SUNY ROCKLAND
Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy
Summary Statement

Per the SUNY Rockland Community College Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy, (8/15/02):

SUNY Rockland Community College is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment and to fostering the well-being and health of the college community. The harmful effects of alcohol and illegal drugs can impair the processes essential for learning and effective participation in the richness of the academic experience.

It is the Policy of SUNY Rockland Community College that alcoholic beverages may not be sold or served to students, or used by students, on any college property, or at any college sponsored function, including off-campus activities such as school sponsored field-trips, school sponsored social activities, or school sponsored study abroad programs. Further, the unauthorized possession, use, sale, or exchange of alcoholic beverages or narcotics, or the use of prescription drugs other than as prescribed will result in appropriate legal action and will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (the Student Code of Conduct and the disciplinary process are outlined in the Student Handbook). A person is identified as a student when registered for credit and/or credit free study at the college.

Students are reminded that federal, state and local law provides for a variety of legal sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs, including but not limited to, incarceration and monetary fines.

The Federal Controlled Substances Act states the any person who unlawfully distributes a controlled substance to a person under 21 years of age may be punished by up to twice the term of imprisonment and fine otherwise authorized by law.

Further information about local, state, and federal legal sanctions, ordinances and statutes is maintained by the Director of Security and is available to students and employees.

Students with questions or concerns should contact the Office of Student Involvement Prevention Resource Center, located in the Student Union Building. Contact (845) 574-4300.

Employees shall receive a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy each year. Contact Human Resources (845) 574-4720. A complete copy of the policy is available at Human Resources, the Prevention Resource Center, and SUNY Rockland Campus Security.

How to Intervene with Students Under the Influence of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Questions Educators Ask

How do I know if someone is high?

Typical signs that a student is under the influence include nodding off, bloodshot eyes, noticeable odor of alcohol or marijuana, slurred speech, and loss of balance. Remember it is not necessary to know for certain in order to express concern.

Other common signs of being under the influence include:

* Bloodshot, dull-looking, or watering eyes
* Dilated pupils
* Inattentiveness, drowsiness
* Manic/hyperactive behavior
* Runny nose, sniffing, coughing
* Clumsiness, falling tripping
* Disheveled appearance, poor hygiene
* Tremors, hallucinations, delusions
* Uncontrollable laughter or crying

What do I say to a student who I suspect may be abusing alcohol or other drugs?

It is not necessary to know for certain if a student is abusing alcohol or other drugs in order to take helpful action. If you are concerned about a student, talk to him or her.

When talking to the student, be as direct, clear, and concrete as possible about your concerns and/or observations. Be sure to comment on specific behaviors (i.e. I see that you are sleeping in class, are daydreaming, have bloodshot eyes, etc.).

Tell the student that you have no way of knowing for sure whether he or she is under the influence, but you are concerned. Encourage the student to contact the Prevention Resource Center, Room 3205, ext. 4300.

What kind of help will the student receive?

The Prevention Resource Center will make appropriate recommendations regarding available support services. These confidential services may be provided on campus or through referral to outside community agencies.

Safety is the primary concern. Above all, avoid arguing with the student, if the student exhibits angry or violent behavior, contact Security immediately at ext. 4217.

Resource Information

On Campus Resources

SUNY Rockland Prevention Services utilizes research-based strategies designed to help keep members of the college community healthy and free from the problems related to alcohol and/or other drug use, abuse and dependence. The Prevention Resource Center provides information, activities and events designed to raise awareness and inform the college community of the problems associated with such use, abuse and dependence.

Call 574-4300 or visit www.sunyrockland.edu/prc

Off Campus Resources

Rockland County Chemical Dependency Outpatient Services, (845) 364-2150

Rockland Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence, (845) 639-7373

Recovery Center for Change, Nyack Hospital Outpatient Service, (845) 348-6760

Self-Help Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
845-352-1112

Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org
212-459-4423

Al-anon Family Groups
www.al-anon.alateen.org
845-727-2050
Heath Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs

The following information describes some of the health risks & consequences associated with use, misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. For more extensive information, contact the Prevention Resource Center, Student Union (Room 3207) at (845) 574-4300 or visit www.sunyrockland.edu/prc

Alcohol - Addiction, liver disease, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects, pneumonia, cancer of the respiratory and digestive tracts, heart and artery disease, deaths and injuries due to accidents.

Cocaine - Addiction, heart seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, and anxiety.

Marijuana - Addiction, short term memory loss, paranoia, increased heart rate, lung cancer, affects respiratory and reproductive systems, and suppresses immune system.

Stimulants- Addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, possible hallucinations, weight loss, dehydration, low resistance to disease, and psychiatric problems.

Narcotics (heroin, oxycontin) - Addiction, lethargy, weight loss, depressed central nervous system, heart and lung abnormalities, hepatitis infection, HIV infection, risk of overdose and death.

Inhalants - Lack of coordination, unconsciousness, suffocation, nausea and vomiting, damage to brain and central nervous system, respiratory depression and brain damage.

Steroids - Liver toxicity and cancer, increased blood pressure, baldness, skin problems, arteriosclerious, insomnia, loss of elasticity in tendons and ligaments, shrinkage and discoloration of testicles, decreased sperm count, fluid retention, pore enlargement, general masculinization in women and impotence and enlargement of breasts in men.

Analog/Designer/Club Drugs (LSD, GHB, Ecstasy/MDMA) - Dependence, unpredictable behavior, flashbacks, psychosis, affects heart rate and respiratory systems, dehydration and marked increase in body temperature, hypertension and heart or kidney failure, depression, anxiety and paranoia, memory impairment.

Depressants (barbiturates) - Addiction, muscle rigidity, sleep disturbances’ overdose and death (especially if combined with alcohol).