Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention


It is the objective and goal of East Central College to provide a drug and alcohol-free environment for students. Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, East Central College is required to establish a drug and alcohol prevention program for students and employees.  ECC prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance, an imitation controlled substance, or alcoholic beverages on College premises or off-campus sites (including College vehicles and any private vehicles parked on College premises or off-campus sites), or College sponsored functions, unless otherwise Board approved. An imitation controlled substance is a substance that is not a controlled substance, which by appearance (including color, shape, size, and markings), or by representations made, would lead a reasonable person to believe that a substance is a controlled substance.  In observance of state law, no person under the age of twenty-one (21) may purchase or attempt to purchase, or have in his or her possession, any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage on the College premises or at College sponsored events. ECC complies with all laws related to underage drinking, and any violation of the state’s underage drinking laws will be referred to the appropriate authorities. Further, the Standards of Conduct for both students and employees, regardless of age, prohibit the possession illicit drugs and/or being present on College owned or controlled property while under the influence of such.

ECC, in accordance with legal mandates and its philosophy of establishing and maintaining an environment of learning as well as a supportive environment in which to conduct the mission and business of the college, will enforce the following policies:

  1. The possession, purchasing, selling, or consumption of alcoholic beverages on college property (except as authorized by the Board of Trustees, or in the course of a curricular program, e.g. Culinary Arts), or being present on campus while under the influence of such is strictly prohibited.
  1. The unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or dispensation of illicit drugs or being present on campus or at college-sponsored functions while under the influence of such is strictly prohibited.
  1. Students who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action depending on the seriousness of the offense. Sanctions may range from an informal reprimand to dismissal from the college. Employees who violate these policies will be subject to disciplinary action ranging from an informal reprimand to termination of employment depending upon the seriousness of the offense. If the conduct resulting in discipline also involves a violation of state or federal law then the College will refer the matter to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
  1. Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for terms up to and including life. The purchase, attempt to purchase, or possession of any intoxicating liquor by a person under 21 years of age is punishable by a fine of $50 to $1,000 and up to a year in jail. The same penalties apply to persons who knowingly furnish alcohol to minors and to persons under the age of 21 who are visibly intoxicated.
  1. Serious health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Some but not all of the risks are listed below:
    • Alcohol and other depressants: Consumption of alcohol and other depressants causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair judgment and coordination required for safety and care. Use of alcohol and depressants can lead to addiction and accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment.
    • Marijuana: Use of marijuana can lead to panic reactions, impaired short term memory, increased risk of lung cancer and emphysema, particularly in cigarette smokers, and impairment of driving ability.
    • Cocaine: Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, and psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
    • Hallucinogens: Unpredictable behavior, emotion instability, violent behavior, and organic brain damage in heavy users, convulsions and coma.
    • Narcotics (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, etc.): Addiction, accidental overdose, risk of hepatitis and AIDS from contaminated needles.
    • Inhalants (Gas, aerosols, glue, etc.): Loss of consciousness, suffocation, damage to the brain and central nervous system, sudden death, nausea and vomiting, nosebleeds and impaired judgment.
  2. Any student or employee may contact ECC’s Counseling Department for information about available community resources and referral assistance for drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or re-entry services. The College will present drug and alcohol education programs on at least an annual basis.
  1. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, this policy will be distributed to all students and employees on an annual basis. During each even numbered year, a biennial review of the comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse prevention program will be conducted to determine its effectiveness, make changes where necessary, and ensure that it is consistently enforced.