Drug and Tobacco Free Policies

DRUG-FREE POLICY*

*The Drug-Free Policy was approved by the State Board of Technical and Adult Education July, 1990. A. Policy

1. The Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 102-226) contains Section 22, Drug-Free Schools and Campuses, which was enacted to ensure that any institution of higher education that receives funds under any federal program has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students. It also incorporates the statutory mandates required under the state Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 (O.C.G.A. § 20-1-20 et seq.)

2. No student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the College's property or as part of any of its sponsored activities. Such unlawful activity may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action, including expulsion.

3. If a student is convicted (including a plea of nolo contendere) of committing certain felony offenses involving any criminal drug and/or alcohol statute of any jurisdiction, regardless of whether the alleged violations occurred at the College or elsewhere, the student will be suspended immediately and denied state and/or federal financial aid funds from the date of conviction.

4. The College shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within 10 days after receiving notice of the conviction from the student or otherwise after receiving the actual notice of conviction.

5. Within 30 days of notification of conviction, the College shall with respect to any student so convicted:
a. Take additional appropriate action against such student up to and including expulsion as it deems necessary.
b. Provide such student with a description of any drug or alcohol counseling treatment, or rehabilitation, or re-entry programs that are available for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

TOBACCO POLICY

Tobacco use causes enormous financial, social and public health harm to the citizens of Georgia. Accordingly, tobacco use is prohibited at Augusta Technical College.