Drug-Free Student Environment

A Matter of Substance

The Drug-free Schools and Communities Act of 1989

On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Essentially these amendments require that institutions, such as Northland Pioneer College, who contract with or receive grants from federal agencies certify that they will meet certain requirements for providing a “drug-free” environment.

The Governing Board and Administration believe strongly in the right of students to learn in an environment that is free from illegal drugs and alcohol use. The College expects to comply fully with the Act and is taking the following steps to insure a drug and alcohol free environment.

A drug-and alcohol-free student workplace environment policy and procedure has been developed, and approved, by the Governing Board.
The College will comply with the amendments by taking a position which conforms to its requirements.
Each student will be informed to the College’s position on maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free work environment.
Students are expected and required to report to school in appropriate mental and physical condition. It is our intent and obligation to provide a drug- and alcohol-free healthful, safe and secure school environment.
The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances and alcohol on College premises or while participating in any College activity.
Violations will be referred to the Vice President of Student Services for action in accordance with Procedure #2625 (Student Code of Conduct). Violations can result in probation or permanent suspension from school. Disciplinary sanctions may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.
The College recognizes drug and/or alcohol dependency as illnesses and major health problems. The College also recognizes drug and alcohol abuses as potential health, safety and security problems. Students needing help in dealing with such problems are encouraged to seek it, either through their own resources or by requesting help or referral through the advising office. Conscientious efforts to seek help will not jeopardize the student’s enrollment.
Serious violations will result in students being reported to local law enforcement officials for appropriate local, state or federal action. Prosecution can result in fines, prison terms or both.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

What are the Costs? What are the Dangers?

The monetary effects of drug and alcohol abuse on individuals of this country run into billions of dollars annually. Abuse of controlled substances has direct costs of increased medical expenses in addition to the indirect cost associated with increased sick days, lowered productivity, poor work performance and drug related crimes.

Estimates of the percentage of accidents attributable to drug and alcohol abuse are in the fifty percent range. This includes automobile, home and work related accidents. Many of these accidents result in death, serious injury or permanent disability to their victims. And it is noteworthy that it is not always the substance abuser who is the victim of such accidents. Frequently it is the coworker, the family member, the passenger in the other car who is injured or killed as a result of another person’s substance abuse.

Northland Pioneer College places a high value on its students and recognize that they have a right to learn in a safe environment, free from drugs and alcohol. The College will make every effort to provide this kind of environment through the support and enforcement of its Drug-Free Policy.

Substance Abuse Problems

Need Help?

If you have a problem with drug or alcohol dependency and wish to get help you may contact a Northland Pioneer College academic advisor. Your request for assistance will be held in strictest confidence and you will be referred to one of the following community agencies:

Community Counseling Centers, Inc.
Holbrook, 524-6126
Show Low, 537-2951
Winslow, 289-4658
White Mountain Apache Tribe Rainbow Center, 338-4858
Hopi Guidance Center , 737-6323 or 737-6300
Navajo Department of Behavioral Health Services, 871-6235
Community Information & Referral Services 1-800-352-3792

Description of Health Risks Associated with use of Illicit Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol

There are severe health risks involved or associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, and the College has reference materials available to any person who is concerned about his/her use of illicit drugs or alcohol or involving the conduct of any other person. These references are available by contacting the Advising Offices. Health risks associated with commonly used illicit drugs and alcohol are listed hereafter.

