I. Introduction
Students are admitted to Central Texas College (CTC) for the purpose of education, social and personal enhancement. As students they have rights and privileges as prescribed by the State and Federal constitutions, and statutes and policies of the Board of Trustees of the Central Texas College District (CTCD). With these rights and privileges, students also have certain duties and responsibilities essential for creating an environment where all students can learn how to live productive, fulfilling lives. Substance and alcohol abuse disrupts this environment and threatens not only the lives and well being of our students, faculty and staff, but also the potential for education, social and personal enhancement. It is, therefore, important for all members of the college community to take responsibility in preventing substance and alcohol abuse.

In recognition of substance and alcohol abuse, CTC has developed a college-wide drug policy. The policy addresses not only disciplinary sanctions associated with substance and alcohol abuse, but also attempts to eliminate problems that substance and alcohol abuse pose to the college community.

II. Education, Prevention and Treatment
CTC is committed to providing comprehensive drug education and prevention programs as well as early intervention and referral services. In support of this commitment, CTC has established the Substance Abuse Resource Center in the Student Center, building 106, room 110, on central campus to provide information and assistance to the college community. Through the program, CTC will provide educational support programs which will assist in prevention of alcohol and substance abuse activities.

CTC recognizes the importance of treatment services in assisting faculty, staff and students in overcoming substance and alcohol abuse problems. Assessment and intervention services for students and staff are available through the Substance Abuse Resource Center in the Student Center building. If further treatment is necessary, staff and students may be referred to outside counselors and programs. Active duty military and their dependents may seek assistance through the on-post Drug Community Activity Division. Information relating to these outside agencies may be requested from the office of the Substance Abuse Resource Center or appropriate Campus Dean. All contacts are confidential and will not be the basis of disciplinary action. Faculty and staff seeking outside assistance may contact the Insurance Claims Office to check health insurance coverage. Counseling assistance services is also available for students who are the victim or alleged victim of sexual assault or other sex offenses up to and including changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if so requested by the victim.

III. Health Risks
Controlled substances or dangerous drugs as defined by law include, but are not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogens, stimulants, depressants, amphetamines and barbiturates.

Physical and mental health risks are associated with abuse of these substances. Depending on the drug of abuse, threat risks include:

IV. Legal Aspects/Consequences
Faculty, staff, and students of CTC are expected to abide by local, state and federal laws and campus regulations pertaining to controlled substances and alcohol possession/consumption. More specifically, the Institution prohibits "manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using or being party thereto to any illegal drug, controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol on college premises or at college sponsored activities."

The term "controlled substance' when used in this context shall refer to those drugs and substances whose manufacture, possession, sale or delivery results in criminal sanctions under the Texas Controlled Substance Act, Chapter 481, as well as substances which possess a chemical structure similar to that of a controlled substance. Penalties for drug possession are governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Subtitle C, specific penalties may vary depending on the type of drug and amount seized. Additional information concerning other federal, state and local violations and consequences can be found at the CTC Police Department.

Penalties

Minors convicted for alcohol related offenses result in the suspension of or denial of a driver's license for 30 to 180 days. Penalties may be enhanced for previous convictions on alcohol related offenses including but not limited to up to 180 days jail. Penalties for alcohol crimes are governed by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Code (TABC) Section 101.

V. Institutional Disciplinary Process
Institutional disciplinary charges may be brought against faculty, staff and students alleged to have violated institutional regulations and/or local, state or federal laws. Violations of any state or federal laws that occur off campus, if the continued presence of the individual is likely to interfere with the educational process and the orderly operation of the institution, the institution reserves the right to perform its own disciplinary action independently of governmental or state charges or prosecution. The institution also has no obligation to await the outcome of governmental prosecution before taking its own disciplinary action.

Institutional disciplinary proceedings will be in accordance with procedures outlined in the Student Handbook (for students) and the CTCD Human Resource Policy Manual (for faculty and staff). Voluntary admission to a substance abuse treatment program prior to issuance of charges may be looked upon favorably in disciplinary cases. Disciplinary action cases involving drug or alcohol related situations by students will result in suspension, dismissal or expulsion, depending on the nature and seriousness of the case. Participation in a substance or alcohol abuse educational program may be required in addition to other sanctions. Any disciplinary action by the college may precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by off-campus authority. Possible actions for violations of campus policies/regulations and or violations of local, state or federal laws include:

• Warning
• Reprimand
• Suspension
• Probation
• Expulsion
• Restitution