Drug Free Schools and Communities Act 2020

ROANOKE COLLEGE

Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act

February 2021

The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) Part 86 requires institutions of higher education, which receive federal education funding, to develop and implement a drug and alcohol prevention program that complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA).  The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) must include the following in annual notification to all students and employees:

1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees;
2. A description of the applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, or local law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
4. A description of substance abuse programs (counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry) that are available to employees and students;
5. A clear statement of the disciplinary sanctions students and employees may face (consistent with Local, State, and Federal law) for violations of standards of conduct relating to drugs and alcohol.

In compliance with the DFSCA, Roanoke College is providing this document containing links to college policies and resources concerning the use of alcohol of drugs.  This document may be updated periodically and changes will made to the electronic form.  Printed copies are available by request in the Dean of Students office.  For more information, please contact the Dean of Students Office at (540) 375-2592.

1. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Students

Roanoke College is committed to establishing a safe living/learning environment for the College community, which includes its students, faculty, and staff.

A student's relationship with the College is based on a contractual agreement that the student enters into voluntarily. By joining our College community, the student agrees to abide by the policies of the College including the Student Conduct Code. Individuals are subject to the Student Conduct Code as long as they are enrolled at the College, including break periods and while studying abroad. The College conduct system is not a legal system based on the adversarial model used in the courts. Rather, it is a system that seeks to find the truth by ensuring that students charged with violations of the Student Conduct Code know the charges brought against them by whom and have the opportunity to answer such charges before an impartial authority of members of the College community. The College's conduct system is not a substitute for the criminal justice system or a sanctuary from criminal or civil law. Violations of local, state, and/or federal laws are handled by the respective court systems. Such conduct also may constitute violations of the Student Conduct Code and thus may subject a student to action by the College.

Substance Use Policy

Roanoke College prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and nicotine containing products by all students under the age of 21.  The possession and use of illegal drugs and non-prescribed prescription medicine are prohibited.  Roanoke College observes and enforces all federal, state, and local laws related to the possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of controlled or illegal substances.  Students involved in any drug-related violations are subject to criminal action, as the College may report these individuals to legal authorities.  Roanoke College reserves the right to process conduct violations occurring off-campus reported to the college by local authorities and will cooperate with law enforcement and legal authorities conducting investigations of illegal activity. Students are responsible for knowing, understanding, and following the College’s policies, federal, state, and local laws.

Sanctioning

Students found in violation of the College’s substance use policies will be sanctioned by Roanoke College’s conduct officer and/or the conduct officer’s designees.  Options for sanctioning include educational assignments, administrative fees, counseling and/or health services referrals, community restitution, and progressive status sanctions from probation to suspension up to and including expulsion. 

The Student Code of Conduct can be found here: https://www.roanoke.edu/studentconduct.

Employees

Policy Statement on Substance Abuse

Roanoke College considers its employees and its students to be its most valuable assets. We realize that our employees are not immune to the problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse. To help address such problems, and to prevent drug or alcohol use that adversely affects job performance and safety, the College has developed a substance abuse policy.

1. Comprehensive health care benefits are available through our health insurance policy for treatment of alcohol and drug problems.
2. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by the College offers free, confidential short-term counseling and referrals for substance abuse problems, both for the employee and for family members dealing with an abuse problem of a loved one. Employees are encouraged to seek help voluntarily through the EAP.
3. When an employee's job performance or behavior reasonably suggests a substance abuse problem, the employee may be directed to seek help either through the EAP or through a personal physician.
4. Any employee who seeks rehabilitation through an inpatient program will receive the support of the College, including an unpaid leave of absence, upon request, in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (see Chapter 6). Although an employee's rehabilitation efforts will be supported, participating in any program will not serve as protection against the normal disciplinary process associated with job performance and behavior.
5. Employees under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while working or scheduled to work will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
6. Employees properly using prescription medication are responsible for knowing the impact such use may have on the regular performance of their duties. If an employee is unable to work as a result of their prescription medication use, the employee must promptly notify his or her supervisor or Human Resources prior to the start of their work and otherwise cooperate with the College as to any additional information or requests from the College.
7. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance or prescription medication while on College premises or during the conduct of College business is prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal. Law enforcement authorities will be notified of the facts and circumstances concerning any illegal activity.
8. It is the policy of the College to maintain a drug-free workplace (see Appendix C in Staff Handbook). As a condition of employment, employees must abide by the College policy on substance abuse and must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute within five days after the conviction.
9. The College reserves the right to require an employee to submit to a drug or alcohol screening test, if the College reasonably suspects: (a) the employee of substance abuse which is adversely affecting the employee’s performance of job responsibilities or attendance, or (b) the employee of being impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol when a work-related accident occurs if such impairment may have contributed to the accident.