Marijuana or Hashish
Marijuana, which is also known as pot and comes from the cannabis plant, may have the following effects: it is harmful to unborn children during pregnancy, can lead to high blood pressure, can lead to lung disease, can inhibit short-term memory, can slow reaction time, can impair visual tracking, can speed up heartbeat and lead to high blood pressure, can break down immune system or depress immune system, and most important, frequent use is linked to cognitive impairment (an inability to think abstractly and understand concepts.)
Hallucinogens
The hallucinogens (drugs that produce changes in perception, mood, and thought) include Ecstasy, LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, DMT, and STP. PCP, a dissociative anesthetic, has similar effects. The effects of LSD are unpredictable and may range from euphoria and heightened sensory awareness to hallucinations, panic reactions, and flashbacks. PCP is a very dangerous drug that also has terribly unpredictable effects involving development of psychotic states or severe depression. Medical treatment is necessary in cases of severe hallucinogen reactions.
Depressants, Barbiturates, and Tranquilizers
Depressants, barbiturates and tranquilizers have depressing effects on the central nervous system and can lead to physical and psychological dependence. These drugs are very popular and are overused by Americans.
Cocaine
Cocaine is an “upper” derived from the leaves of the South American coca plant. It is an upscale drug used by people in many professions, despite its illegal status. Regular use can lead to depression, weight loss, paranoia, and hallucinations. These effects are the more positive ones associated with cocaine and are similar to those caused by amphetamines. Cocaine is a powerful drug that overstimulates the central nervous system and produces an artificial euphoria. Even the occasional user takes dangerous chances, but chronic use can create a harmful dependency that affects behavior and multiplies health risks.
To make matters worse, cocaine tricks people into feeling better than they are, making it possible for them to put on a “superhuman” exterior, while inside they may be suffering. Similar effects may be obtained from the closely related substance known as Crack.
Opiates
The opiates—opium, its derivatives (Morphine, heroin, and codeine), and the synthetically produced drug methadone have sedative and analgesic effects. Heroin is the opiate that is of most concern to law-enforcement officials. Initially an extremely pleasant drug, heroin use quickly leads to dependence and increasing larger quantities must be taken simply to ward off withdrawal symptoms. The exposure orientation holds that addiction results simply from exposure to the drug over time.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, methamphetamine, Crank, or Ice are sometimes know as “speed” or “uppers” and are prescribed by doctors to suppress appetite and relieve mild depression from time to time. For people who have neurological and behavior disorders, they can be harmful. But amphetamine abuse in a normal person can lead to full-blown psychosis as well as to milder effects such as insomnia, restlessness, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, and agitation and confusion.
Alcohol
There are several typical patterns to alcohol abuse: regular, daily use of large quantities; regular, heavy drinking confined to such periods as weekends; and unpredictable binge drinking. Alcohol abuse is often called problem drinking, whereas alcohol dependence is referred to as alcoholism. There is an extremely wide range of problems associated with alcohol abuse. Health risks may include hallucinations, strokes, nerve and muscle damage, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and many others, including death. The connection between alcohol and fatal road accidents makes this drug one of, if not the, most dangerous of drugs.

Drug-Free Workplace

Employees who fail to abide by the terms and conditions of Policy #1560 (Drug-Free Workplace) shall be subject to the Due Process Policy and Procedure of the College (#1591 and #2755). Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including terminations. In addition there may be possible legal consequences for some violations.
No later than five (5) days after criminal conviction for illegal drug activity occurring on or off College premises while conducting College business, an employee must inform his/her supervisor of such conviction. Failure to report such conviction will subject the employed to the Due Process Policy and Procedure as specified above.
Any employee reasonably believed to constitute a risk to persons or property while operating any College equipment will not be permitted to do so. Any employee asked not to operate College equipment or drive a personal vehicle because of impairment, but who insists, will be advised that the College will immediately report this to the appropriate law enforcement agency, when applicable.
Any employee with a drug or alcohol problem is encouraged to seek help. Such may be sought through the employee’s own resources or through his/her supervisor, the Director of Human Resources or other agencies. An employee’s request for assistance does not jeopardize his/her job rights. However, the seeking of such help does not prevent disciplinary action under any College Policy violation for impaired job performance.

Drug Prevention Program

Review and Retention of Records

For the 2005-06 academic year, 9,000 Student Handbook/ Calendars; and, over 18,500 student registration forms were distributed noting the College’s antidrug and alcohol position and contact personnel that could provide referral assistance. A web-based brochure was added on the NPC website. During this same period, there were no documented cases of student need for referral assistance, one documented liquor law violation, no documented drug abuse violations, and no documented instances of crime based on alcohol or drug abuse.

Alcohol and drug policy and prevention

Beginning with academic year 2003-04, the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Report is available through the NPC web site at www.npc.edu and in written form upon request. A printed copy of all information available on this web site may be obtained by contacting Mark Vest, Vice President of Student Services, at (928) 532-6141, or Email mark.vest@npc.edu.

A printed copy of all information available on these web pages may be found in the 2007 - 2008 Student Guide available from all campus and center offices, libraries or academic advisors.