The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) require Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), to certify that they have implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use, and/or distribution of illicit drugs both by students and employees either on its premises and as a part of any of its activities. Information regarding compliance with the DFSCA is available online.
The purpose of this policy is to educate the Baker College community regarding the harmful effects associated with the use of alcohol and drugs, while identifying education and prevention programs offered to students, faculty and staff regarding these matters.
Standards of Conduct
Baker College is a drug-free and alcohol-free institution. It does not consider the use of drugs or alcoholic beverages as necessary or conducive to the process of higher education. Baker College students and employees are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws. The use of alcohol on any Baker College owned or leased property or during a College sponsored activity is strictly prohibited (unless approved by the Campus President or his/her designee). Violations will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Health Risks
Alcohol and drug use presents numerous health, behavioral, and social problems. These include: acute health problems related to intoxication or overdose, physical and psychological dependence, interference with memory sensation and perception, potential permanent brain damage or death, additional long-term health problems, contraction of diseases, pregnancy problems, psychological problems, diminished behavior, risk taking, violent behavior, accidents, negative side effects on academic or work performance, and conduct problems.
Legal Sanctions
The following laws are strictly enforced by Baker College Campus Safety Departments and local law enforcement agencies.
Federal Law
The Federal Law provides criminal and civil penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of a controlled substance. Under the Controlled Substance Act, as well as other related federal laws, the penalties for controlled substance violations include but are not limited to: incarceration, fines, potential for the forfeiture of property used in possession or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance (which may include homes, vehicles, boats, aircrafts and any other personal or real property), ineligibility to possess a firearm, and potential ineligibility to receive federal educational benefits (such as student loans and grants).
State Law
The State of Michigan has numerous laws regulating the possession and use of controlled substances and alcohol. As an example, under current Michigan state law, “a person shall not knowingly or intentionally possess or distribute a controlled substance.” If an individual is found guilty of a violation of the state law, they may be subject to large fines and imprisonment. A minor (defined as a person under the age of 21) may not “purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor, consume or attempt to consume alcoholic liquor, possess or attempt to possess alcoholic liquor, or have any bodily alcohol content.” Violations of the law may subject the individual to fines, participation in a substance abuse program, imprisonment, community service hours, and/or out of pocket expenses related to required substance abuse screenings.
Local Laws
Although local laws and ordinances may vary by county, they typically consider the following as violations: consumption in public places, possession and use of alcohol by minors, uncapped liquor in passenger compartments of vehicles, and all substance abuse ordinances. Sanctions could range from a civil infraction with attached fines to probation, rehabilitation, or even imprisonment.
Institutional Sanctions
The use of illegal drugs or alcohol on any Baker College owned or leased property, or during a College sponsored activity is strictly prohibited (unless approved by the Campus President or his/her designee).
- For students, a violation of either the drug or alcohol policy will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including verbal warning, written warning, behavior contract, change in student housing, dismissal from student housing, changes to academic schedule, suspension or expulsion from the college.
- Distributing, possessing, carrying, using, or being under the influence of illegal drugs on Baker College premises, will be cause for immediate expulsion from all campuses.
- Possessing, carrying, using, or being under the influence of alcohol on Baker College premises will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from all campuses.
For employees, a violation of either the drug or alcohol policy will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including transportation changes/restrictions, changes in work assignment/location, suspension or termination of employment.
Suspension of Financial Aid Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses
A student who has been convicted of any offense under federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance, while receiving Title IV funds, is no longer eligible to receive any federal grant, loan, or work assistance from the point of conviction and ending after
Possession Offenses
- First Offense – ineligible for 1 year
- Second Offense – ineligible for 2 years
- Third Offense – ineligible indefinitely
Sale of Controlled Substance Offenses
- First Offense – ineligible for 2 years
- Second Offense – ineligible indefinitely
A student whose eligibility has been suspended may resume eligibility by completing an acceptable drug rehabilitation program, which must include at least two unannounced drug tests, and is qualified to receive funds from federal, state, or local governments; or from a federally or state-licensed insurance company; or be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court; or a federal or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program
On an annual basis during the academic year, the Baker College System will provide programming regarding problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Individual campus locations may provide additional information regarding problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Any individual or group who desires additional information can make a request through the Campus Safety Department.
Additionally, Baker College Campus Safety and Residence Life Departments provide residence hall students an educational session on the dangers of drug and alcohol during orientation.
Workplace Answers Drug and Alcohol Prevention training program was implemented for all staff during fall 2015. Beginning with the winter quarter 2016, the Baker College System will implement Workplace Answers Drug and Alcohol Prevention training program for all students. This web-based training will be distributed by the System Human Resources Department via email every quarter/semester to all currently enrolled students and employees.
Baker College provides community referrals for personal counseling and help for students and employees with drug- and alcohol-related problems. Additionally, full time employees have employment benefits that address counseling needs. Referrals will be kept confidential.
Local assistance resources are available at each campus to assist individuals with alcohol and drug problems. Please visit the Annual Security Report on My Baker and select your campus Annual Security Report (ASR) to investigate these resources.
Biennial Review
A biennial review of the Baker College DAAPP will be conducted prior to March 30 during even calendar years by the Baker College System Vice President for Human Resources and System Coordinator for Campus Safety. This review and any recommendations will be approved by the System President and implemented for the fall term. The Biennial review will include a description of the research methods and data analysis used to determine the effectiveness of the program and the consistency of its enforcement strategy. The purpose of the evaluation component is to ensure the successful achievement of the policy/program objectives. The evaluation process will consist of two steps, Process Evaluation and Outcome Evaluation.
The purpose of the Process Evaluation is to monitor the progress of the policy and program implementation to indicate whether or not revisions are necessary in either the policy or program to meet stated objectives.
Process evaluation data will include:
- Review of ASR data elements
- Review of programs administered at each campus
- Review of policies & procedures
- The number and type of disciplinary sanctions levied on students and campus employees and
- Notifications sent to students and staff to ensure adherence to the notification policy
The purpose of the Outcome Evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of the campus alcohol and drug policy and prevention program components, and to determine alcohol- and drug-related trends to provide suggestions for enhancing the efficacy of policy and programming.
Outcome evaluation data will include:
- Annual review of the survey data collected through Workplace Answers
- Quarterly campus safety reports of alcohol and drug-related infractions on campus
- Follow-up measures on sanctions levied against students
The Biennial review will be conducted by the Baker College System Vice President for Human Resources and the System Campus Safety Coordinator. The review will be approved by the Baker College System President/CEO. A copy of the biennial review will be maintained by the System Vice President for Human Resources and the System Campus Safety Coordinator and will be available upon request.