 grams, and for a third or subsequent conviction if the amount exceeds 1 gram.
• Additional federal sanctions may also apply, including forfeiture of vehicles used to transport controlled substances; denial of federal benefits including student loans, grants, and contracts; and denial or revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits

Any student convicted of any drug-related criminal offense must notify the Director of Financial Aid, in writing, no later than five (5) days after such conviction, regardless of where the offense occurred. This is because under federal and state laws, any student convicted of a drug-related felony offense during a period of enrollment in which the student was receiving federal student aid must be denied all federal and state assistance, including Pell Grants. However, a criminal conviction shall not be necessary to find that a student has violated these standards of conduct, and Prescott College need not, and ordinarily will not, defer their own actions and sanctions pending the outcome of any criminal proceeding.

Following is a listing of classic danger signals that may indicate the presence of a drug or alcohol problem:

• Abrupt changes in mood or attitude.
• Decreased efficiency at work or at school.
• Frequent absences, tardiness, and/or early departures.
• Relationship problems with family, friends, and co-workers.
• Unusual outbursts of anger and hostility.
• Social withdrawal.

If you observe any of these changes in yourself or another student, you are encouraged to talk with a counselor.

In accordance with Clery Act regulations, College “Pastoral Counselors” and College “Professional Counselors,” when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

As a matter of policy, the counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics. Abuse of alcohol or drugs can lead to dependency and addiction, with serious consequences for personal health and overall quality of life. There are drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation facilities available in the Prescott area where students and employees may seek advice and treatment. 

There are also organizations that may be contacted for help. The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Hotline (1-877- 437-8422) and the Cocaine Hotline (1-866-535-7046) are open 24 hours a day. The National Institute on Treatment Referral Hotline (1-800-662-4357) is available from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday and from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekends.