Schools and Communities Act

It is the policy of Texas State Technical College that drug-free campus and workplace conditions be maintained. No student on campus and no employee at any work station shall unlawfully manufacture, distribute, possess or use on or at the campus or workplace any narcotic drug, alcohol, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana or any other controlled substance as defined in schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C.) and as further defined by regulations at 21 (CFR 1300.11 through 1300.15).

Standards of Conduct
Alcohol
Drugs
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Heroin
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Marijuana
Damage
Penalties
Rehabilitation and Counseling

Standards of Conduct

The "Rules and Regulations" of the Board of Regents of Texas State Technical College System provided for disciplinary action against any student who engages in conduct that is prohibited by state, federal, or local law. This includes those laws prohibiting the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of drugs and alcohol. The use, manufacturing, or possession of alcohol by an employee on the College is considered misconduct by Texas State Technical College System and may result in disciplinary action.

Alcohol

Health hazards associated with the excessive use of alcohol or with alcohol dependency include dramatic behavioral changes, retardation of motor skills, and impairment of reasoning and rational thinking. These factors result in a higher incidence of accidents and accidental death for such persons than for non-users of alcohol. Nutrition also suffers, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are frequent. Prolonged alcohol abuse causes bleeding from the intestinal tract, damage to the nerves and the brain, psychotic behavior, loss of memory and coordination, damage to the liver often resulting in cirrhosis, impotence, severe inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the bone marrow, heart, testes, ovaries, and muscles. Damage to the nerves and organs is usually irreversible. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in alcoholics and is 10 times more frequent than in nonalcoholics. Sudden withdrawal of alcohol from persons dependent on it will cause serious physical withdrawal symptoms.

Drugs

The use of illicit drugs usually causes the same general type of physiological and mental changes as alcohol, though frequently those changes are more severe and more sudden. Death or coma resulting from overdose of drugs is more frequent than from alcohol, but unlike alcohol, abstinence can lead to reversal of most physical problems associated with drug use.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that is most commonly inhaled as a powder. It can be dissolved in water and used intravenously. The cocaine extract (free base) is smoked. Users progress from infrequent use to dependence within a few weeks or months. Psychological and behavioral changes resulting from use include overstimulation, hallucinations, irritability, sexual dysfunction, psychotic behavior, social isolation, and memory problems. An overdose produces convulsions and delirium and may result in death from cardiac arrest. Discontinuing the use of cocaine requires considerable assistance, close supervision, and treatment.

Amphetamines

(speed, love drug, ecstasy)

Patterns of use and associated effects are similar to cocaine. Severe intoxication may produce confusion, rambling or incoherent speech, anxiety, psychotic behavior, ringing in the ears, hallucinations, and irreversible brain damage. Intense fatigue and depression resulting from use can lead to suicide. Large doses may result in convulsions and death from cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Heroin and Other Opiates

These drugs are usually taken intravenously. "Designer" drugs similar to opiates include fentanyl, demerol, and "china white." Addiction and dependence develop rapidly. Use is characterized by impaired judgment, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Overdose is manifested by coma, shock, and depressed respiration, with the possibility of death from respiratory arrest. Withdrawal problems include sweating, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, irritability, nausea and vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.

Hallucinogens or Psychedelics

These include LSD, mescaline, peyote, and phencyclidine (PCP or "angel dust"). Used impairs and distorts one's perception of surroundings, causes bizarre mood changes, and results in visual hallucinations that involve geometric forms, colors, and persons or objects. Users who discontinue use experience "flashbacks" consisting of distortions of virtually any sensation. Withdrawal may require psychiatric treatment for the accompanying persisting psychotic states. Suicide is not uncommon.

Solvent Inhalants

(e.g.glue, lacquers, plastic cement)

Fumes from these substances cause problems similar to alcohol. Incidents of hallucinations and permanent brain damage are more frequent.

Marijuana

(cannabis)

Marijuana is usually ingested by smoking. Prolonged use can lead to psychological dependence, disconnected ideas, alteration of depth perception and sense of time, impaired judgment, and impaired coordination.

Damage from Intravenous Drug Use

In addition to the adverse effects associated with the use of a specific drug, intravenous drug users who use unsterilized needles or who share needles with other drug users can develop AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus (lockjaw), and infections in the heart. Permanent brain damage may also result.

Penalties

Any student or employee violating this policy or convicted of a criminal drug offense occurring in the workplace is subject to appropriate personnel or disciplinary action, up to and including termination, dismissal, or satisfactory participation.

Available Drug or Alcohol Counseling or Rehabilitation Services

The TSTC Counseling Center and Student Health Services provide information and referrals on counseling and/or rehabilitation services.

OFFENSE	MINIMUM PUNISHMENT	MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT
Manufacture or delivery of controlled substances (drugs).	Confinement in jail for not more than 2 yrs. or less than 180 days, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.	Confinement in TDC for life or not more than 99 years nor less than 15 years, and a fine not to exceed $250,000.
Possession of controlled substances (drugs).	Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days, a fine not to exceed $2,000, or both.	Confinement in TDC for life or not more than 99 yrs. nor no less than 10 yrs, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
Operation of a Common Carrier under the influence of alcohol or drugs.		Imprisonment for up to 15 yrs. and fine not exceed $250,000.
Delivery of Marijuana.	Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days, a fine not exceed $2,000, or both.	Confinement in TDC for life or not more than 99 yrs. nor less than 10 yrs. and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
Possession of Marijuana.	Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days a fine not exceed $2,000, or both.	Confinement in TDC for a term of nor more than 99 yrs. not less than 5 yrs., and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
Driving while Intoxicated.	Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days, nor less than 72 hrs., and a fine of not more than $2,000.	Confinement in TDC for a term of nor more than 20 yrs. nor less than 2 yrs. and a fine not exceed $10,000.
Public Intoxication.		Fine not to exceed $500.00.
Purchase of alcohol by minor.	Fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $200.	For subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1000.
Consumption of alcohol by a minor.	Fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $200.	For a subsequent offense, a fine not less than $500, nor more than $1000 or jail time not more than 1 yr. or both.
Possession of alcohol by a minor.	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200.	For a subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $550 nor more than $1000.
Sale of alcohol to a minor.	Fine of not less than $100 nor more than $250 nor more than $1000 or confinement in jail for not more than one year or both.	For subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1000 or confinement in jail for not more than one yr.
Manufacture, distribution or dispensation of drugs (includes marijuana.	A term of imprisonment for up to 5 yr and a fine of $25,000.	A term of life imprisonment without release (no eligibility for parole) and a fine not to exceed $8,000 ( if other than an individual)
Possession of Drugs (includes marijuana)	Imprisonment for up to a year, and a fine of not less than $1000.	Imprisonment for not more than 20 yrs. nor less than 5 yrs. and a fine of not less than $5,000 plus costs of investigation and prosecution.
The Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, the Institutional Rules, and state or Federal Laws are subject to amendment or change. When such changes occur, these changes are incorporated into this document by reference.