Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

Uniform Controlled Substance Act

Chapter 21 U.S.C., and Chapter 161, Wis. Stats. The unlawful possession, manufacture, distribution or use of a controlled substance (including, but not limited to alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal drugs) on Moraine Park Technical College premises is absolutely prohibited. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, expulsion in accordance with civil, state and federal laws and Moraine Park policy and procedure as described here.

Alcohol is not allowed at any Moraine Park-sponsored activity unless written permission is obtained from the president of Moraine Park Technical College.

Without exception, alcohol consumption is governed by Wisconsin statutory age restrictions. It is against the law to sell or distribute alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 years.

The College has a legal obligation under Wis. Stats. 125.07(1)(a)(1) to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on the College premises or at College-sponsored activities. It is against the law for an underage person to attempt to buy an alcoholic beverage, falsely represent his/her age or enter a licensed premises/establishment.

Wisconsin law also prohibits the use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Disciplinary Procedures

1. Students whose behavior indicates that they are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs upon their arrival at a Moraine Park activity or class will be denied admission and may be referred to local law enforcement agencies.
   
2. Students who violate Moraine Park's alcohol/drug policies will face disciplinary actions that may include restrictions, sanctions or expulsion from Moraine Park activities. Disciplinary actions may also include notification of the local law enforcement agency.
   
3. Visitors and guests who violate Moraine Park Technical College policies regarding the possession, use or distribution of controlled substances and/or alcoholic beverages will be ordered to leave the facility/activity. Local law enforcement authorities may be contacted to investigate any visitor or guest to Moraine Park facilities/ activities when there is suspicion that such visitor or guest is unlawfully possessing, using or distributing drugs and/or alcohol.
   
4. Employees are required to adhere to the same alcohol and drug policies as students and the general public (visitors to Moraine Park campuses). Failure to abide by these policies by staff may result in a referral to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), local law enforcement agency, the employee's supervisor or Moraine Park's Human Resources Office.
   

Summary of the Health Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

The following is a partial list of drugs and some of the consequences of their use. The abuse of alcohol and use of other illegal drugs is detrimental to the health of the user. Further, the use of drugs and alcohol is not conducive to an academic atmosphere. Drugs impede the learning process and can cause disruption for other students and disturb their academic interests.

The use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace may also impede the employee's ability to perform in a safe and effective manner and may result in injuries to others. Early diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse is in the best interests of the student, employee and the College.

The effects of any drug depend on the amount taken at one time, the past experience of the drug user, the circumstances in which the drug is taken (place, feelings, activities of the user, presence of other people, simultaneous use of other drugs) and the manner in which the drug is taken. This list includes only some of the known health risks, and not all legal or illegal drugs are covered in this brief section.

• Alcohol: Alcohol, the most frequently abused drug in society, is chemically classified as a mind-altering drug, because it contains ethanol and has the chemical power to depress the action of the central nervous system. This depression affects motor coordination, speech and vision. In great amounts, it can affect respiration and heart rate control. Death can result when the level of blood alcohol exceeds 0.40 percent.
  
• Marijuana and Hashish: Marijuana and hashish are harmful to health and impair the short-term memory and comprehension of the user. When used, they alter the sense of time and reduce the ability of the user to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. They increase the heart rate and appetite. Motivation and cognition can be altered, making acquisition and retaining of new information difficult. Long- term users may develop psychological dependence that can produce paranoia and psychosis. Because this drug is inhaled as unfiltered smoke, it is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system and has more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.
  
• Cocaine and Crack: Cocaine and crack stimulate the central nervous system and are extremely addictive. They can cause psychological and physical dependency, which can lead to dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, paranoia and seizures. They can also cause death by disrupting the brain's control of the heart and respiration.
  
• Stimulants and Amphetamines: Other stimulant and amphetamine use can have the same effect as cocaine and cause increased heart rates and blood pressure that can result in stroke or heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness, sleeplessness and anxiety. They can also lead to psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia and even a physical collapse.
  
• Depressants and Barbiturates: Depressants and barbiturates can cause physical and psychological dependence that can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death, especially when used in concert with alcohol. Withdrawal can lead to restlessness, insomnia, convulsions and even death.
  
• Hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, mescaline and peyote are classified as hallucinogens. Hallucinogens interrupt the brain messages that control the intellect and keep instincts in check. Large doses can produce convulsions, coma, and heart and lung failure. Chronic users complain of persistent memory problems and speech difficulties for up to a year after their use. Because the drugs stop the brain's pain sensors, drug experiences may result in severe self-inflicted injuries. Persistent memory problems and speech difficulties may linger.
  
• Narcotics: Users of narcotics, such as heroin, codeine, morphine and opium develop dependence and increase the likelihood of an overdose that can lead to convulsions, coma and death.
  

Resources for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment

Students are advised to contact any Counselor for more information about community resources available for drug and alcohol addiction and treatment.

Employees who have problems with alcohol or controlled substances are encouraged to voluntarily contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator for referral to counseling or treatment programs. Voluntary contacts with the EAP Coordinator will remain confidential.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The EAP provides an avenue for staff experiencing a wide range of physical addiction, mental and/or emotional problems to seek assistance before those problems jeopardize health, family life or job performance. Short-term support and counseling (one to three visits) are available through St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, as a free company benefit. Further referral, if necessary, is made to agencies or individuals whose services may be covered by insurance, whose fees are based on ability to pay or whose assistance is free.

Notice to Applicants, Parents or Guardians Services, financial aid and other benefits available through the Wisconsin Technical College System are provided on a non- discriminatory basis as required by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

Individuals applying for or receiving assistance through this agency who believe that discrimination is being practiced by Moraine Park Technical College or the Wisconsin Technical College System may file a written complaint with the appropriate state or federal agency or both.

Any written complaint is to be signed by the complainant; shall give in detail the time, place, pertinent facts and circumstances of the alleged discrimination; and shall be submitted to the State Director, Wisconsin Technical College System, PO Box 7874, Madison, WI 53707-7874.

Further, according to Title IX of Educational Amendments of 1972, Governor's Executive Order No. 9, Executive Order No. 11246, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Wisconsin Statutes 38.12 and 38.23, it is the policy of the Moraine Park Technical College Board not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, handicap, arrest/conviction record, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation or parental status. Student consumerism information is available in compliance with Section 493A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Questions relative to these pieces of legislation can be directed to the Registrar, Fond du Lac campus.