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PELLISSIPPI STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Biennial Review

2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Academic Years

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Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS PREVENTION PROGRAM GOALS ...................................................................................... 4

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM .................................................................................................... 5

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG POLICIES ............................................................................................................................. 6

ANNUAL NOTIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 7

ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS ................................................................................................................. 8

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES ...................................................................................................................................... 10

RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

APPENDIX ONE ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

APPENDIX TWO ............................................................................................................................................................... 13

APPENDIX THREE ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

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INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Report

In order to comply with the 1989 Amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act as described

in Part 86 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)—the Drug Free

Schools and Campuses Regulations, Pellissippi State Community College conducted a biennial review of its

alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention programs. This report is a product of that review, and it covers

the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 academic years.

This report describes the efficacy of the Pellissippi State Community College Alcohol and other Drug

Prevention program. Also, this report reviews the enforcement and disciplinary sanctions imposed on

violators of the college’s AOD policies and determines whether these enforcement efforts and sanctions

were applied in a consistent manner.

Biennial Review Committee Members

The following Pellissippi State Community College employees served as Biennial Review Committee

Members. These committee members were appointed by the college president.

Rebecca Ashford, Vice President of Student Affairs

Mary Bledsoe, Dean of Students

Fred Breiner, Director of Safety and Security

Kathy Douthat, Counselor

Elizabeth Firestone, Director of Counseling

Garry Loftis, Counselor

Karen Queener, Executive Director of Human Resources and Affirmative Action Officer

Kim Thomas-La-Rue, Director of Student Life and Recreation

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ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS PREVENTION PROGRAM GOALS

Goals for PSCC’s alcohol and other drugs prevention program are the following:

1. To support a culture and atmosphere free from alcohol and other drug use and abuse for the

campus community

2. To develop and disseminate information for the members of the campus community regarding

alcohol and other drug issues for the purpose of education and prevention

3. To make available alcohol and other drug intervention services, in-patient and out-patient

treatment referrals, and provide on-going support for students.

Achievement of these goals are measured by student retention rates and satisfaction of services found

through surveys provided to students during specific times throughout the semester. Retention rates have

remained steady at PSCC for the past two years. Additionally, satisfaction surveys indicate that students

report staying in school, doing better in school, and that counseling services are considered valuable to

them.

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ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM

In order to meet the goals of the college’s alcohol and other drug prevention program, the Student Affairs

Division and Human Resources distribute information to students and employees regarding policies related

to alcohol and other drugs.

Pellissippi State offers students, faculty, and staff a variety of programs designed to educate and support an

alcohol and drug-free lifestyle. All services are free of charge. Educational pamphlets are available in the

counseling office and on the counseling web page to the campus community. In addition, Pellissippi State

maintains a current listing of local and state providers of alcohol and other drug rehabilitation and

counseling treatment. All programs, entertainment and events are provided in a substance-free environment.

The chart below outlines the programming sponsored by Pellissippi State in the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013

academic years and indicates the corresponding alcohol and other drug program goals.

Activity Goal

“Quit Cold Turkey” for the American Cancer Society’s Great American

Smokeout

1, 2

“Pell-Aware,” an education fair that brings in community providers of

alcohol and drug prevention and rehabilitation programs

1, 3

Addiction Education Programs that offer in-class presentations on

alcohol and other drugs

1, 2

Pellissippi Recovery Community, a program designed to support

students who are in recovery from alcohol or other drugs

1, 3

Lunch and Learn programs for faculty 1, 2, 3

“Look, Listen and Learn” week, a substance abuse prevention week with

information, tips and tools for the community and sponsored in

collaboration with other community agencies

1, 2, 3

Participation in Coalition for Safe and Healthy Campus Communities

(CHASCo), a consortium of higher education professionals who address

alcohol and other drug issues on various campuses in Tennessee

1

Participation in National Alcohol Screening Day 1, 2

Participation in the national CORE Institute survey for college student

drinking and drug use

1

Individual personal counseling and referral for treatment 1, 3

The provider of the college’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

sends regular electronic newsletters containing information regarding

alcohol and other drugs to college employees

1, 2, 3

Employees in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Partnership Promise received

mailings and electronic newsletters regarding alcohol and other drugs

and other health issues.