2. LEGAL SANCTIONS UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, & LOCAL LAW

In the table below, please find a select summary of laws and penalties governing alcohol and drugs in the Commonwealth of Virginia 2019 (Virginia Code sections referenced).

 

 

Alcohol

Violation	Penalty
Possession or consumption of alcohol under 21 (4.1-305)	Misdemeanor; mandatory loss of driver's license for six months (up to 1 year) AND mandatory minimum $500 fine or 50 hours community service
Use of fraudulent driver's license ID to purchase alcoholic beverages (4.1-305)	Misdemeanor -- mandatory loss of driver's license for six months (up to 1 year) AND mandatory minimum $500 fine or 50 hours community service
Drinking in Public (18.2-306) NOTE: The definition of a public place includes any sidewalk adjoining a public street. (4.1-100; 4.1-128)	Misdemeanor; fine not to exceed $250
Intoxication in Public (18.2-388)	Misdemeanor; up to $250 fine, non-jail able
Purchase of alcoholic beverages for intoxicated individuals (4.1-306)	Misdemeanor -- mandatory loss of driver's license for up to 1 year AND fine not to exceed $2500 and/or jail for up to 12 months
Purchasing, giving, or assisting in providing alcohol to person under 21 (4.1-306)	Misdemeanor -- mandatory loss of driver's license for up to 1 year AND fine not to exceed $2500 and/or jail for up to 12 months
Purchase, possession, use, selling, or offering for sale or use powdered or crystalline alcohol (4.1-302.2)	Misdemeanor -- mandatory loss of license for one year AND mandatory minimum $500 fine (up to $2500) or 50 hours community service; possible jail for up to 12 months
Consuming alcoholic beverages while driving motor vehicle (18.2-323.1)	Misdemeanor; fine not to exceed $250
Driving after illegally consuming alcohol under age 21-.02% BAC or more constitutes a violation; requires no showing of impaired driving (18.2-266.1, 46.2-391.2)	Misdemeanor -- Suspension of driver's license for one year and either a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or performance of a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI); .08% BAC presumes alcohol intoxication, but can be convicted on lower BAC; specified levels of certain drugs also presume intoxication (18.266-270, 36.2-391.2)	Misdemeanor -- fine not to exceed $2500 (mandatory minimum of $250 and/or jail for 12 months, and loss of driver's license for 1 year, in addition to automatic, administrative 7-day license suspension upon arrest or refusal to take a breath test and immediate vehicle impound.
Driving on Restricted permit with BAC of .02 or more (18.2-272, 46.2-389/391)	Misdemeanor; fine not to exceed $2500 and/or jail for 12 months, and loss of driver's license for 1-3 years.
Driving under the influence of alcohol with passenger age seventeen (17) or younger (18.2-270)	Misdemeanor; with additional fine of $500 to $1000 and mandatory minimum five days in jail, beyond penalties for DUI
Unreasonable refusal to take breath test (18.2-268.3/4)	Loss of driver's license for 12 months
Maiming (i.e., causing serious bodily injury) of another resulting from driving while intoxicated (18.2-51.4)	Felony; 1 to 5 years prison OR 12 months jail and/or $2500 fine. Under egregious circumstances, penalties may be increased to 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 fine

 

