Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Program

Policy: HMRS109
Steward: Executive Human Resource Officer
Contact: lneal1@spscc.edu
Effective Date: 04 Feb 2014
Last Revised: 13 Nov 2024
Last Reviewed: 20 Nov 2020
Applies to: All employees and students
Purpose:

South Puget Sound Community College is committed to an ongoing substance abuse prevention, education and assistance program and intends to provide a drug free, healthy, safe, and secure workplace and environment. As such, the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on college property or as part of a college activity is prohibited.

In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free School and Communities Act of 1989, the college has implemented a drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program which informs students and employees of the risks and penalties associated with the possession and use of illicit drugs and alcohol. This includes all college employees and includes the availability of treatment programs and the sanctions the college will impose against an individual found to have violated the college’s standard of conduct in this regard.

South Puget Sound Community College is committed to an ongoing substance abuse prevention, education and assistance program and intends to provide a drug free, healthful, safe, and secure workplace and environment. As such, the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on college property or as part of a college activity is prohibited.

Applicable Legal Sanctions

Any violation of local, state, or federal law regarding the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol may result in referral for prosecution and in the imposition of penalties, including community service hours, fines, forfeiture of personal or real property, and/or incarceration up to life imprisonment. The college will impose sanctions consistent with local, state and federal law and regulations adopted thereunder on students and employees found to have violated the foregoing statement. Such sanctions could include but are not limited to, completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, expulsion from the college, termination of employment, and referral to appropriate authorities for prosecution.

Health Risks

The following non-inclusive list of health risks has been identified to occur with the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol:

Memory loss, depression, fetal alcohol syndrome, problem pregnancy, sclerosis, circulatory problems, insomnia, heart failure, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, seizures, coma, anxiety, paranoia, irritability, fatigue, mental illness, death.

Available Assistance Treatment Programs

The College recognizes drug dependency and/or use of illicit drugs to be an illness and a major health concern.  The College also recognizes drug and alcohol abuse as a safety and security problem. There are a number of resources available to students seeking assistance in dealing with such problems. They include:

  • The Counseling Center at SPSCC
  • Local hospitals
  •  Washington State Employee Assistance Program 

    Employees may take advantage of these services as well as the services provided to employees through the Washington State Employee Assistance Program phone toll free: 1.877.313.4455 or their health insurance plan where applicable.
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