Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

It is the policy of William Rainey Harper College to provide a drug and alcohol free environment and work place as defined by the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994.

William Rainey Harper College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing and manufacture of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any College activity.

Students who violate this policy will be governed by the College’s Student Conduct Code and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion and referral for prosecution. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with their appropriate employee group regulations up to and including suspension, termination of employment and referral for prosecution.

These sanctions will be consistent with local, state and federal laws in reference to the Cannabis Control Act, the Controlled Substance Act and the Liquor Control Act. Students and employees are reminded that these laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions and penalties which include, but are not limited to, incarceration and monetary fines. Further information on these local, state and federal ordinances and statutes will be maintained in the following offices: Vice President of Student Affairs, Health and Psychological Services, Student Development, Student Activities, Personnel and College Library. Students and employees are encouraged to obtain copies of this information.

In addition, all employees directly engaged in performance of work pursuant to the provisions of a federal grant or federal contract in excess of $25,000 and students who are Pell Grant recipients must notify the College within five days of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring on or off College premises while conducting College business or activities. The College shall, within 10 days after receiving such notice, inform the federal agency providing the grant of such conviction. Within 30 days following such notification of conviction, appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken against such employee or student and/or the employee or student may be required, at his or her own expense, to participate satisfactorily in a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. With the intent to provide a drug and alcohol free educational and work environment, Harper College has established a Drug, Alcohol and Wellness Network committed to providing proactive drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, onfidential counseling, intervention and referral for its students and employees. An Employee Assistance Program is also available for employees and their immediate family members.

Harper College shall make available to students information about this policy through the Harper Course Schedule as well as through the Student Handbook.

Harper College shall conduct biennial reviews of the drug and alcohol abuse programs to determine their effectiveness and implement appropriate changes.