1, 2, 3

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ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG POLICIES

Drug-Free Campus/Workplace Policy

Pellissippi State policy 08:07:00 Drug-Free Campus/Workplace was established to meet the requirements of

the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendments of 1989.

This policy addresses the following issues related to alcohol and other drug use:

The standards of conduct expected from students and employees.

The legal sanctions imposed.

The health risks.

Alcohol and other drug programs.

Disciplinary sanctions.

Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions

Pellissippi State policy 04:02:00 Student Code of Conduct and Due Process outlines the student conduct

expectations at Pellissippi State. This policy prohibits the possession and use of alcohol and illegal drugs on

college property and at college-sponsored events. This policy outlines the due process procedures for

students accused of conduct violations and the potential disciplinary sanctions.

Alcoholic Beverages

Pellissippi State policy 08:07:01 Alcoholic Beverages links to Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) policy

03:05:01:01 Alcoholic Beverages and Smoking. This TBR policy prohibits the use of alcohol on TBR

campuses.

Smoking/Tobacco Use

Pellissippi State policy 08:06:00 Smoking/Tobacco Use prohibits the use of tobacco products in Pellissippi

State buildings and vehicles. Further, the policy limits the use of tobacco products to designated areas on

campus. TBR policy 03:05:01:01 Alcoholic Beverages and Smoking prohibits smoking in all TBR

buildings.

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ANNUAL NOTIFICATIONS

Notifications to Students

At the beginning of each academic year, the Vice President of Student Affairs sends Pellissippi State policy

08:07:00 Drug-Free Campus/Workplace to all registered students via email message. Pellissippi State policy

04:02:00 Student Code of Conduct and Due Process also is sent via email to all registered students. (See

APPENDIX ONE.)

The Drug-Free Campus/Workplace policy is included in the Need to Know document. This document

additionally contains the Student Code of Conduct and Due Process policy. The Need to Know document is

distributed to all new Pellissippi State students at New Student Orientation. (See APPENDIX TWO.)

Notifications to Employees

Each July, the Executive Director of Human Resources and Affirmative Action sends Pellissippi State

policy 08:07:00 Drug-Free Campus/Workplace via email to all full and part-time employees. (See APPENDIX

THREE.)

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ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Determination of Responsibility

The student conduct process uses the “preponderance of evidence” or “more likely than not” standard for

determining whether or not the violation occurred. Both informal and formal adjudication methods can be

utilized. Most cases are resolved informally in which the student and the dean of students reach an

agreement about responsibility and sanctions. If the case is not resolved informally, it proceeds to the

Student Disciplinary Hearing Body who issues a finding of responsibility as well as disciplinary sanctions.

Disciplinary Sanctions and Rationale

Available disciplinary sanctions range from a warning to permanent expulsion from the College. Sanctions

are determined on the circumstances of the case, as well as the perceived learning needs of the student.

The disciplinary sanctions for student violations of the standards of conduct are included in the Student

Code of Conduct and Due Process which articulates the following:

The violations of the code

The determination of sanctions

The Factors considered in determining the sanctions

Possible sanctions

Relevant factors include:

The nature of the violation

Prior violations/conduct history of the student

Relevant sanctions for similar cases

Factors which will assist the student to learn from the experience and make different

choices

Impact to the campus community

Student’s learning style

Educational Sanctions

In addition to warnings, probation, suspension and/or expulsion, often educational sanctions will be

imposed such as:

Community service hours

Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings

Completion of Alcohol 101

Assessment of alcohol and drug use

Counseling intervention

Writing an essay or reflection paper; creating a video, song or one-act play

Compile an assortment of educational videos

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Incidents on Campus and Disciplinary Sanctions

The chart below shows the alcohol and other drug violations and disciplinary sanctions that occurred during

the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 academic years. These violations involved students. There are no reported

violations involving employees during the timeframe of the review period.

