Drug Expectations, Definitions, and Policies
Colby-Sawyer College recognizes its duty to educate students, faculty, and staff members concerning the significant problems surrounding the misuse of alcohol and other drugs. The abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs is detrimental to scholastic endeavors, enjoyable social activity, personal growth, and the welfare of the campus community.
Individual Responsibility Statement
All members of the Colby-Sawyer community are expected to be familiar with and abide by college policies governing the use of alcohol and other drugs. Members of the college community, as well as visitors and guests, must be aware that they are legally responsible should their behavior, with respect to alcohol or other drug use, jeopardize themselves, the safety or welfare of any person, or result in damage to property. Alcohol or drug consumption is not a valid excuse for inappropriate behavior. Behavior resulting from intoxication, or any chemical substance which causes or can be expected to cause harm to any person, damage to property, or disruption to the college environment is not acceptable and will be dealt with directly through the conduct system and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(Refer to “Your Right to Know” as distributed annually by the department of Campus Safety for information about campus resources and New Hampshire State Laws regarding alcohol and illicit drug use as well as information about the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226)).
Definition
Controlled drugs are defined by law as those having stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effects upon the higher functions of the central nervous system and having potential for abuse or for physiological and psychological dependence or both. Controlled drugs are classified as: amphetamine, barbiturate, cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, morphine-type, hallucinogenic, and other stimulant and depressant drugs, excluding alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and laetrile.
Drug Policies
The following are prohibited behaviors.
The sale or distribution of drugs, which is interpreted as the:
transaction;
exchange;
gift or offer of; and/or
prescription, administration, and dispensation of drugs as defined above.
The manufacture of drugs, which is interpreted as the:
compounding;
mixing;
cultivating, growing;
processing and/or preparing of controlled drugs.
The possession of drugs, which is interpreted as:
knowingly having under control;
knowingly controlling any premises or vehicle where a controlled drug is illegally kept or deposited; and/or
aiding, assisting, or abetting a person, knowing that such a person is illegally in possession of a controlled drug.
*Note possession of 7grams or more of marijuana, baggies, various measured out bundles, a scale, cash or a combination of the aforementioned is enough reasonable suspicion to charge a student with distribution.
The use of drugs, which is interpreted as:
ingesting or inhaling controlled drugs;
ingesting or inhaling another person's prescription drugs; or
using over the counter medication or products in ways or for purposes other than their intended use.
The possession of drug paraphernalia, which is defined as paraphernalia which supports, facilitates, or disguises the use of drugs. Drug paraphernalia could include bongs, clips, pipes, toilet paper rolls with fabric softener on them, modified soda bottles, etc.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
Colby-Sawyer College students, employees, visitors and guests are responsible for informing themselves of federal and state laws prohibiting the use, possession, manufacture or sale of controlled drugs. The federal and state laws concerning controlled drugs are supported by Colby-Sawyer College. The college will not interfere with the legal prosecution of anyone who is apprehended using drugs. Drug violations may be either misdemeanor or felony offenses. (For more information refer to “Alcohol/Drug Laws & Policies” as distributed annually by the college in the “Your Right to Know” book).
Policy revised May 2008 by the vice president for student development and dean of students and the associate dean of students and director of citizenship education.
Rationale
Drug abuse is detrimental to a student's physical and emotional health and interferes with a student's ability to attain academic and personal excellence.
A culture of drug abuse interferes with the academic culture and mission of the college and disrupts the community.
Values
- Community
- Excellence
