LBCC’s Alcohol and Drug Free Program

I. Introduction

Linn-Benton Community College is legally required and morally committed to the prevention of illegal drug use and the abuse of alcohol by both students and employees.  Drug and alcohol abuse is a significant public health problem which has spread throughout our society, affecting performance and productivity, as well as our level of general health.  In addition, the use of drugs can adversely affect an organization’s level of safety as well as its public confidence and trust.  And lastly, with reference to “The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226),” “...No institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any Federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it certifies to the Secretary that it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees...” 

In brief, this document has been developed by LBCC to comply with the current federal law and to educate and inform its students and employees of the health risks, counseling and treatment resources, and sanctions for noncompliance.  Linn-Benton will biennially review this program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes if needed and to ensure the sanctions required are consistently enforced.

II. Standards of Conduct

Students

The LBCC Student Rights, Responsibilities & Conduct document defines the following behaviors as violations of the standards of student conduct: 

“The following are examples of the categories of misconduct for which students may be subject to disciplinary action: . . . unlawful possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages, narcotics or dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by college policy . . . .”  In addition, no student regardless of age may use, possess or distribute alcoholic beverages or controlled substances when traveling with LBCC to any college-sponsored trip, activity, or other event, during the entire course of travel.

“Participating in some programs may require a criminal background check or drug/alcohol testing. LBCC and its partners reserve the right to perform criminal background checks and/or drug/alcohol tests for programs that involve placement contact with vulnerable populations or when mandated by external agencies in accordance with employers and in accordance with state and federal law. Examples may include, but are not limited, to cooperative education, service learning and child care.
The document may be viewed online at www.linnbenton.edu/student-rights.

Employees

The Board of Education seeks to ensure compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). It is also the goal of the board that the college intentionally promotes the highest quality educational experience for students by utilizing a workforce whose performance is not impeded by the use of drugs or alcohol.

LBCC specifically prohibits the use, distribution or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or other unauthorized controlled substance while engaged in work duties on campus (including parking areas and grounds). This prohibition includes the use of such substances during non-work time (such as personal meal/break time) or while otherwise performing their work duties away from college premises, if such use may result in job impairment.

This prohibition also applies to employees traveling over-night for college related functions who may be called upon or responsible for student related services, as impairment may inhibit service quality and may cause potential liability under the college’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance policies. Included within this prohibition are lawful controlled substances which have been illegally or improperly obtained.

Drugs and alcohol are not allowed on campus or at college-related functions except as they relate to the teaching/learning process, or as specifically allowed and sanctioned by Administrative Rule 5045-01- Use of College Facilities and Food/Conference Services.

All employees and/or sponsors of any on-campus or College-sponsored activity or social event at which alcoholic beverages are served must abide by all applicable laws. Sponsors must obtain and follow applicable procedures. 

III. A Description of the Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

Illicit Drugs

Marijuana is addictive and can cause impaired short-term memory, visual tracking, heart rate, slowed reaction time/poor coordination, lung disease and damage to reproductive functions.

Cocaine and Crack are highly addictive and may cause impaired judgment, short attention span, irritability, depression, mood swings, malnutrition, severe weight loss and liver damage, coma, seizure and heart attack.

PCP, LSD, Heroin, Mescaline and Morphine have a wide variety of negative health effects which may include hallucinations, mental confusion and/or permanent loss of mental function, addiction, convulsions, coma or death.

Prescription Drugs are too often used to reduce stress and are not safe unless they are taken as prescribed. If abused, they can lead to malnutrition, sluggishness or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, addiction and brain damage, coma, or death.

Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug and can cause loss of concentration, poor judgment and coordination, impaired memory, drowsiness and mood swings, liver damage/cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and heart attack, pancreatitis, various cancers and heart disease.

IV. A Description of the Applicable Legal Sanctions under Local, State, and Federal Law for Unlawful Possession, Use, or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

The following chart describes the penalties in general for possession of key drugs according to the Federal Drug Schedules.

Delivery of less than 5 grams or possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana is a violation. HB2479 establishes that with mandatory evaluation, education and treatment services for those under 18 years of age. If services are successfully completed, the charge will be dropped. Oregon has strong laws allowing cars, boats, etc. that transport illegal drugs to be seized and forfeited. Alcohol is an illegal drug for those under 21 years of age. For drivers under 18, ANY detectable amount of alcohol is grounds for losing their license until they are 18. Misrepresenting one’s age for the purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages is a Class C Misdemeanor. There are many more laws pertaining to alcohol and other drugs. A criminal conviction may bar a student from their chosen career path or an employee from successful employment with the college. 

V. LBCC Sanctions

Students

Sanctions which may be imposed on students for violations of the code include disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation (a written warning by the dean of student services or college president), temporary exclusion (removal for up to two class periods or longer), suspension (exclusion from classes and activities and/or forfeiture of the right to enter the campus, expulsion (termination of student status), and others.

Employees

The college will impose sanctions or require satisfactory completion of a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Sanctions imposed may include disciplinary probation (the suspension of a more severe penalty for a specific time period, based upon good behavior), suspension (the temporary barring from employment for a specific time period, without pay), and/or termination (the severance of employment with the college).

VI. Assistance Programs Available to Students and Employees

College Resources for Students:

College Resources for Employees:

LBCC provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available to all contracted employees. Through this program, each employee and his or her dependents are allowed five visits per year at no cost for appraisal, limited counseling and/or referral. All employee contact with EAP is strictly confidential. Phone numbers for EAP include: (800-922-7009; Corvallis (541-754-8004) or Eugene (541-344-6929).