In compliance with the provisions of the Drug Free Schools and
Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Valencia Community
College has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the
unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and
alcohol by students and employees.
Valencia Community College presents the following
information for your knowledge and in promotion of healthy
lifestyles:
° Student and Employee Policies and Codes of Conduct.
°. Health Risks Associated with Substance Abuse.
° Legal Sanctions: Federal and State.
° Drug/ Alcohol Counseling and Treatment.
° Institutional Disciplinary Sanctions.
Student and Employee Policies and
Conduct
It is the policy of Valencia Community College to promote a
safe, healthy and productive environment for all students and
employees.
Students
The Drug Free Campuses Policy (6Hx28: 04-41) is contained in
full in the Student Handbook. Applicable sections are:
1. The president or a designee is authorized to impose
disciplinary sanctions on students and employees
(consistent with local, state, and Federal law), up to and
including expulsion or termination of employment and
referral for prosecution, for violations of standards of
conduct required by this policy.
2. Any student found to have committed unlawful use,
possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on
college property or as a part of any college activities, is
subject to disciplinary sanctions.
Employees
The unlawful distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a
controlled substance by employees on College premises or
while on College business is prohibited. Further, the use of any
legally obtained drug, including alcohol, to the point of
intoxication or influence adversely affecting the employees job
performance, is prohibited.
As a condition of employment and continued employment, all
employees of Valencia Community College are required to
adhere to this policy.
An employee who is convicted of a criminal drug statute
violation occurring in the workplace must, within five (5) days
after conviction, notify Valencia Community College of such
conviction by informing the appropriate personnel
representative.
Health Risks Associated with
Substance Abuse
Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant. Alcohol consumption causes a number
of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly
impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car
safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved
in an accident. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked
impairments in higher functions, severely altering a person's
ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses
cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other
depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of
alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden
cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal
symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations,
and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening.
Long term consumption of alcohol, particularly when combined
with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital
organs such as the brain and liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy increase the risk
of birth defects, spontaneous abortion, and still births.
Substance abuse often leads to on-the-job accidents and
absenteeism.
Controlled Substances
See chart on page 229.
Legal Sanctions: Federal and State
Federal
See charts on pages 230 and 231.
State and Municipal Laws
1. Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in Florida is 21.
Selling, giving or serving alcoholic beverages to persons
under 21 is unlawful. In Florida, this law extends to
possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21. It is
unlawful for any person to misrepresent or misstate his or
her age. This includes the manufacture or use of false
identification. Use of altered identification for the purpose
of procuring alcoholic beverages is a felony.
2. Open Container Laws: It is unlawful for any person to
consume or to induce, assist or aid another to consume any
beverage containing more than 1% alcohol by weight, upon
any street, sidewalk or in any alley. It is unlawful to have an
open container of alcoholic beverage in a vehicle. (Section
316.1936 F. S.)
3. Drinking, Driving and the Law: Under Florida law, driving
under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any controlled
chemical substance (DUI) is an offense evidenced by
impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood or
breath alcohol level of .08 or higher. For a first conviction,
the following sentencing guidelines apply:
° Payment of a fine of $250 to $500 and imprisonment for
up to six (6) months for a first conviction. If the blood or
breath alcohol level is .20 percent or higher, the fine is
$500 to $1,000 and imprisonment up to nine (9) months.
° Monthly reporting probation and mandatory completion
of substance abuse course.
° Probation for up to one (1) year which will include a
minimum of fifty (50) hours of public service for a
community work project.
° Impoundment of vehicle for ten (10) days unless owner or
family has no other means of transportation.
Serious bodily injury to another, property damage or death
while driving under the influence will result in additional
sentences.
4. Sale or Possession of Illegal Drugs: It is unlawful to be in
the possession of illicit drugs and/ or to sell or intend to sell
illicit drugs. See chart on page 6 for details.
5. Selling or Purchasing Controlled Substances within 1000
Feet of School: It is unlawful for any person to sell,
purchase, manufacture or deliver or possess with the intent
to sell, purchase, manufacture or deliver, a controlled
substance in, or within 1,000 feet of the real property
comprising a public or private elementary, middle,
secondary school, community or state college or university.
