Drug Free Environment and Drug Prevention Program

It is the intention of the District to provide an environment that maximizes academic achievement and personal growth. The District recognizes that alcohol and other drug use or abuse pose a significant threat to the health, safety, and well-being of users and the people around them. Substance abuse also interferes with academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular interests and can lead to health, personal, social, economic, and legal problems.

Alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, and dependency, are behavioral/medical problems. Because the District’s primary intent is to be helpful, not punitive, programs have been developed to deter alcohol and other drug abuse. First, education is provided about alcohol and other drug-related hazards and associated problems. Second, a program of assistance and referral is available to aid individuals who are experiencing alcohol and other drug-related problems. And third, disciplinary procedures are applied to uphold the District policy regarding alcohol and other drug use.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, students and employees of the North Orange County Community College District are notified of the standards, possible sanctions, and health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the programs available to students, staff, and faculty.

Related Board Policies and Administrative Regulations are available here:

1. BP 3550
2. AP 3550

For violations of these standards of conduct, the College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students up to and including expulsion, and on employees up to and including termination of employment, in addition to possible referral for prosecution, pursuant to law, District policies and regulations, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

The District shall be free from all unlawful drugs and from the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited on District property; during District-sponsored field trips, activities, or workshops; and in any facility or vehicle operated by the District.

The possession, sale, or furnishing of alcohol on campus is governed by California state law and this Policy. The possession, sale, consumption or furnishing of alcohol is controlled by the California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control.

However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on college premises is the primary responsibility of the Campus Safety Department. Each college within the District and the District Office have been designated “Drug free,” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted.

It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of this policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol at any District facility without prior District approval.

Organizations or groups violating alcohol or substance policies or laws, may be subject to sanctions by the District.

In addition to this policy, AP 5500 Student Code of Conduct (which applies to all District students) clearly prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs on District property or as part of any District or College activity.

Alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, and dependency, are behavioral/medical problems. Because the District’s primary intent is to be helpful, not punitive, programs have been developed to deter alcohol and other drug abuse. First, education is provided about alcohol and other drug-related hazards and associated problems. Second, a program of assistance and referral is available to aid individuals who are experiencing alcohol and other drug-related problems. And third, disciplinary procedures are applied to uphold the District policy regarding alcohol and other drug use.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, students and employees of the North Orange County Community College District are notified of the standards, possible sanctions, and health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the programs available to students, staff, and faculty.

Related Board Policies and Administrative Regulations are available here:

• BP 3550
• AP 3550

For violations of these standards of conduct, the College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students up to and including expulsion, and on employees up to and including termination of employment, in addition to possible referral for prosecution, pursuant to law, District policies and regulations, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

The Federal Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801 et seq, imposes federal penalties and sanctions for illegal trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.

Federal law has set 21 as the minimum age to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverages. Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws, including driving while intoxicated, are available from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). State laws pertaining to the possession, use and distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs are available in the California Health & Safety Code (California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Health & Safety Code §§ 11000 et seq) and the California Business and Professions Code. A summary of pertinent laws and associated penalties/sanctions is included in AP 3550.

The following are criminal penalties for unlawful possession of controlled substances:

• Under California state law, possession of any amount of certain controlled substances is punishable by up to one year of incarceration in a county jail, pursuant to Sections 11054 and 11350 of the Health & Safety Code. Unlawful possession of marijuana or cannabis is punishable based upon the amount involved, ranging up to a fine of $500 and six months of incarceration in a county jail, pursuant to Section 11357 of the Health & Safety Code.
• Under federal law, possession of a “controlled substance” is punishable by up to three years imprisonment, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §§ 802 and 844(a).

The following are criminal penalties for unlawful distribution of controlled substances:

• Under California law, the sale of, or purchase with the intent to sell, certain controlled substances is punishable by up to four years of incarceration, pursuant to Section 11351 of the Health & Safety Code. The sale of, or purchase with the intent to sell, marijuana, is punishable by a term of imprisonment in a county jail of up to three years, pursuant to Section 11359 of the Health & Safety Code and Section 1170(h) of the Penal Code.
• Under federal law, the penalties for unlawful distribution of controlled substances is complex. Please view the summary of penalties.

Alcohol or other drugs used in excess over time can cause illness, disability and death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs increases the risk for several health-related and other medical, behavioral and social problems.

• Regular users of alcohol and other drugs often have erratic lifestyles which interfere with sleep, nutrition, and exercise, impacting school and job performance.
• Health problems include hangovers, blackouts, motor vehicle accidents, injuries, general fatigue, impaired learning, dependency, disability, and death.
• Personal problems include diminished self-esteem, deterioration of the family structure, domestic violence, alienation from reality, anxiety, depression and suicide.
• Social problems include loss of friends, academic standing, or co- and extracurricular opportunities, alienation from and abuse of family members, and chronic conflict with authority.
• Economic problems include financial difficulties such as loss of job, loss of education aid eligibility, homes, savings, and other assets.
• Legal problems include loss of driver’s license, limitations on career choices, fines, and jail sentences.
• Repeated use of alcohol and other drugs can lead to dependence.

Alcohol and drug abuse, addiction and dependency are behavioral/medical problems.

The District offers a wide variety of educational opportunities to its students, employees and the community which address alcohol and other drug-related issues. Information about a formal course is available in the college catalogs, class schedules, and through the counseling centers. Additional educational opportunities include awareness activities, conferences, film/videos, and lectures, some of which are offered in conjunction with other colleges and community agencies. These activities are publicized at each College and the District Office.

Although substance abuse is a serious problem that can affect your academic, personal, and professional life, it is also a treatable problem. Resources are available to provide you with the help you or a friend may need.  Fullerton College students and employees are encouraged to seek immediate help through any of the following resources.

Fullerton College students can seek help through Student Health Services or Behavioral Health Services by calling 714-992-7093 where medical and behavioral health professionals are available to provide assistance.

Employees of the District will be referred to or have the ability to take part in drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at (800) 272-7255. EAP is a confidential assistance and support program for employees in crisis. District employees may also access inpatient and outpatient counseling and treatment programs currently offered through the employee’s medical provider. Paid leave is available for employees to attend inpatient or outpatient drug or alcohol programs.

Students and staff may be referred to groups or agencies such as the following:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Co-Dependents Anonymous
• Other appropriate self-help groups
• County regional mental health team
• Private treatment agencies

This policy is intended to comply with the minimum requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 for all colleges in the District. The District distributes annually to each student and each employee the information required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and complies with other requirements of the Act.

Review of Policy

The District will perform a biennial review of its alcohol and drug prevention program and retain the records of that review in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education requirements.