Drugs

Violation	Penalty
Tobacco, Nicotine Vapor, and Alternative Tobacco Products Purchase, Use, or Possession by persons under age 21 (18.2-371.2)	1st Violation - Up to $100 fine and/or 20 hours of community service 2nd and Subsequent Violations - Up to $250 fine and/or 40 hours of community service
Tobacco, Nicotine Vapor, and Alternative Tobacco Products Sale or Distribution to persons under age 21 (18.2-371.2)	1st Violation - Up to $100 fine 2nd Violation - Up to $200 fine 3rd and Subsequent Violations - Up to $500 fine
Marijuana Possession (18.2-250.1)	Civil Offense - civil penalty of no more than $25.00
Hashish (Hash) Oil	No longer a felony. Same as penalty for marijuana possession.
Marijuana Sale/Distribution (18.2-248.1)	Not more than 1 ounce: Misdemeanor; 12 months jail and/or $2500 fine More than 1 ounce: Felony; 1 to 10 years prison OR 12 months jail and/or $2500 fine
Sale or Manufacture of drugs on or near school properties (18.2-255.2)	Felony; 1 to 5 years prison; fine not to exceed $100,000
Cocaine Possession (small amount) (18.2-250)	Felony; 1 to 10 years prison OR 12 months jail and/or $2500 fine
Cocaine Sale/Distribution (and large amt. possession) (18.2-248)	Felony - 5 years to life in prison and $1,000,000 fine
Mushrooms (Hallucinogens) (18.2-250)	Same as Cocaine
Cannabimimetic Agent Possession (18.2-250(a))	Misdemeanor; 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine
Cannabimimetic Agent Manufacture/Sale/Gift/Distribution or Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Give/Distribute (18.2-248)	Felony -5 to 40 years in prison and $500,000 fine
Other Controlled Substances (Including imitation controlled substances and prescription medication not pursuant to a valid prescription for the user) (18.2-250)	Same as Cocaine
Anabolic Steroids Sale/Distribution (18.2-248.5)	Felony -- 1 to 10 years prison OR 12 months jail and/or $20,000 fine
GHB (Date Rape Drug) Manufacture/Sale/Gift/Distribution of Possession with Intent to Sell (18.2-251.3)	Felony; 5 to 20 years prison and $100,000 fine
Adulteration of food, drink, drugs, cosmetics, etc. (18.2-54.2)	Felony; 5-20 years prison and $100,000 fine
To cause or induce another to use inhalant  (18.2-264b)	Misdemeanor; 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine
Inhaling drugs or other noxious chemical substances (18.2-264a)	Misdemeanor; 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine
Paraphernalia Possession/Distribution (18.2-265.3, 54.1-3466)	Misdemeanor; 12 months jail and/or $2500 fine

 

Students and employees are advised to familiarize themselves with legal sanctions that could result from alcohol or drug-related offenses.

3. HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Roanoke College is concerned for the health and wellness of its students and employees.  There is a wealth of medical research available on the topic of substance abuse and the literature reveals that over time, substance use can lead to illness, injury, disability, or death.  Some of the health risks associated with drug use and alcohol misuse are summarized in the table below.

Health Effects of Drug Use and Alcohol Abuse

Drug Type	Possible Effects
Tobacco/Nicotine	High dependency – short-term effects include stimulation, increased alertness, mild euphoria, relaxation, increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate; long-term effects include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, and cancer
Alcohol	High dependency – short-term effects include impaired memory, judgment, and decision-making; long-term effects include vitamin deficiency and organ damage; overdose effects include vomiting, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and death
Cannabis/Marijuana/Hashish	Moderate dependency – short-term effects can include euphoria, lowered inhibitions, increased appetite, paranoia, disorientation, hallucinations; long-term effects include fatigue, loss of motivation, possible psychosis, insomnia
Narcotics	High dependency – short-term effects include euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, nausea; long-term effects include organ damage; overdose effects include respiratory distress; convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma, and death
Depressants	Moderate dependency – short-term effects include impaired speech and memory, disorientation; overdose effects include respiratory distress, weak and/or rapid pulse, coma, and death
Stimulants	High dependency – short-term effects include increased alertness, excitation, mania, euphoria, high blood pressure and rapid pulse, insomnia, loss of appetite; overdose effects include agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, cardiac arrest, convulsions, and death
Hallucinogens	Moderate to high dependency – short-term effects include heightened senses, teeth grinding, hallucinations, altered perceptions of time and space; overdose effects include increased body temperature, chemical imbalance, cardiac arrest, inability to direct movement, feel pain, or remember
Inhalants	Low to high dependency – short-term effects include flushing, hypotension, headache, impaired memory and speech; long-term effects include organ damage and vitamin deficiency; overdose effects include methemoglobinemia, vomiting, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, and death
Anabolic Steroids	Unknown dependency –effects include increased aggression and agitation, edema, testicular atrophy, breast enlargement, and acne
Non-prescribed Prescription Medicine	Low to high dependency depending on frequency of use – effects similar to stimulant or narcotic use

 Information adapted from:

 U.S. Dept. of Justice DEA “Drugs of Abuse” Guide (2017):

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/drug_of_abuse.pdf

 

NIH - National Institute on Drug Abuse:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse

 

4. SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Roanoke College and the local community offer many resources and programs for students and employees struggling with drug use and/or alcohol abuse.

Resources for Students

The following includes programming and interventions to support alcohol and drug prevention for students on campus.

