Download Students Convicted of Possession or Sale of Drugs

Students Convicted of Possession or Sale of Drugs
A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for FSA funds. Convictions only count against a student for aid
eligibility purposes (FAFSA question 23) if they were for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which
the student was receiving Federal Student Aid — they do not count if the offense was not during such a period, unless the
student was denied Federal benefits for drug trafficking by a Federal or state judge. (Also, a conviction that was reversed,
set aside or removed from the student’s record does not count nor does one received when he/she was a juvenile unless
he/she was tried as an adult.)
A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when he/she successfully completes a qualified
drug rehabilitation program or passes two unannounced drug tests given by such a program. Further drug convictions will
make him/her ineligible again.
Possession
First offense
Second offense
Third offense
1 year from date of conviction
2 years from date of conviction
Indefinite period
Sale
2 years from date of conviction
Indefinite period
Indefinite period
Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989
The Act is intended to combat substance abuse on campus through prevention, rehabilitation and punishment. In accordance with
this, Itawamba Community College informs its students and employees of the following:
 Institutional Policy
 Standards of Conduct
 Legal sanctions under local, state and federal law for violations of standards of conduct
 Disciplinary sanctions imposed by Itawamba Community College
 Description of health risks associated with the abuse of drugs and alcohol
 List of drugs and alcohol programs offered by the College and referral agencies available to students and employees
As a student or employee, do you need help or know someone who does?
If your answer is yes, seek help immediately. Sources of help include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Educate yourself on the harmful effects by attending college-sponsored programs and activities;
Obtain and read material explaining potentially harmful effects;
Seek trained professional help;
Talk to a college counselor who may personally assist or guide you in obtaining educational materials or referral for
professional help.
Drug-Free School Policy
Alcohol and drug abuse has been recognized as a leading threat to the health and well-being of College students/employees. As a
member of the college community and subject to the laws and policies which bind the institution's activities and interest, it shall
be the personal responsibility of each student and employee to adhere to such stated policies.
ALCOHOL
Many offenses against people and property committed at colleges and universities in the United States are a direct result of alcohol
misuse/abuse. Such anti-social behavior is unacceptable to the ICC campus community. When student/employees misuse alcohol,
academic performance, job productivity, health, personal relationships and safety suffer. A reduction of problems related to the
misuse of alcohol cannot be achieved solely through the development of rules and regulation. However, rules and regulations are
important and necessary. Students/employees need to know what their responsibilities are as members of the College community.
Legal Sanctions - Alcohol
Itawamba Community College students, personnel and organizations are required to comply with county and state laws regarding
alcohol or beer. In addition, the College forbids the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages (including beer) on the
campus and/or at any activity sponsored by students, personnel or any organization functioning at the College or College-owned
or controlled property. Drunkenness or evidence of intoxication is a violation of law and/or college rules and regulations.
REFERENCE: MISSISSIPPI CODE 1972 ANNOTATED
DRUGS
Itawamba Community College strives to maintain an environment free from drugs. It is the College's belief that a drug-free
environment benefits Itawamba Community College, its staff and the community at-large. It is further believed that this
environment can be best achieved through an intentional, consistent and visible effort that is preventive as well as reactive in
nature. Therefore, the College unequivocally prohibits the illegal possession and/or professional unsupervised use of all
prescription drugs, hallucinogenic drugs and controlled substances (including marijuana) by any member of its community.
Legal Sanctions - Drugs
Itawamba Community College students, personnel and organizations are required to comply with institutional, state and federal
laws regarding the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance, illegal drugs
and/or drugs associated paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law. All violations will be presented to the appropriate
authorities for prosecution. REFERENCE: MISSISSIPPI CODE 1972. ANNOTATED OR UNITED STATE CODE.
ICC SANCTIONS
Students: Depending upon the facts relating to the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, the student
may be:
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Placed on probation for specified period of time.
Suspended for a specified period of time or with sentence suspended.
Expelled from ICC or one of its residential units.
Subject to any combination of the above-listed sanctions or other forms of creative sanction which might be imposed
including intervention and/or referral type agencies.
Further information regarding student discipline procedures can be found in the Itawamba Community College Student
Guide, a copy of which can be obtained at the office of the Vice President of Student Services.
Employees: Sanction may be imposed upon employees who violate the College’s drug and alcohol abuse policy as follows:
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Suspension pending further investigation (with pay)
Satisfactory participation in a drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program
Issuance of a formal warning or termination
For termination, the applicable termination procedure from the Handbook for Faculty and Staff will apply based upon the status
of the employee. Any action will be initiated within 30 days after the facts become known by the College.
