2.
Student Program to Prevent Illicit Use of Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol
The Maricopa Community College District fully supports disciplinary action for misconduct and the
enforcement of state laws governing the use of alcohol and the use, abuse, possession or distribution of
controlled substances or illegal drugs.
A.
Introduction and Purpose
The Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires
federal contractors and grantees to certify that they will provide a drug-free school. As a recipient
of federal grants, the District must adopt a program toward accomplishing this goal. While federal
legislation has been the impetus for creation of the program, the administration and Governing
Board recognize that substance abuse is a problem of national proportions that also affect students
at the Maricopa Community Colleges.
The Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to maintaining learning environments that
enhance the full benefits of a student's educational experience. The Maricopa County Community
College District will make every effort to provide students with optimal conditions for learning
that are free of the problems associated with the unauthorized use and abuse of alcohol and
drugs.
B.
Standards of Conduct
In the student handbooks of the Maricopa Community Colleges under codes of conduct, the
following are examples of behavior that is prohibited by law and/or college rules and policies:
i.
Drinking or possession of alcoholic beverages on the college campus.
ii.
Misuse of narcotics or drugs.
C.
Sanctions for Violation of Standards of Conduct Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited
to:
i.
Warning
ii.
Loss of privileges,
iii.
Suspension, or
iv.
Expulsion.
D.
Legal Sanctions
i.
Local, state, and federal law prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit
drugs and alcohol. Conviction for violating these laws can lead to imprisonment, fines,
probation, and/or assigned community service. Persons convicted of a drug-and/or
alcohol related offense will be ineligible to receive federally funded or subsidized grants,
loans, scholarships, or employment.
Any employee is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including employment termination,
for any of the following: reporting to work under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
or narcotics; the use, sale, dispensing, or possession of alcohol and/or illegal drugs or
narcotics on MCCCD premises, while conducting MCCCD business, or at any time which
would interfere with the effective conduct of the employee’s work for the MCCCD; and use
of illegal drugs.
3.
MCCCD Program Standards
The Maricopa Community College District is committed to establishing a preventative substance abuse
program at each college designed to affect positively the problems of irresponsible use of alcohol and the
use and abuse of illegal substances. A main focus of the program will be on education of the campus
community and assistance to individuals.
A.
Identify a key individual, at each college, to provide emergency services and/or to contact and work
with outside agencies that provide drug and alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation
programs that may be available to students and employees.
B.
Support disciplinary action for misconduct and the enforcement of state laws governing the use of
alcohol and the use, abuse, possession or distribution of controlled substances or illegal drugs.
C.
Establish a preventative substance abuse program at each college designed to affect positively the
problems of irresponsible use of alcohol and the use and abuse of illegal substances
4.
Use of Alcoholic Beverages
See Section 4.13 of the Administrative Regulations
5.
Other Health Concerns
General
Guidelines Concerning AIDS
Neither a diagnosis of AIDS nor a positive HIV antibody test will be part of the initial admission decision for
those applying to attend any of the Maricopa Community Colleges. The Maricopa Community Colleges will
not require screening of students for antibody to HIV.
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