Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

Drug Free Campus and Alcohol Policy

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, this policy prohibits the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, and/or distribution of any controlled substance on the campuses of Wilson Community College. The term “controlled substance” means any drug listed in 21 CFR Part 1308 and other federal regulations, as well as those listed in Article V, Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Such drugs include, but are not limited to heroin, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and GHB. They also include legal drugs which are not prescribed by a licensed health care provider. Furthermore, any substance taken that may cause impairment, including but not limited to bath salts, inhalants, or synthetic herbs are also considered a violation of this policy.

The unlawful consumption or possession of alcohol as defined in NC G.S. 18B-101, is prohibited on the campuses of Wilson Community College. The Board of Trustees of Wilson Community College has authorized exceptions for the use of alcohol on WCC campuses for the following purposes:

• Training and Instructional Purposes
• Laboratory Experiments
• Special events where alcohol is served in conjunction with federal, state/local laws, and the North Carolina ABC Commission as outlined in OOP B-18 Use of Alcohol for Special Events. Alcohol may only be served in the Eagles Center, defined as: G-235, G-237, Kitchen, and Main Lobby.

Any individual found to be in violation of this policy on College property or at a College-sponsored activity will be subject to sanctions ranging from written warnings, mandatory counseling and/or rehabilitation, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion. Appropriate sanctions will be determined by the College administration on a case by case basis. Any infraction which is also a violation of federal, state, or local law will be reported to law enforcement authorities.

When the College determines that the continued presence of any person charged with violating this policy would constitute a clear and immediate threat to the health and safety of the individual and/or other members of the College community, they may be suspended from enrollment or employment before initiation or completion of disciplinary proceedings. Due process procedures for students are established in OOP SS-10 (Disciplinary and Due Process Procedures) and are published in the College Catalog. Due process guidelines for employees are established in Policy CD Grievance Procedure.

Each employee and student is required to inform the College in writing within five days after he or she is convicted of violating any federal, state, or local drug or alcoholic beverage control statute where such violation occurred on College property or at a College-sponsored activity. A conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or the imposition of a sentence, or both by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of federal or state criminal drug statutes.

In the case of a conviction of an employee working on a federal government grant or contract, the College must notify the U. S. Governmental agency from which the grant was made within ten days after receiving notice from the employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of a drug conviction. Within 30 days after receiving notice of a conviction, disciplinary action against the employee must be undertaken by the College. The employee, if retained, may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

The College maintains information on its drug-free awareness program in the office of the Director of Human Resources and the office of the Executive Dean of Student Development. This information includes the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol which can include but are not limited to sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and death.  The use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol can also be a danger in the workplace or academic environment creating problems of tardiness, absenteeism and poor performance.

The College does not have a program of drug counseling, rehabilitation or an employee assistance program. However, people experiencing problems with illicit drug use or alcohol abuse are encouraged to voluntarily seek counseling or treatment programs.

Wilson Community College will conduct a biennial review of its drug-free awareness program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed. The biennial review will also ensure that sanctions for violations of this policy are consistently enforced.