Controlled Substances, Uses and Effects
Cannabis Marijuana (pot, grass) Euphoria, reduced Fatigue, paranoia, possible Insomnia, hyperactivity 2-4 hours Smoked, oral
Hashish (hash) THC inhibitions, increased psychosis
appetite, disorientation
Stimulants Cocaine (coke, snow, crack) Increased alertness, euphoria, Agitation, increase in body Apathy, long periods of sleep, 1-2 hours Snorted, smoked
temperature, hallucinations irritability, depression injected
convulsions, possible death
Amphetamines Increased pulse rate and Shallow respiration, clammy 2-4 hours Oral, injected
blood pressure, loss of appetite skin, dilated pupils, weak and
rapid pulse, coma, possible death
Depressants Barbiturates Slurred Speech, Longer, more intense "trip" Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, 1-16 hours Oral
disorientation, drunken episodes, psychosis, possible delirium, disorientation,
behavior death convulsions, possible death
Methaqualone (quaalude) 4-8 hours Oral
Hallucinogen LSD (acid, microdot) Illusions, hallucinations, poor Withdrawal syndrome not 8-12 hours Smoked, oral,
perception of time and distance reported injected
Phencyclidine Days Oral, injected
(PCP, angel dust)
Amphetamine variants, Paralysis, Parkinson's disease, Variable Injected, smoked,
designer drugs (MDA, death snorted
MDM, ICC, Crank, Ecstacy)
Narcotics Heroin (horse, smack) Euphoria, drowsiness, Slow and shallow breathing, Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning 3-6 hours Oral, injected
Opium, morphine respiratory depression, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, chills and sweats, loss of appetite,
constricted pupils, nausea possible death tremors, cramps, nausea
Meperidine (pethiddein,
deveral)
Alcohol Is a depressant that in small amounts produces a short-term "lift" which tends to relax inhibitions, increase sociability and decrease judgment and perception. In larger
amounts, it increases depression and anxiety, resulting in confusion or stupor. Death can result due to respiratory paralysis.
Anabolic When combined with exercise, produce a marked increase in strength and muscle mass. Extended use will lead to kidney and liver dysfunction, sterility, and cardiac
Steroids dosease. Recent research indicated steroids are addictive.
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF
DRUGS POSSIBLE EFFECTS OVERDOSE EFFECTS WITHDRAWAL DURATION ADMINISTERED
Federal Trafficking Penalties
*CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCES
ACT SCHEDULE DRUG QUANTITY 1ST OFFENSE 2ND OFFENSE
Methamphetamine 10-99 gm pure or 100-999 gm
mixture
100 gm or more pure of 1 kg
or more mixture
Heroine 100-999 gm mixture
1 kg or more mixture
Cocaine 500-4,999 gm mixture Not less than 5 years. Not more than 40 years. Not less than 10 years. Not more than life.
5 kg or more mixture Not less than 10 years. Not more than life. Not less than 20 years. Not more than life.
Cocaine base 5-49 gm mixture If death or serious injury, not less than 20 If death or serious injury, not less than
years or more than life. life.
50 gm or more mixture If death or serious injury, not less than 20 If death or serious injury, not less than
years or more than life. life.
PCP 10-99 gm pure or 100-999 gm Fine of not more than $2 million individual, Fine of not more than $4 million individual,
mixture $5 million other than individual. $10 million other than individual.
100 gm or more pure of 1 kg Fine of not more than $4 million individual, Fine of not more than $8 million individual,
or more mixture $10 million other than individual. $20 million other than individual.
LSD 1-9 gm mixture
10 gm or more mixture
Fentanyl 40-399 gm mixture
400 gm or more mixture
Fentanyl Analogue 10-99 gm mixture
100 gm or more mixture
Others (law does not Any ° Not more than 20 years. ° Not more than 30 years.
include marijuana, hashish ° If death or serious injury, not less than 20 ° If death or serious injury, life.
or has oil) years, not more than life. ° Fine $2 million individual, $10 million
° Fine $1 million individual, $5 million not not individual.
individual.
All (included in Schedule Any ° Not more than 5 years. ° Not more than 10 years.
III are anabolic steroids, ° Fine not more than $250,000 individual, ° Fine not more than $500,000 individual,
codeine and hydrocodone $1 million not individual. $2 million not individual.
with aspirin or Tylenol®
and some barbiturates)
All (included in Schedule Any ° Not more than 3 years. ° Not more than 6 years.
IV are Darvon®, Talwin®, ° Fine not more than $250,000 individual, ° Fine not more than $400,000 individual,
Equanil®, Valium®, and $1 million not individual. $2 million not individual.
Xanax®
All (over-the-counter cough Any ° Not more than 1 year. ° Not more than 2 years.
medicines with codeine ° Fine not more than $100,000 individual, ° Fine not more than $200,000 individual,
are classified in Schedule V $250,000 not individual. $500,000 not individual.
* The Controlled Substances Act (1970) places all substances regulated under federal law into one of five schedules based on the substance's
medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability.
