Campus Drug & Alcohol Policies

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON CAMPUS OR AS PART OF ANY COLLEGE ACTIVITY

Pueblo Community College (PCC) is a Community College governed by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (Board). Board Policy 19- 30, Drug-Free Schools and Workplaces, requires the College to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendments Act of 1989 (20 U.S.C. § 1011i). The College has adopted the following Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program.

Standard of Conduct

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendments Act, Pueblo Community College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance (illicit drugs and alcohol) of any kind and in any amount, including marijuana. These prohibitions cover any individual’s actions which are part of any College activities, including those occurring while on college property or in the conduct of college business away from the campus. A student or employee who violates this policy will be subject to both criminal sanctions and College sanctions as described below.

Legal Sanctions for Violation of the Standards of Conduct

Any student or employee who is convicted of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use/abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol is subject to criminal penalties under local, state, and federal law. Following is a non- exhaustive list of drug and alcohol sanctions, which may be amended by subsequent legislation.

Federal Sanctions

• A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, scholarships, contracts, and licenses. Federal drug distribution convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to five years for a first conviction, ten years for a second conviction and permanent denial for subsequent convictions. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to one year for a first conviction and up to five years for subsequent convictions. 21 U.S.C. § 862.
• Penalties for federal drug possession charges start with up to one year in prison and a fine of no less than $1,000. Subsequent convictions face more severe prison sentences (up to three years) and fines ($5,000). 21 U.S.C. § 844.
• Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved. The minimum penalty for a conviction is one year in prison and a fine up to $100,000, and the maximum penalty is life in prison and a fine up to $10,000,000. If the conviction involves death or serious bodily injury, or an individual has prior drug convictions, the penalties are more severe. 21 U.S.C. § 841. A complete chart of federal drug trafficking sanctions is maintained by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

State of Colorado Sanctions

• State laws regulating the production, dispensation, possession, and use of alcohol and drugs are generally found in Titles 12 and 18 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.).
• At the state level, drug offenses are classified as petty offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies. Petty offenses may carry a fine up to $100 and community service. Misdemeanor offenses range from a $50 fine to 18 months in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000. Felony drug offenses range from 6 months to 32 years imprisonment, and fines ranging from $1,000 to $1,000,000. Title 18, Article 1.3 and Article 18, C.R.S.
• A person under the age of 21 who possesses alcohol or less than two ounces of marijuana, or who consumes alcohol or marijuana, may be subject to a fine up to $100 and/or mandated substance abuse education for a first-time offense. Subsequent offenses carry higher fines, up to $250, submission to a substance abuse assessment, and up to 36 hours of useful public service. C.R.S. § 18-13-122.
• The provision of alcohol to any person under the age of 21, a visibly intoxicated person, or a known alcoholic is a misdemeanor and may be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or 18 months in jail. C.R.S. § 44- 3-904.
• Operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can be subject to a $1,000 fine, and/or up to one year in jail, license revocation, and community service for a first-time offense. Driving while ability impaired, a lesser offense, can be subject to 180 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. Subsequent DUI or DWAI offenses are subject to higher fines and jail time. C.R.S. §§ 42-4-1301—1308.

Local Sanctions

• Depending on where the College is located, local ordinances may also prohibit a variety of offenses for drug and alcohol violations. Learn more about local ordinances at https://library.municode.com/co. 

Overall, the exact penalty assessed depends upon the nature and severity of the individual offense, as well as prior convictions.

Penalties Which May be Imposed by the College

Students and/or employees who violate the above standard of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the applicable student and employee disciplinary policies and procedures. The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a requirement to complete an appropriate rehabilitation or re-entry program, discipline up to and including expulsion for students and termination for employees, and/or referral to authorities for prosecution.

Health Risks Associated with Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

There are numerous health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Risk of dependence;
• Short-term effects: mild dehydration, vomiting, blackouts/short-term memory loss, sleeplessness, anxiety, restlessness, and inflammation;
• Long-term effects: malnutrition, brain damage, heart disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, mental illness, death, low birth weight babies, and babies with drug addictions; and/or
• Risk of overdose

More specific information about the health effects of alcohol and commonly used drugs can be found on the National Institutes of Health websites: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or the URL at: www.niaaa.nih.gov or National Institute on Drug Abuse or the URL at: www.drugabuse.gov. 

Treatment and Referral

Referral for counseling, treatment, rehabilitation and treatment programs can be found at PCC's Human Resource website, the PCC Health Clinic’s website, or throughout the community. Referral programs and resources can be found in Appendix C.

PREVENTION PROGRAMS – STUDENTS

Alcohol Abuse

Pueblo Community College provides crisis intervention and referral services for students with issues with alcohol use and abuse. These services are provided through the PCC Health Clinic in partnership with Pueblo Community Health Center located in the Medical Technology Building, Room, 118 or other local medical providers found on the PCC Human Resources website.

The College will provide education and awareness programs that will address the affects and dangers of alcohol abuse. These programs will be offered on each PCC campus annually and will vary during the academic year.

Campus Survey

Pueblo Community College has conducted student surveys regarding their concerns about drug and alcohol use and abuse, and asking students what the College can do to address their concerns. The small sample of students who responded did not identify any specific concern about either alcohol or drugs that the College would need to address. As a result, the College determined to offer general programs on alcohol and drug abuse awareness.

Drug Abuse

Pueblo Community College provides crisis intervention and referral services for students with issues with drug use and abuse. These services are provided through the PCC Health Clinic in partnership with Pueblo Community Health Center located in the Medical Technology Building, Room, 118 or other local medical providers found on the PCC Human Resources website.

The College is partnering with the Colorado Department of Social Services, Pueblo Diocese Catholic Charities, and many other referral agencies to provide PCC students with care. Education and awareness programs will address the effects and dangers of drug abuse. The College will focus on alcohol and marijuana, cocaine, and heroin use and abuse annually during academic year. Heroin has been identified as a drug of choice that is being widely used in the Pueblo area. The College has decided to respond to heroin use and abuse in its drug awareness and prevention programs. These programs will be offered on each PCC campus.

Use and Possession of Marijuana is Prohibited on Campus

Colorado law may allow certain marijuana related activities, such as limited medical marijuana use and other recreational use and possession; however, using and possessing marijuana in any form remains a crime under federal law. Since PCC receives federal grants and contracts we are required to follow federal laws under provision Title 21 of the United States Code Controlled Substance Act. Also, PCC adheres to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. As a member of the Community Colleges of Colorado, PCC adheres to the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education BP 3-24 Drug-Free Workplace Policy. Federal laws require the college to prohibit the use of marijuana on campus.

PCC prohibits the possession, use, or selling of marijuana in any form on campus and during PCC activities. This includes all open areas, buildings, and parking lots. Any employee or student found possessing, using, or selling marijuana on any PCC campus and/or facilities may be charged criminally by the PCC Police Department. Students may also face disciplinary sanctions for Student Code of Conduct Violations.

If you suspect someone of possessing, using, or selling marijuana on campus or at college sponsored events please contact the PCC Police Department at 719.549.3355; visit the PCC website, scroll down to the bottom of the page to Quick Links, Services and fill out the document entitled “Report a Concern or Incident.” You may also report anonymously to Safe2Tell. Safe2Tell is an anonymous reporting method that can alert the college about a concern or threat. To access Safe2Tell you can either call the toll-free number at 1.877.542.7233 or submit an online report tip through the Safe2Tell website.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND DRUG/ALCOHOL REFERRAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

APPENDICES A-C