Policy AP 723: Alcohol and Drug Free Learning and Working Environment
This policy applies to all Moraine Park Technical College employees and students and it outlines the College’s commitment to maintaining an alcohol and drug free working and learning environment.
Moraine Park Technical College (“MPTC” or “College”) is committed to the success and safety of our students and employees. The illegal use or misuse of alcohol and drugs have no legitimate place on our campuses and is prohibited by all students, employees, and visitors.
MPTC abides by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which requires institutions of higher education to adopt and implement programs to “prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities (34 CFR Part 86)”.
Moraine Park Technical College recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs interferes with an employee’s and student’s ability to learn and work, and increases risk of accidents and serious health problems. This policy is intended to outline the College’s prohibition regarding the possession, use, distribution, sale, manufacture or purchase of alcohol or controlled sub-stances on College property or as any part of the College activities (on or off campus). All students, employees and guests are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or con-trolled substances while on College property, while conducting College business or while receiving instruction.
In addition, the College has identified procedures, programs and sanctions to address when an employee and or student is in violation of this policy.
The College and the Wisconsin Technical College System Board policy forbid the expenditure of tax dollars and/or student activity fees for alcoholic beverages. The advertising of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on College property and in College publications.
The College allows the dispensing of wine and beer for instructional purposes or at District special events approved by the President or their designee the Vice President – Finance and Administration. Exceptions may be made only by the President or Vice President- Finance and Administration for legal consumption by student attendees.
Procedure PR 723.03: Student Reasonable Suspicion
This procedure addresses how the College will manage a circumstance in which there is reasonable suspicion that an enrolled student of any type is engaged in the use of alcohol/illicit substances on College premises including a campus or instructional location while attending a class or while such conduct is otherwise prohibited. Students enrolled in a dual credit class at a high school would be subject to the policy and procedures of that high school and the College.
Definitions
- Illicit Substances/drugs: Any substance defined as not allowable at an MPTC location as detailed in the Drug Free Schools and Community policy. Not included in this definition: prescribed medication(s) from a medical professional for the student’s specific use. If the medication may impair a student's faculties, it should be reviewed by a Disability Accommodations Specialist (if related to a disability) or with the Director for Student Development who will work with the instructor/student to ensure safe use.
- High Safety Program: A program that includes courses where there is a substantial risk of injury or harm to others from misuse of equipment or processes should a student be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance(s). Students enrolled in a high safety program can be referred for immediate drug testing by the College when a dangerous circumstance has arisen.
- Reasonable Suspicion: Means that MPTC has objective, articulable, and reasonable grounds to believe that a student has recently used, admitted to, or is under the influence of prohibited alcohol and/or illicit drugs based on the circumstances that may include the following: personal observation, a report from a student, community member or staff member, a student’s behavior, student admission of alcohol/drug use, or other reliable sources of information.
- Drug Screening: An objective assessment performed by the Director of Student Development or Security Staff member who have received annual training in this assessment methodology.
- Drug Test: College required drug testing by a designated provider, paid for by the College.
Procedure PR 723.04: Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
Moraine Park Technical College is committed to the success and safety of our students and employees. The possession or use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the College environment, as well as the individual potential of our students and employees. For our students and employees who may suffer from the illicit use or misuse of alcohol and drugs, we want to provide opportunities to receive education and services to assist in overcoming or preventing addiction and/or misuse.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (Title 34 CFR § 86.3) requires institutions of higher education to adopt and implement programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities.
Pursuant to Title 34 CFR § 86.3, Moraine Park Technical College completes the following requirements:
- Adopt and implement a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities. The DAAPP is reviewed biannually and must include:
- standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities;
- a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
- a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
- a description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students; and
- a clear statement that the campus will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state, and federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution.
- Provide a written certification that MPTC has adopted and implemented the DAAPP. The certification is included in the “Representations and Certifications” section of applications for federal funding.
- Annually distribute the DAAPP to each employee, and to each student who is taking one or more classes for any type of academic credit except for continuing education units, regardless of the length of the student's program of study.
- Conduct a biennial review during even number years of its DAAPP to:
- ascertain its effectiveness and implement changes to the program if they are needed; and
- ensure that disciplinary sanctions described are consistently enforced.
- Provide a copy of the biennial report to the U.S. Department of Education or its representative, upon request.