PSCC ALCOHOL/DRUG INCIDENTS/COMPLAINTS - STUDENTS

DATE

YEAR/

SEMSTR

ALLEGATION

OR

VIOLATION SANCTION CAMPUS LOCATION INITIATED BY

6/28/11 2011SU

POSSESSION

OF

MARIJUANA VERBAL WARNING HV

Parking

Lot Security

9/7/11 2011FA

POSSESSION

OF

MARIJUANA

WRITTEN

WARNING HV

Parking

Lot

Knox County

Sherriff’s

Office/Security

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STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

The Biennial Review Committee found the following strengths and weaknesses in the college’s alcohol and

other drug program.

Strengths

Depth and number of educational programs for students.

All campus-based events and programs are alcohol and drug-free.

Pellissippi State has policies related to alcohol and other drugs and regularly distributes these

polices.

Students, faculty, and staff have access to campus-based and community resources related to

alcohol and other drugs.

Pellissippi State has a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor on staff who can administer

alcohol and other drug assessments.

The College administers the CORE survey.

The “Need to Know” document is distributed to all students at New Student Orientation.

There is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all regular employees.

Health insurance is available to all regular employees.

Health insurance is available (but not required) for all students.

Weaknesses

The college’s alcohol and other drug program has no employee related goals.

There is very limited programming for employees related to alcohol and other drugs.

The EAP is not available to part-time employees and adjuncts.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on its review of the college’s alcohol and other drug program, the Biennial Review Committee makes

the following recommendations.

Increase alcohol and other drug programming for employees.

Bring the EAP provider to campus to increase awareness of this service.

Include employees in alcohol and other drug program goals.

Review and revise the college’s smoking and tobacco use policy.

Benchmark Pellissippi State and other colleges’ data for social norming marketing to students.

Continue the administration of the CORE survey.

Provide alcohol and other drug screenings to students.

Look for grant funding for alcohol and other drug programming.

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APPENDIX ONE

From: Ashford, Rebecca L

Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 8:37 AM

To: student-l

Subject: Welcome to the fall 2012 semester at Pellissippi State

Dear Pellissippi State Students,

I hope your fall semester is off to a good start!

The Pellissippi State faculty and staff are committed to your success at the College. I’d like to share some

information with you that may assist you while enrolled at Pellissippi State.

First, as Pellissippi State students, you are members of an academic community, and that membership

brings with it certain rights and responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities are outlined on the

following website: http://www.pstcc.edu/ppm/pdf/04-02-02.pdf. If you feel that your rights have been

violated, you may follow the College’s process for resolving complaints.

Second, the health and well-being of our students is important to us. To that end, Pellissippi State is a drug

and alcohol-free college. Please click here to read more about Pellissippi State’s drug-free campus policy.

If you have issues with drugs or alcohol and would like help, please speak to one of the Pellissippi State

counselors. They are here to help you address academic or personal issues in order to help you succeed.

Third, in order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students, Pellissippi State has

put into place policy which governs student behavior. Please read more about that policy at

http://www.pstcc.edu/ppm/pdf/04-02-00.pdf.

Finally, I’d like to encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available at Pellissippi State.

The Student Affairs website links to many of those resources. Pellissippi State can meet you half-way in

your journey to success in college. It’s up to you to meet us half-way.

Have a productive semester. I look forward to celebrating your achievements at graduation!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs

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APPENDIX TWO

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APPENDIX THREE

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act—we acknowledge that a workplace with drugs is dangerous for user and non-user alike. We prohibit the illegal making, selling and use of controlled substances on the premises. Employees must notify the Human Resources director of any drug convictions for a violation in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction. We discipline offenders or offer them assistance.

Drug-Free Workplace Act

Effective in 1989, the Drug-Free Workplace Act requires employers who contract with or receive grants from federal

agencies to certify that they will meet certain requirements for providing a “drug-free workplace.” The act becomes

applicable when Pellissippi State receives a federal contract for the procurement of property or services valued at

$25,000 or more, or receives any federal grant. The act imposes no monetary minimum on the grants to which it

applies.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Effective in 1990, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act provides that in order to receive federal financial

assistance of any kind, an institution of higher education must certify that it has “adopted and implemented a

program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and

employees.” Each institution must have a program that at the least provides that all students and employees

annually receive a written statement covering (1) standards of conduct concerning drugs and alcohol, (2) legal

sanctions, (3) health, (4) available counseling and treatment programs, and (5) disciplinary sanctions that the

institution will impose on students and employees.

