The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit
drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program.
Biennial Review
MHCC reviews its program biennially to determine its effectiveness, implement any necessary changes, and ensure that the required disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
2021 Biennial Review
Health Effects of Alcohol and Other Drugs
This is a brief summary of some of the principal health risks and hazards associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. It is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive.
Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives and tranquilizers) Addiction, accidents because of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol overdose, overdose when used with other depressants, causes damage to a developing fetus,
heart and liver damage.
Marijuana
Impairs short-term memory, thinking and physical coordination. Can also cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving
ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
Cocaine
Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Nicotine
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism.
People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Nicotine compromises the immune system.
Inhalants
Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slow down many body functions. High doses can cause severe
breathing problems.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.
MHCC Alcohol Policy
MHCC’s policies, procedures and Student Code of Conduct related to alcohol can be accessed on the College’s website, as well as the following sites:
The College is committed to an alcohol-free work and learning environment. The College strictly prohibits employees and students doing the following:
- Being under the influence of alcohol that adversely affects the individual’s work performance, safety at work, the employer’s regard or reputation in the community, and the students’ safety in the learning environment.
- The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages while on College business or at any other time while in a College owned or controlled building, office, premise, site or vehicle, or at activities under
the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the College unless specifically authorized by the President of the College. College property also includes that portion of any other building occupied by the College on a permanent or temporary basis.
Off-Campus Activities
MHCC sponsored off-campus activities such as field trips and athletic events are considered College activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the College. Students attending these off-campus events will adhere to the College’s, regulations,
and direction. Student alcohol use is prohibited for the entire duration of the off-campus activities, including travel to and from the college.
Employees who travel off-campus for College-sponsored activities such as conferences and field trips are permitted to consume alcohol in reasonable amounts so long as the official College business (e.g. a conference presentation or athletic event) has
ended and no College students are present.
Driving under the influence of alcohol while traveling to and from activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the College is prohibited.
Pre-approval exceptions to off-campus events and activities may be granted by the College President.
Alcohol Use in Programs of Study
The use of alcohol is permitted for educational purposes that encompass specific classroom syllabi under appropriate supervision and subject to approval by the College President.
College Assistance and Description of Alcohol Abuse Education Programs
- The College makes available information on an alcohol free workplace.
- The College makes available coaching to managers and administrators to effectively address alcohol issues in the workplace and learning environments.
- The College may refer students and employees to community resources.
- The College may grant leave with or without pay to any employee who so requests to participate in an alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
- Support groups for persons in recovery meet on the College campus. Information about these group meetings are posted on the MHCC web site and on posters around campus.
Community resources include:
Sanctions
Sanctions may be imposed on students for violations of MHCC’s Alcohol Policy, provisions of Administrative Regulations, Student Code of Conduct or violations related to State and Federal regulations. Sanctions include verbal or written warnings; disciplinary
probation; payment for destroyed property; required counseling, treatment, or community service; suspension or temporary exclusion (removal from classes, privileges or activities for a specified period up to one year); and permanent expulsion from
the College.
Any employee under the influence of alcohol that impairs judgment, performance, or behavior while on the College premises, or on College business, or who violates any of the provisions of this regulation, will be subject to sanctions which may include,
but are not limited to, suspension, termination, or the requirement that the employee satisfactorily complete an approved alcohol rehabilitation program.
The College enforces the state under-age drinking laws on College premises. Oregon law allows fines for minors (persons under the age of 21) who possess or attempt to purchase alcohol. The sanction for providing liquor to a minor can be a fine or a fine
and jail term, depending on the circumstances.
MHCC Drugs and Controlled Substances Policy
MHCC’s Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and Student Code of Conduct speaking to drugs and controlled substances can be accessed on the College’s website.
The College is committed to a drug-free work and learning environment in keeping with the Drug-Free Workplace Act. Drugs considered to be controlled substances are listed in schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C.
812) and as further defined by regulation 21 C.F.R.1308.11 through 1308.15 The College strictly prohibits employees and students from the following:
- Being under the influence of drugs and/or controlled substances on the College premises, while on College business or while operating College vehicles, adversely affects the individual’s work performance, safety at work, the employer’s regard or reputation
in the community; and the student’s learning and safety in the learning environment.
