Alcohol and Drug Policy
Students who drink or use illegal drugs on the College campus will
experience far-reaching effects on their academic and personal
lives. Students who abuse alcohol or drugs will suffer from
impairment of their decision-making capacity, which in turn may
result in unintended behavior and consequences may include:
Alcohol Policy
The laws of the State of Ohio forbid the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age. Persons 21 or older who have a valid Ohio driver’s license may be served. The law also forbids misrepresenting one’s age for the purpose of consuming or purchasing alcoholic beverages. It is the intention of this policy to promote attitudes toward alcohol use that are consistent with the goal of learning to take responsibility for one’s life and learning to work in the thoughtful community with others.
The following general policy statement is designed to (1) be consistent with the laws of Ohio; (2) stress moderation, safety and individual accountability for those who choose to drink; (3) work towards a college atmosphere that is free of coercion for those who choose to drink; (4) maintain a community where alcohol abuse and its effects are minimal; (5) provide information and education for all students and (6) provide confidential and effective guidance and counseling for those with special needs related to alcohol use and alcoholism.
This policy was developed by the Disciplinary Committee made up of representatives from the student body, faculty, institutional support staff, and the administration. It has been reviewed by the Executive Cabinet and approved by the President. All members of the Southern State community are expected to be familiar with and abide by the principles and details of this statement.
The sale, acquisition, possession, transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages are governed by various statutes of Ohio and regulations of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. In general, some of the pertinent statutes and regulations provide that:
A. No person or group shall sell, deliver, purchase or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages for consumption by a person under 21 years of age. Violators are subject to arrest, criminal charges, fines and imprisonment.
B. No person shall use the driver’s license or other identification of another or permit such identification to be used by another, or allow or deface any cards in order to procure alcoholic beverages. Violators are subject to arrest, criminal charges and fines.
C. No person shall operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Violators are subject to arrest, fines, mandatory court education programs, loss of license and/or imprisonment.
D. No person who is intoxicated shall be served an alcoholic beverage on licensed premises. Violators are subject to fine and possible disciplinary action from the local licensing authority.
E. No person under 21 years of age shall transport, purchase, sell, deliver, possess or receive or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages except in the course of employment. Violators are subject to arrest, criminal charges, fines and imprisonment.
In addition to state laws, local ordinances prohibit the possession of open containers of alcohol on county property (buildings, parks, etc.).
The serving of alcoholic beverages on campus is prohibited.
Drug Policy
The College upholds the federal and state laws prohibiting the use, possession, sale, or offering for sale of controlled substances, including
but not limited to marijuana, and will not interfere with the legal prosecution of any members of the community who violate such laws. Law enforcement
officers, when armed with the proper documents, have a legal right to search any and all buildings on the campus without prior notice.
Guidelines for Implementation of the Alcohol and Drug Policy
The Southern State Community College policy on alcohol and alcohol related behavior stresses the concept of individual responsibility.
The purpose of these implementation guidelines is to summarize and clarify some institutional strategies to help students assume their
responsibilities under the law.
Each individual should be aware of the state and local laws and is responsible for their own decisions and actions and for any consequences
of them. The legal requirements, as well as the College alcohol and drug policy, will be communicated to students in the following ways:
- In writing, in the College policy manual and posted in the student center.
- Verbally, during orientation.
The following types of concerns would warrant intervention by staff or Dean of Students:
- Individuals demonstrating problem drinking patterns (this includes problems leading to or resulting from the irresponsible use of alcohol).
- Individuals making irresponsible choices and decisions that could endanger themselves and others due to the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Individuals whose alcohol and/or drug related behavior infringes on the rights of others.
- Individuals possessing or using drugs.
Interventions may be made in either or both of the following directions:
- Accountability
a. The implications of the individual’s or organization’s behavior will be discussed with them by the Dean of Students.
b. If the situation persists, the individual or organization may be referred to the Disciplinary Committee and/or the Dean of Students.
c. Serious problems can be referred immediately to the Disciplinary Committee.
d. The Dean of Students retains the general authority in dealing with students.
- Help/Support
a. The individual may be referred to counseling services.
b. The individual may be referred to support groups such as AA, Al-Anon, etc.
c. The individual may be referred to any other appropriate resource in the community.
An educational program will be developed, implemented, and coordinated by the Student Services Office.