1. Individual Level Programs and Interventions
2. Reality Check and Let’s Be Blunt

 Evidenced-based programs designed to engage students in meaningful discussion about alcohol and marijuana use. Reality Check and Let’s Be Blunt were developed utilizing components of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) and Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP). The educational programming is provided by Student Health and Counseling Services with coordination support from Student Conduct. Referrals to the program come from Student Conduct. Students are most often referred to the program due to an alcohol or marijuana-related violation. Students participate in two 60-minute group sessions.  Upon completion of the Reality Check program, students have a foundational understanding of 1). Alcohol or marijuana and the effects of each on the body, 2) myths and realities associated with substance induced effects, and 3) skills to limit the negative ramifications of underage and excessive alcohol use or other substance use.

2. Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) is an American Public Health Association program designed to identify individuals at risk for alcohol use problems, followed by a brief discussion between an individual and a service provider, with referral to specialized treatment as needed. Screening asks several questions to determine whether individuals are misusing alcohol—that is, are they drinking too much, too often, or experiencing harm from their drinking. The provider evaluates the answers and then shares the results and their significance with the individual. SBI consists of three one on one counseling sessions. Referrals to the program come from Student Conduct. The purpose is to increase the person’s awareness of his or her alcohol use and its consequences and then motivate the person to either reduce risky drinking or seek treatment, if needed. The provider works with the person on willingness and readiness to change their drinking behavior. The SBI program:

• is designed for use by service providers who do not specialize in addiction treatment
• uses motivational approaches based on how ready the person is to change behavior
• gives feedback and suggestions respectfully in the form of useful information, without judgment or accusations
• has been shown by research to be effective in reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related adverse consequences, including injury.

 

1. Institutional-level Programs and Interventions

 

1. Educational Workshops. Educational workshops are the cornerstone of early intervention practices at Roanoke College. Workshop activities are conducted by trained peer wellness educators. “Love and Liquor” and “Bartender School” are instrumental in reducing the burden of excessive and underage alcohol and substance use and the associated risk of sexual violence. Presentations are available upon request by students, faculty, staff, coaches, residence halls and student organizations. Students can also meet with peer wellness educators to ask questions or receive more information. 

 

2. AlcoholEdu

 AlcoholEdu is a comprehensive online education program designed to provide students with the information they need to make informed decisions about alcohol, link their choices about drinking to academic and personal success, and help cope with the drinking behavior of peers, as well as respond effectively in situations where others are at risk of alcohol-related harm. AlcoholEdu has been a mandatory requirement for all incoming first-year Roanoke College students since the fall of 2009. We believe the implementation of AlcoholEdu on Roanoke College’s campus continues to help us:

1. Decrease high-risk drinking during critical times, especially the first 8 weeks of the fall term.
2. Increase basic knowledge of alcohol.
3. Track and monitor students’ alcohol use.
4. Decrease alcohol-related disruptions in residence halls.
5. Change culture and expectations around alcohol use.

 

3. New Student Orientation

All new students participate in “Community Meetings” to encourage conversations about health promotion, risk reduction, campus resources, bystander intervention strategies for substance misuse and related harms to self and others. These sessions are facilitated by wellness peer educators.  The content is designed to raise awareness of various college health topics, including mental health, and the non-medical use of prescription drugs, recognizing signs of alcohol poisoning, alcohol harm reduction strategies, alcohol policies, and university resources such as Campus Recreation, Counseling Services, Student Activities, and Campus Safety.

 

4. Parent Education during Summer Orientation

Parents are provided with a letter encouraging them to talk with their student and set expectations for alcohol use.  Tips for starting the conversation are provided.  Parents are also invited to attend a Student Affairs panel where drug and alcohol policies are reviewed.

 

5. TIPS Training

The Office of Residential Life & Housing offers the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) course to individual students and student organizations during fall and spring semesters.  TIPS is the global leader in education and training for the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol. Proven effective by third-party studies, TIPS is a skills-based training program that is designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. (from the TIPs webpage). The training for students is a 3-hour course that teaches bystander intervention, risk management, and personal responsibility regarding alcohol.  All five nationally recognized fraternities on campus are required to send their new members to TIPS.  The entire Residence Life & Housing resident advisor staff is also trained. 

6. Resident Advisor led hall meetings with First-Year students

During their first meeting, all first-year students receive detailed explanations of Roanoke College’s alcohol and drug policies.  On the first full day of classes, every residential student is informed/reminded about general College policies including alcohol and drug policies. The RA’s provide opportunities for the peer educators to facilitate educational workshops referenced above in B(1) within the residence halls.