HEALTH RISKS
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ALCOHOL. Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly
impair judgment, coordination and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of
violent behaviors on college campuses including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights and incidents of drinking and driving.
Continued abuse may lead to dependency which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of healthy
lifestyle.
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CANNIBIS (MARIJUANA). The use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter
sense of time and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk
of lung cancer. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system
for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.
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HALLUCINOGENS. Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The user may
experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when
use has ceased. Phencyclidines (PCP) affect the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check.
Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries.
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COCAINE/CRACK. Cocaine users often have stuffy, runny nose and may have perforated nasal septum. The immediate
effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature
followed by depression. Crack or free-based rock cocaine is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations,
blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions and even death.
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AMPHETAMINES. Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse and
death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.
FEDERAL LAW
Federal law prohibits the trafficking of illegal possession of controlled substances as outlined in 21 United States Code, Section
811 and 844. Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range from five years’
imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 to life imprisonment and a fine of $4 million. Again, depending on the amount, first offense
maximum penalties for trafficking class I and II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP,
LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five years to life imprisonment and maximum fines ranging from $2 million-$4 million. First
offense penalties and sanctions for the illegal possession of a controlled substance ranges from up to one year in prison and a fine
of at least $1,000 but not more than $250,000 or both.
STATE LAW
Mississippi Code, 1972 annotated provides the following penalties for the sale, manufacture, possession with intent to traffic,
Drugs.
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Marijuana - under one ounce, felony - three years’ penitentiary - up to $3,000 fine
Marijuana - over one ounce, felony - up to three years’ penitentiary - up to $1,000,000 fine
Schedule I-II (over 30 grams), felony - up to 30 years and/or $5,000 to $1,000,000 fine
Schedule III - IV (over 50 grams), felony - up to 20 years and /or $1,000 to $250,000 fine
Schedule V felony - up to 10 years’ penitentiary and/or $1,000 to $50,000 fine
Schedule I drugs are commonly known as Crack, Cocaine, Morphine or Codeine
Schedule III, IV, V drugs are commonly known as prescription drugs.
For possession or sale of any drug within 1,500 feet of a school, church, public park, movie theater, etc., the court may double
fine and sentence.
If a firearm is in possession at the time of arrest, court may double fine and the sentence.
RESOURCES
The College employs professional counselors, and the staff is prepared to help students find appropriate assistance in dealing with
alcohol- and drug-related problems. It is each student's responsibility to seek assistance before the problem affects judgment,
performance or behavior.
Telephone numbers of some of the agencies providing counseling, treatment, education and other alcohol- and drug-related
services are:
DRUG-RELATED SERVICES
Region III Chemical Dependency
662.844.3531
NMMC Behavioral Health Center
1.800.442.2238
National Council on Alcoholism and Drugs 662.841.0403
Charter Counseling Center
662.287.7575
Act Addiction Center
1.800.711.6375
Fulton Family Medical Clinic
662.862.5200
Itawamba Health Clinic
662-862.3710
Gilmore Family Medical Clinic
662.862.7047
NATIONAL HOTLINE NUMBERS
Substance Abuse Treatment and Referral Hotline
1.800.662.HELP
Drug Free Workplace Helpline
1.800.967.5752
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug abuse 1.800.SAY.NO.TO
Reporting Requirement
Any student who is convicted of a drug-related offense must inform the College within five college working days of such
conviction. This notice must be in writing to the Vice President of Student Services. A student with such conviction may be
subject to disciplinary action and may jeopardize the receipt of financial aid and scholarships.
Annual Distribution
The Drug-Free Workplace Certification Policy is included in the College's Board Policy Manual. In addition, the policy is
distributed annually to each employee. This annual distribution is the responsibility of the Vice President of Student Services.
The Drug-Free School Policy is included in the Student Guide, which is annually distributed to each student with registration
literature.
A biannual review (every two years) of the drug prevention program will be conducted to determine its effectiveness, implement
needed changes and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. The Vice President of Student Services will have
the responsibility to appoint a committee to conduct the review.
A sample of students and employees will be surveyed to determine the effectiveness of the current policy and recommend any
changes.
Itawamba Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its
programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies: Vice President of Student Services, 602 West Hill Street, Fulton, MS 38843, 662.862.8271,
[email protected].
Revised 09/20/2016