I & II
III
IV
V
Federal Trafficking PenaltiesÐ Marijuana (includes hashish and hashish oil)
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY 1ST OFFENSE 2ND OFFENSE
Marijuana 1,000 kg or more mixture ° Not less than 10 years, not more than life ° Not less than 20 years, not more than life or 1,000 or more plants ° If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, ° If death or serious injury, not more than life
not more than life. ° Fine not more than $8 million individual,
° Fine not more than $4 million individual, $20 million other than individual
$10 million other than individual
100 kg to 999 kg mixture; ° Not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years ° Not less than 10 years, not more than life
or 100-999 plants ° If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, ° If death or serious injury, not more than life
not more than life ° Fine not more than $4 million individual
° Fine not more than $2 million individual, $10 million other than individual
$5 million other than individual
50 to 99 kg mixture ° Not more than 20 years ° Not more than 30 years
50 to 99 plants ° If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, ° If death or serious injury, not more than life
not more than life ° Fine $2 million individual, $10 million other than
° Fine $1 million individual, $5 million other than individual
individual
Less than 50 kg mixture
Hashish 10 kg or more ° Not more than 5 years ° Not more than 10 years
Hashish Oil 1 kg or more ° Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million other than ° Fine $500,000 individual, $2 million other than individual individual
DRUG CRIME PENALTY
Cocaine Sale Felony/ third degree
Possession Felony/ third degree
Possession with intent to sell/ deliver Felony/ second degree
Possession with intent to sell/ deliver within 1,000 feet of school Felony/ first degree
Purchase Felony/ first degree
Trafficking Felony/ first degree
Delivery to Minor Felony/ first degree
Cannabis Possession Felony/ third degree
Possession of 20 grams or less Misdemeanor/ first degree
Possession with intent to sell/ deliver Felony/ third degree
Possession with intent to sell/ deliver within 1,000 feet of school Felony/ second degree
Purchase Felony/ third degree
Delivery to Minor Felony/ second degree
Trafficking Felony/ first degree
Heroin Possession Felony/ third degree
Purchase Felony/ second degree
Delivery to Minor Felony/ first degree
Trafficking more than 30 Kilograms Felony/ life
LSD Possession Felony/ third degree
Purchase Felony/ third degree
Possession with intent to sell/ deliver Felony/ third degree
Phencyclidine Possession Felony/ third degree
Trafficking Felony/ first degree
Methaqualone Possession Felony/ third degree
Trafficking Felony/ third degree
Amphetamines Trafficking Felony/ first degree
Drug Paraphernalia Possession Felony/ first degree
Selected State Drug Penalties
It is unlawful for any person to sell,
purchase, manufacture, deliver or possess
with intent to sell, purchase, manufacture
or deliver a controlled substance in the
state of Florida.
Felony/ First Degree
° Term of imprisonment not exceeding
30 years.
° Fine shall not exceed $10,000.
° Trafficking convictions carry a
mandatory minimum sentence
between 3 to 15 years and fines
between $25,000-$ 250,000 depending
on the amount of drugs involved.
Felony/ Second Degree
° Term of imprisonment not exceeding
15 years.
° Fine shall not exceed $10,000
Felony/ Third Degree
° Term of imprisonment not exceeding
5 years.
° Fine shall not exceed $5,000.
Misdemeanor/ First Degree
° Definite term of imprisonment not
exceeding 1 year.
° Fine shall not exceed $1,000
For additional information refer to chapters 775 and 893, Florida statutes.
Student and Employee Drug/ Alcohol
Counseling and Treatment
Students
Alcohol and other drug educational information is available to
students through the Advising and Counseling Centers. Theme
weeks including programs, awareness activities, and
informational materials are sponsored annually. Students in
need of treatment for alcohol and other drug problems will be
assisted with referrals through the Advising and Counseling
Centers to self help support groups, community agencies, and
private providers.
Employees
Employees who seek assistance with alcohol and other drug
problems may self refer to the Employee Assistance Program for
confidential assistance. Referral to the EAP by the employee's
supervisor may be a part of a disciplinary sanction.
INSTITUTIONAL DISCIPLINARY
SANCTIONS
College Sanctions
The College will impose appropriate sanctions on those
individuals in violation of Standards of Conduct, as set forth in
Section 1.
Students
Violations of standards of conduct will result in disciplinary
action.
Sanctions: the following are disciplinary measures that may be
taken by the President, Campus Provost, or designee:
1. Warning Ð written notice of violation
2. Censure Ð written reprimand for specified violation
3. Disciplinary Probation Ð written reprimand and warning
that continued misbehavior may be grounds for more serious
disciplinary action.
4. Restitution Ð reimbursement for damages or
misappropriation of services.
5. Suspension Ð exclusion from classes and other student
activities pending final determination of alleged violation.
6. Expulsion Ð termination of student status for a definite
period of time.
7. The conviction of a student for a criminal offense shall be
sufficient grounds for suspension or expulsion of such
student.
Employees
Violations of standards of conduct will result in disciplinary
action. Sanctions may include, the completion of an appropriate
rehabilitation program and other disciplinary actions up to and
including termination of employment and referral for
prosecution.