 

Student Health and Counseling Services:

https://www.roanoke.edu/health; 211 High Street; 540-375-2286

 

Wellness Resources:

https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/student_health_and_counseling_services/self-help_and_wellness_resources

 

Substance Use/Abuse Resources:

https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/student_health_and_counseling_services/substance_use/abuse_resources

 

Peer Health Education (RC Heat):

Community Resources

Roanoke Alcoholics Anonymous

https://aaroanoke.org/

 

Roanoke Narcotics Anonymous

http://www.roanokena.com/

 

Lewis-Gale Behavioral Health

1902 Braeburn Drive

Salem, VA 24153

(540) 772-2801

(888) 771-6276 (available 24/7)

 

Mount Regis Center

125 Knotbreak Road

Salem, VA 24153

(866) 817-0966 (available 24/7)

 

Roanoke Comprehensive Treatment Center

Opioid Use Disorder program

3208 Hershberger Road

Roanoke, VA  24017

(540) 912-4211

 

Resources for Employees

Advantage Employee Assistance Program (EAP): (540) 989-6605 or (800) 699-9396

Human Resources: (540) 375-2442; hr@roanoke.edu

5. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

Students

Recommended sanctions have been adopted by the College to respond to substance abuse-related violations of the Student Conduct Code and other serious behaviors. Roanoke College is deeply concerned about the extent to which some students engage in underage consumption of alcohol, unlawful use of drugs, and/or consumption of alcohol or other drugs to a degree that renders them in need of emergency medical intervention or other extraordinary assistance. In addition, the College seeks to deter students from engaging in conduct that poses risks to the safety and well-being of the individual student and/or the College community as a whole. Recommended sanctions are intended to alert students and other members of the College community to the seriousness of alcohol and drug-related behaviors, violence, and safety violations; provide meaningful consequences for violations of College expectations; and, ensure that students are provided opportunities to access education, counseling, and support. Student Conduct Code violations not described below will be handled on a case-by-case basis in light of all the circumstances. Other specific situations to which recommended sanctions do not apply are as follows: a. where a student is found to have engaged in multiple violations of the Student Conduct Code in a single incident, rather than solely in the violation addressed by the standard sanction; b. where a student is already on a conduct sanction status equal to or greater than the standard sanction for a subsequent offense; and/or c. where a specific incident presents exacerbating circumstances, an ongoing risk to persons or property, or other serious concerns. In these situations, the appropriate sanctions will be determined on a case-by-case basis in light of all the circumstances. Generally, these situations will result in sanctions in excess of the recommended sanction. The presence of substantial mitigating or other appropriate circumstances may result in the reduction of a standard sanction at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator.

 

Consequences for Substance Abuse-Related Violations:

Category	First Violation	Second Violation	Third Violation
Use/possession of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication.	Educational Assignment Administrative Fee	Educational Assignment Administrative Fee Restitution	Probation Restitution
Distribution of alcoholic beverages to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.	Educational Assignment Administrative Fee   Restitution	Probation Restitution	Suspension
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)	Loss of Campus Driving Privileges for 12 Months Educational Assignment Administrative Fee Restitution Probation	Permanent Revocation of Driving Privileges Suspension	Suspension
Use/possession of marijuana	Educational Assignment Administrative Fee Restitution Probation	Suspension	Expulsion
Use/possession of heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances	Suspension	Expulsion	N/A
Manufacturing or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances	Suspension	Expulsion	N/A

 

Employees

Employees under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription

medication while on the job may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including

dismissal.

 

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled

substance while on College premises or during the conduct of College business is prohibited

and will result in immediate dismissal. Law enforcement authorities will be notified of the facts

and circumstances concerning any illegal activity.

 

Roanoke College will take appropriate and prompt personnel action once notified of any

criminal drug statute conviction involving an employee occurring in the workplace.

 

 

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Title V of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988) requires

Roanoke College to provide notice of any federal agency granting funds to the College of an

employee's criminal drug statute conviction for conduct in the workplace. The College must

fulfill this requirement within ten days after receiving notice from an employee or otherwise

of such conviction.

 

The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for processing all required certifications,

notices, etc. on behalf of Roanoke College.

 

Biennial Review

In compliance with the DFSCA, Roanoke College has established a DAAPP Review Committee to complete a biennial review of the College’s alcohol and drug policies to determine program effectiveness, implement changes as necessary, and ensure disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.  The committee is chaired by the Assistant Dean of Students and the following individuals serve as committee members: Associate Dean of Students/Director of Campus Safety, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Student Health and Counseling Services, Director of Human Resources, Director of Residence Life & Housing, Head Resident Advisor (student), Peer Educator (student), and other appointees as decided by the chair.  As required, the DAAPP Review Committee’s report will be published and available on the College’s webpage.