What Every Student and Employee Must Know

It is the objective of Burlington County College to provide a safe, drug-free environment for all members of the college community and to fully comply with local, state and federal statues. Moreover, the college is required to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C., Section 701, et. Seq., and the Drug-Free School and Committees Act Amendment of 1989, Public Law 101-226 and 34 CFR Part 86, as well as other relevant substance abuse laws. Therefore, the college has adopted the following policies regarding the use of drugs and alcohol by students and employees.
These guidelines were developed to promote a healthy, safe and drug-free academic and work
environment, provide assistance to employees and students who identify themselves as suffering from alcohol and/or other drug dependency and/or abuse, and to safeguard the college, its interests and its assets.

Use of Alcohol

The use, possession, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages on the college campuses is strictly forbidden. It is also strictly forbidden to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages while engaged in college-related activities, or while on the college campuses, in college facilities or in college vehicles.

Use of Drugs

The manufacture, use, possession, sale, distribution, dispensation or being under the influence of illegal narcotics, chemicals, psychedelic drugs or other controlled substances by an individual engaged in college-related activities or while on the college campuses, in college facilities or in college vehicles is strictly forbidden. Similarly, the unprescribed, illegal abusive use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or narcotics is strictly forbidden.

Observation of Use of Drugs or Alcohol

It is the responsibility of students and employees to familiarize themselves with and adhere to all college rules and regulations related to alcohol and other drugs including adherence to all local, state and federal laws. Any employee who observes a student or employee violating these laws, rules, or regulations or demonstrating impaired behavior is responsible to immediately report the behavior to his/her immediate supervisor who will in turn report the observation to the appropriate college personnel. If a student or employee demonstrates impaired behavior and there is reasonable suspicion that he/she may be under the influence of a controlled substance, the Public Safety Department shall be notified.

Reporting Convictions

Students or employees convicted of any criminal drug violation must report such conviction within five days to appropriate college officials. Students must report to the Vice President of Student Services and employees must report to the Executive Director of Human Resources. In all cases, the college shall act in accordance with relevant laws such as the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.

Assistance and Education

The college shall provide an awareness program to educate students, faculty and staff to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse; enable administrators, supervisors and faculty to identify persons who may be in need of assistance and refer involved students and employees for evaluation and treatment.

Burlington County College recognizes that alcohol and other drug abuse and or dependency is a treatable condition and encourages any student or employee who is experiencing problems with alcohol and/or drugs of self or others seek help through the appropriate resources of the college.

The college provides support for students and employees in the following ways:

1. College sponsorship of informational programs and activities related to alcohol and other drug education and prevention through the Office of Student Services.

2. Inclusion of alcohol and other drug education information in Orientation, Freshman Seminar and health courses at the college.

Resources and Services

Confidential assistance is available to both students and employees of Burlington County College who wish information, referral or counseling in the area of substance abuse or chemical dependency. Students or employees may either self-refer or be referred by others to the Counseling Services by the Office of Student Services.

Counselors training in alcohol and drug education can help individuals identify and understand factors, which influence misuse and abuse of chemicals in friends, family or themselves. Individuals may also be referred to outside agencies for evaluation and/or treatment.

Additional Information Resources

The following information can be obtained from the Office of the Vice President of Student Services, Parker Center, Room 311; Human Resources, Parker Center, 401; and the Public Safety Department.

• Listing of local residential and outpatient treatment facilities for drug and/or alcohol abuse.
• Complete listing of the health risks attached to drug and alcohol abuse.
• U.S. Code Title 21, Sec. 812, Schedule I, II, III, IV, V, Controlled Dangerous Substances.
• Listing of New Jersey State Alcohol and Drug Laws and Penalties.
• Additional copies of this Policy and Guidelines for publication.