Drug Free Schools
Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act
District Policy AP 3550 prohibits “the use, distribution, sale or possession of alcohol, narcotics, dangerous or illegal drugs or other controlled substances, as defined in California statutes, on District property or at any function sponsored by the District of colleges.” Gavilan College complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
The college recognizes the legal drinking age of 21 years and enforces all state laws regulating the use of alcoholic beverages. All members of the campus community are subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution for the on-campus possession, use, sale or distribution (by either sale or gift) of any quantity of inappropriate prescription drugs, or controlled substances as defined by the State of California Health and Safety Code. Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to the Code of Student Conduct and Sanction Policies. If warranted, employees will also be subject to disciplinary sanction.
Health Consequences:
Impaired learning due to poor concentration, fatigue, drowsiness, anxiety, altered perception, confusion, indifference, depersonalization, memory loss, panic attacks and drug-induced psychosis.
Impaired judgment leading to driving under the influence of alcohol/other drugs, accidents, violent and abusive behavior, criminal acts, financial troubles, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, acquaintance rape, attempted or accomplished suicide, permanent injury or death as a result of substance overdose.
The use of intravenous drugs can result in hepatitis, tetanus, abscesses, and AIDS.
The use of stimulants can lead to cardiac fibrillation, heart attack, seizures, respiratory arrest and death.
The most common negative health consequences from occasional drinking are trauma incidents such as auto accidents and violent behavior which involve both the drinker and non-drinking victims.
Long-term alcohol abuse can cause brain damage, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, permanent coordination loss, ulcer disease, gastritis, pancreatitis, heart disease, stroke, anemia, sexual dysfunction, cancers and many other health problems.
Legal Sanctions:
As a student, if you are under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, or if you are discovered selling or dispensing drugs on campus or at any college function, you can be suspended, expelled and criminally prosecuted.
If you are an employee at Gavilan College, you may be placed on probation, terminated and criminally prosecuted for the use, sale or possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on campus, or at college sponsored events.
For a first offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, you may serve 96 hours to six months in jail and pay a fine. It is unlawful for anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or above to drive a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle on a highway. For pot or marijuana (1 oz. or less), you can be fined up to $100 and receive a criminal citation.
- For possession of marijuana (more than 1 oz.) you may receive up to 6 months in county jail, up to a $500 fine, or both.
- For possession of cocaine you can be imprisoned in a state prison.
- For sales of any illegal drug you can be imprisoned in a state prison.
- Any person under the age of 21 years who has any alcoholic beverage in his or her possession on any street or highway or in any public place can be convicted of a misdemeanor.
- It is a misdemeanor crime to sell, give or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.
- Carriers of motor vehicle insurance can increase premiums, cancel or deny renewal as a result of driving-under-the-influence convictions.
For Free Confidential Assistance:
On-Campus:
- Counseling Center, (408) 848-4723
- Student Health Services, (408) 848-4791
Off-Campus:
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (408) 374-8511
- Narcotics Anonymous, (408) 998-4200
- National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (408) 292-729
Further detailed information on the risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs may be obtained from the Gavilan College web site: www.gavilan.edu. Click on Drug Free Schools and Campus Act of 1989 and the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Smoke-Free Buildings (BP 6500):
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of all public buildings, in the outside areas beside building doorways, window, ventilation air intakes and in all college-owned vehicles.
Tobacco products shall not be sold on campus either through vending machines or campus establishments.
Implementation of the campus smoke-free environment policy will be the responsibility of every student, faculty member, staff person and visitor on campus.
