Policy for Employees
Alcohol & Drug Policy for Employees
In 1989, Congress amended Title XII of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This amendment,
the “Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989,” requires that every educational
institution, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance
under any federal program, certify its adoption and implement programs designed to
prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
by students and employees. MCC, in accordance with legal mandates and its commitment
to establishing and maintaining a supportive learning and working environment, has
established the following policies for employees.
The presence, possession and/or consumption of any alcoholic beverages on campus is prohibited anywhere on Middlesex Community College property, including the parking lots. Alcoholic beverage containers are not allowed on College property (whether empty or full) and will be confiscated. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge and may include notifying the local police.
Any employee found possessing, using, selling or involved in any way with narcotics, psychedelic drugs or chemicals, or dangerous drugs on this campus, unless prescribed by a physician, will be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, the College remains cognizant of its responsibilities to the civil authorities. Operating within this framework:
- Employees who seek information, advice or counseling regarding drugs are urged to contact MCC Human Resources or the Mass4You Employee Assistance Program
- An employee who ignores opportunities for help and assistance, and who willfully violates College regulations and the law, faces disciplinary action.
On-line:
Daily listing of AA meetings by town
Daily listing of NA meetings by town
Massachusetts Hotlines:
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline
800-327-5050 TTY: 888-448-9321
Information, referrals, language interpreters always available
Massachusetts Addiction Support Lines:
Boston: 617-307-4464
Lynn: 781-780-5658
Woburn: 781-780-5671
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED with USE of DRUGS and ALCOHOL
It is a known fact that a person’s physical and emotional health can be affected by the abuse of drugs. Stimulants (such as cocaine/crack or amphetamines) and depressants (such as alcohol and tranquilizers) are the most commonly abused drugs.
Alcohol, even in small amounts, can slow reflexes, reduce coordination, impair judgment and cause mood changes. Research statistics have shown that the majority of violent behaviors exhibited by people, including vandalism, acquaintance rape, fights, driving accidents, has involved alcohol. Prolonged alcohol consumption can result in brain damage, heart problems and liver damage. Alcohol use during pregnancy may cause birth defects in the child.
Marijuana may affect short-term memory, coordination, depth perception, male sperm production, and the immune system. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is stored in the body’s fat cells and testing will still show residue evidence even after a month. THC can also be recovered in hair when tested as long as six months after use, Tranquilizers, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, are prescribed to relieve anxiety, tension and sleep problems; however, when taken in excessive amounts, can cause impaired judgment, slurred speech and loss of motor control. Tranquilizers are highly addictive, even at lower doses, and in combination with alcohol or other drugs, may cause coma or death.
Cocaine/crack, though effects are unpredictable, may cause confusion, hallucinations, destruction of nasal membranes, and when smoked, lesions in the lungs. Addiction to cocaine occurs rapidly. Cocaine withdrawal results in severe depression and fatigue. Convulsions, coma and death are possible with even small amounts.
Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, Mescaline/Peyote) cause illusions and hallucinations, poor perception of time and distance, paranoia, anxiety and loss of control. Since the drugs block pain receptors in the brain, violent episodes of self-inflicted injury may result. “Flashbacks” may occur even after use of the drugs has stopped.
DRUG and ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Middlesex Community College provides programs and services that stress prevention of drug and alcohol abuse through education and outreach activities. Workshops, guest speakers, informational materials dealing with health related issues and behavioral risks associated with drugs and alcohol are presented throughout the year at both campuses.
Appropriate referrals to community service agencies and treatment programs area available through your health insurance provider and Mass4You, the Employee Assistance Program for employees who have alcohol and/or drug related problems, and who need help, confidential support services, and counseling. You may also contact Human Resources for assistance.
In acknowledgement of its role in the larger community, Middlesex Community College hosts weekly meetings of Narcotics Anonymous, ALANON and Alcoholics Anonymous on campus.
SUMMARY of LEGAL SANCTIONS for ALCOHOL and DRUG ABUSE
The illegal use of drugs and alcohol is a serious crime under local, state and federal laws. Courts do not lift a prison sentence so that a convicted person may attend college or continue a job. A felony conviction for a drug or alcohol offense can also prevent a person from entering many professions or other areas of employment.
State and local ordinances in Massachusetts prohibit public consumption of alcohol and impose fines for violation. Massachusetts laws prohibit the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21. A fine and/or imprisonment may be imposed. Misrepresenting one’s age or falsifying an identification to obtain alcoholic beverages is also punishable by a fine. Fines, revocation of driver’s license, possible prison sentence, and mandatory alcohol rehabilitation may be imposed for a conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Penalties in Massachusetts for illegal use of controlled substances or drugs vary with the type of drug. In general, narcotic, addictive, and drugs with a high potential for abuse have heavier penalties.
Possession of drugs is illegal without valid authorization. Even though penalties for possession are generally not as severe as those for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution. Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession, manufacture, and distribution area much greater for second and subsequent convictions. Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms and the full minimum term must be served.
It is illegal in Massachusetts to be in a place where heroin is kept and to be “in company” of a person known to possess heroin. The sale and/or possession of “drug paraphernalia” are illegal under Massachusetts law.
A person convicted of drug possession under state of federal law is ineligible for federal student grants and loans up to one year after the first conviction and five years after a second conviction, and permanent loss after a third conviction.
Under federal law, distribution of drugs to a person under the ages of 21, in or within 1000 feet of a college or school, is punishable by twice the normal penalty with a mandatory sentence of one year in prison. A third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment.
Severe prison sentences are set under federal law for the manufacture and distribution
of drugs if death or serious injury results from the use of the substance.
Cannabis Policy
Although Massachusetts law permits the use of medical marijuana and the possession, use, distribution and cultivation of marijuana in limited amounts, federal law, including the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, prohibits the possession, use, distribution and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions. Further, as marijuana remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law, institutions of higher education that receive federal funding are required to maintain policies prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana on their campuses. Accordingly, the possession, use, distribution or cultivation of marijuana, even for medical purposes, is prohibited on all Community College property or at College sponsored events and activities. Also prohibited is the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana on Community College property or at College sponsored events or activities. Further, this policy prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of all marijuana accessories and marijuana products. Marijuana accessories shall include, but are not limited to, any devise or equipment used for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana into the human body. Marijuana products shall include, but are not limited to, products that are comprised of marijuana and other ingredients and are intended for use or consumption, such as, but not limited to, edible products.
Violations of this policy by any student or employee shall result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination in accordance with applicable College policies or collective bargaining agreements.
As required by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Clery Act, this information is provided to all enrolled students and current employees of Middlesex Community College.