- Unlawful manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of drugs (licit or illicit), and/or controlled substances on College premises or at any other time while in a College owned or controlled building, office, premise, site or vehicle;
or at activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the College that adversely affects the individual’s work performance or safety at work.
- The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of drugs (licit or illicit), and/or controlled substances off College premises or College owned or controlled building, office, premise, site or vehicle that adversely affects the
College’s regard or reputation in the community.
Marijuana is Prohibited on all College Properties
On July 1, 2015, the recreational possession and use of marijuana became legal in Oregon under state law for adults 21 years of age or older, with limited exceptions and with significant restrictions on amount of possession, use locations, etc. Here are
the FAQs that appear on the State of Oregon’s website. Under the state law, marijuana cannot be used in public, including on MHCC campuses and
our remote locations or when representing MHCC. In addition, marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
MHCC’s receipt of federal funds – including for student financial assistance – requires that the College continue to prohibit the possession, use or distribution of marijuana and other federally illegal drugs on all College properties or as part of College
activities, whether recreational or medicinal. MHCC must follow federal laws regardless of the change in State of Oregon laws.
College Assistance and Description of Drug Abuse Education Programs
MHCC recognizes drug and other controlled substance dependencies as a treatable condition and offers programs and services for employees and students with substance dependency problems.
Students are encouraged to seek assistance as appropriate from counseling services available at the College or through referrals. Employees may seek assistance from MHCC’s Employee Assistance Program. Information obtained regarding an employee or student
during participation in such programs or services will be treated as confidential in accordance with Federal and State laws.
The College distributes information regarding:
- MHCC’s policy of a drug-free workplace and penalties that may be imposed.
- Dangers and health risks of drug abuse.
- The availability for drug counseling, rehabilitation, and Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families. This service puts an employee or their dependents in touch with a skilled counselor who has training and experience in helping
people. At no cost, a counselor will assist in defining and recognizing a problem. The counselor will offer up to five sessions of brief counseling and refer an individual to the appropriate agency or therapist if further help is necessary. This
may range from a no-cost support group to private counseling. When assistance is requested, no information is reported to College officials or the Human Resources Department.
- Available insurance benefits for employees that may cover the cost of rehabilitation treatment programs.
Other assistance includes:
- Students are encouraged to visit the Career Planning and Counseling Center in AC1152 to seek help, utilize college resources and obtain information on community resources.
- Coaching to managers and administrators to effectively address drug-related issues in the workplace and learning environments.
- The College may grant leave with or without pay to any employee who so requests to participate in a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
- Several support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, meet in the local community. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provide valuable information on the impacts of drunk driving. There are many community resources (public,
private nonprofit, and private for profit) also available. Information about these groups is available from the Career Counseling and Planning Center or by calling one of the following resources:
Sanctions
Non-compliance with MHCC’s Drug and Controlled Substance Use Policy, provisions of these Administrative Regulations, Student Code of Conduct, or violations of related State and Federal regulations, will be subject to sanctions that may include, but are
not limited to the following:
- Sanctions that may be imposed on students for violations of this regulation include: verbal or written warnings; disciplinary probation; payment for destroyed property; required counseling; treatment or community service; suspension or temporary exclusion
(removal from classes, privileges or activities for a specified period up to one year); and permanent expulsion from the College.
- No employee will report for duty or remain on duty if the employee uses any controlled substance, except as authorized by a physician who confirms that the employee’s ability to perform will not be impaired by the prescribed substance.
- No employee will remain on duty if the employee tests positive for use of a controlled substance, unless a physician who confirms that the employee’s ability to perform will not be impaired by the substance prescribes the substance.
- An employee may be required to satisfactorily complete an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment.
- An employee may be reassigned.
- An employee may be required to agree to a “last chance agreement” as a condition of employment.
- An employee may be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.
- Violators may also be referred for criminal prosecution and/or require the violator to participate in appropriate treatment programs.
- Organizations or groups violating alcohol policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the College.
- Violators may be arrested or referred to local enforcement agencies.