Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse
North County Community College, sponsored by Essex County and Franklin County, is
part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The establishment of personnel
policies is the responsibility of the North Country Community College Board of Trustees,
while the development, modification and implementation of those policies is the responsibility
of the College administration. We maintain and affirm that the most equitable and
fair policies are those that involve shared governance and shared decision-making,
and we are committed to engaging the College community in the development/modification
of policy, wherever possible. This policy follows that process.
The policy applies to all full-time and part-time employees of the College, the Board
of Trustees and those affiliated groups which support the College including the members
and employees of the North Country Community College Association and the North Country
Community Foundation.
The college is committed to helping its students and its employees achieve their personal
and educational goals. Having determined that illicit drugs and alcohol are not compatible
with the College’s commitment and not necessary for the achievement of these goals,
the College requires students, employees, and visitors to refrain from unlawful drug
activity and the use of alcohol on our campuses and at College sponsored events.
Violators of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency
and may also be disciplined by the College. Disciplinary sanctions imposed by the
College may include expulsion or termination of employment.
Alcohol:
1. Beverage alcohol will be permitted on campus only with written approval of the President
or his/her designee.
2. Students and employees found in violation of the State or Local Laws regarding alcohol
use will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Note: the age limit
in New York State for purchase, possessions, or consumption of alcohol is 21. Local
laws include Open Container laws that make possession of any open container of beverage
alcohol unlawful.
3. Students violating this policy will be referred to the College Review Board. Disciplinary
sanctions can include suspension or dismissal from the College.
4. Disciplinary action for employees violating this policy can include suspension without
pay or termination.
Drug Possession:
1. Students possessing, using, manufacturing or distributing illicit drugs on campus
or at a College-sponsored event will be referred to the College Review Board. Disciplinary
sanctions can include suspension or dismissal from the College.
These internal disciplinary procedures are not intended to replace those of the local law enforcement agencies. Unlawful behavior will be reported to the appropriate agency for their action.
These internal disciplinary procedures are not intended to replace those of the local law enforcement agencies. Unlawful behavior will be reported to the appropriate agency for their action.
2. Employees possessing, using, manufacturing or distributing drugs on campus or at
a College-sponsored event will be reported to the appropriate area dean, branch campus
director, or the president. Violation of the policy can result in disciplinary action
that may include suspension without pay and dismissal. These internal disciplinary
procedures are not intended to replace those of the local law enforcement agencies.
Employees convicted of a drug offense that occurred on campus or at a College sponsored
event are required by law to so notify the College.
A written statement will be distributed at least annually to all students attending at least on credit course and all employees. That statement will include:
1. The College’s Policy on Drugs and Alcohol.
2. The sanctions that can be levied against violators under existing state or federal
law.
3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the
abuse of alcohol.
4. A listing of resources available at the College or in the community to assist students
and employees seeking treatment and rehabilitation.
The College will communicate its policy on drugs and alcohol to those seeking to use
or visit College facilities. Signs, where appropriate, will inform even the casual
visitor that North Country Community College is a Drug and Alcohol Free College