College Policy

It is the policy of Pellissippi State that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, use, or abuse of alcohol

and/or illicit drugs on the campus, on property owned by the College, or as part of any activity of the College is

strictly prohibited. All categories of employees and students are subject to this policy and to applicable federal,

state, and local laws related to this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions

as set forth in the applicable sections of this policy. Every drug, including alcohol, is a potential poison that may

cause disability and death if it is taken incorrectly into the body, consumed in wrong amounts or mixed

indiscriminately with other drugs. Drugs cause physical and emotional dependence. Drugs and their harmful side

effects can remain in the body long after use has stopped. The extent to which a drug is retained in the body

depends on the drug’s chemical composition, that is, whether or not it is fat-soluble. Fat-soluble drugs such as

marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) seek out and settle in the fatty tissues. As a

result, they build up in the fatty parts of the body, such as the brain and reproductive system. Such accumulations of

Drug-Free Policy

18 A TBR Institution/An AA/EEO College

8/10

drugs and their slow release over time may cause delayed effects weeks, months, and even years after drug use has

stopped. There are many health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, including

organ damage; impairment of brain activity, digestion, and circulation; impairment of psychological processes and

mental functioning; and physical and psychological dependence. Such use during pregnancy may cause spontaneous

abortion, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome. Additionally, the illicit use of drugs increases the risk of

contracting hepatitis, AIDS and other infections. If excessive, the use of alcohol or drugs singly or in certain

combinations may cause death.

Health Risks Associated With Use of Illicit Drugs and/or Abuse of Alcohol

The purpose of our drug-free policy is to establish guidelines and standards for implementation of the Drug-Free

Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Penalties and Sanctions

Appropriate action will be taken in all cases in which employees or students are determined to be in violation of the

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, as implemented by college policy.

Employees—any alleged violation of the act, as implemented by college policy, by an employee of the College will

be reported to the president through appropriate administrative channels. The circumstances surrounding the

offense and the facts as determined by appropriate investigation will be fully reviewed prior to a decision on the

action to be taken. Penalties and/or sanctions may range from professional counseling to termination for cause,

based upon the circumstances and nature of the offense; however, faculty members and staff employees

determined to be in violation of the provisions of the policy should not expect continued employment at this

institution. Penalties and/or sanctions include any one or a combination of the following:

Recommendation for professional counseling

Letter of warning/admonition

Letter of probation

Suspension

Termination

Mandatory participation in and satisfactory

completion of a drug/alcohol abuse program or

rehabilitation program

Referral for prosecution

Other appropriate disciplinary action

Students—any alleged violation of the acts, as implemented by this policy, by a student of the College will be

reported to the vice president of Student Success and Enrollment Management and the vice president of Learning.

The circumstances surrounding the offense and the facts as determined by appropriate investigation will be fully

reviewed prior to a decision on the action to be taken. Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with the

provisions of this policy may include one or a combination of the following:

Probation

Mandatory participation in and satisfactory

completion of a drug/alcohol abuse program or

rehabilitation program

Suspension

Referral for prosecution

Expulsion

Warning

Reprimand

Other appropriate disciplinary action

Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Programs

College Programs—The student Counseling Office provides confidential counseling to students on drug- and

alcohol-related problems. This service is furnished at no cost. Referral services also are provided for professional

counseling and treatment and rehabilitation programs available in the local community. The cost of these

professional services is normally the responsibility of the individual concerned or the individual’s insurance carrier.

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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—Eligible employees of the College and their dependents may

participate in the College’s Employee Assistance Program. Professional counseling services for drug- and

alcohol-related problems are available.

The counseling services are voluntary and strictly confidential. The services are without charge for up to

five sessions for eligible employees and their immediate family members. See Human Resources for

details.