Drug and alcohol use and misuse are problems at many university and college campuses across the country. Prince George’s Community College takes this issue seriously and has a clearly defined set of policies regarding the use and distribution of alcohol and drugs on campus.
This annual notice is being provided to you as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Institutions of higher education that receive federal/state funds in any form are required to comply with the above Acts. In compliance with the law, the student policy can be found in the current online version of the Student Handbook. The employee policy can be found in the current online version of the Employee Guide.
Students who have questions regarding the annual notice or wish to receive further information on the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act or the Drug-Free Workplace Act should contact the Wellness Center (301-546-0845). Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources and Organizational Development at HROD@pgcc.edu.
In addition to the notice, the College conducts a review in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The Biennial Review holds significant importance for Prince George's Community College as it aligns with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requirements. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, which apply to institutions receiving federal funds or financial assistance, the College is obliged to establish and uphold alcohol and other drugs (AOD) prevention programs. This entails implementing various forms of education, policy enforcement, and other relevant measures. Prince George's Community College is fully committed to adhering to these regulations as a public institution.
Click here to view the College’s 2022 Biennial Review.
Statement of Policy
The Board of Trustees is committed to providing a drug-free workplace and campus for its employees and students in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Consistent with federal, state, and local law, Prince George’s Community College will impose disciplinary sanctions upon students and employees who violate this policy. Violations of the federal, state, and local laws and ordinances governing drug and alcohol abuse by employees or students may result in referral for criminal prosecution. The courts may impose legal sanctions, including fines and imprisonment. Prince George’s Community College may require students violating the policy to receive treatment or be suspended or expelled. Faculty and staff violating this policy may be required to receive treatment. The Prince George’s Community College may exercise disciplinary actions against faculty and staff violating the policy, including termination.
Legal Sanctions
Some drug/alcohol offenses are misdemeanors, while others are felonies. In either case, the sentence may include imprisonment. Convictions for the unauthorized manufacture, delivery, trafficking, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance vary. Penalties for conviction under Maryland Criminal Article 5-602 may vary based on the type of controlled dangerous substances in question, the quantities involved, whether or not a person is charged with possession and intent to distribute or actual distribution, and prior convictions, as well as additional charges related to possession of drug paraphernalia.
For example, possession and intent to distribute cocaine, crack, ecstasy, GHB, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, and some prescription drugs is considered a felony and could result in fines of no more than $25,000 and incarceration of no more than 20 years in jail. For all other drugs, however, penalties could be limited to fines of no more than $15,000 and incarceration of no more than five years in jail (for a first offense).
The same possible penalties apply to a conviction for actual distribution of controlled dangerous substances, as well as a conviction for manufacturing controlled dangerous substances (which includes not only the distribution of controlled dangerous substances but also possessing, distributing, or creating a machine, instrument, or device, or a combination of these items, that is capable of producing a controlled dangerous substance).
In concurrence with charges under Maryland Criminal Article 5-602, a person may face charges under Maryland Article 5-619, which relates to drug paraphernalia, including any equipment, products, or materials associated with using or manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance.
Educational Impact
Certain academic programs require regular drug and alcohol screenings. For academic programs requiring clinical or practicum fieldwork and a student’s eligibility to sit for a licensure exam, regular and random drug and alcohol screening is required. In addition, the use, sale, or distribution of drugs and alcohol, including the conviction of certain criminal offenses related to illicit drug and alcohol intoxication, may limit or adversely affect a student’s ability to enter into and continue in an academic program at Prince George’s Community College. Such limitation could be a further detriment to a student’s future pursuit of advanced academic credentials at external colleges, universities, and professional programs.
Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
It is important to understand the extent of the health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse. To assist our students and staff regarding substance abuse, we provide the accompanying chart identifying selected substances with companion information about physical effects and dangers.
|
Illegal substances, drugs, alcohol |
Physical effects/symptoms |
Dangers |
|
Alcohol |
Absorbed directly into the bloodstream, it enters every body organ and depresses the central nervous system; it results in intoxication, dizziness, slurred speech, unsteady walking, relaxation, relaxed inhibitions, impaired coordination, and slowed reflexes. |
Addiction: accidents, impaired ability, coordination, and judgment; memory loss; vision disturbance; reduced ability to concentrate; heart and liver damage; nausea; vomiting; other physical damage; and death. |
|
Cocaine (AKA: Crack) |
Decreased appetite, increased heart rate/temperature/blood pressure, slowed breathing, brief, intense euphoria, restlessness, excitement, and a feeling of well-being followed by depression. |
Addiction: heart failure, ulcers in the nose, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, and sudden death. |
|
Marijuana/Cannabis |
Altered perceptions, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, reduced fertility, red eyes, dry mouth, decreased concentration and coordination, euphoria, laughing, and hunger. |
Panic reaction, impaired short-term memory, addiction, lack of motivation, anxiety/panic, impaired coordination, and lung damage. |
|
Hallucinogens (AKA: Acid, angel dust, buttons, cactus, hog, killer weed, magic mushrooms, microdot, PCP, LSD, red dragon, sugar cubes, white lightning) |
Altered mood and perception, focus on details, anxiety, panic, nausea, synesthesia (ex., smell colors, see sounds), illusions, hallucinations, dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, and sleeplessness; repeated heavy use can lead to increased heart rate/blood pressure. |
Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, convulsions, coma, heart/lung failure, inability to feel pain, disorientation, flashbacks, ruptured blood vessels in the brain, tremors, violent behavior (with PCP), can cause the appearance of schizophrenic-like psychosis. |
|
Inhalants (AKA: Aerosol sprays, bolt, climax, huff, laughing gas, locker room, poppers, snappers, solvents, whippets) |
Nausea, dizziness, headache, lack of coordination and control, rapid pulse, loss of appetite, and involuntary passing of urine or feces. |
Unconscious, suffocation, nausea and vomiting, permanent damage to the brain and central nervous system, hepatitis or brain damage, electrolyte imbalance and muscle fatigue, violent behavior, suffocation, and sudden death. |
|
Narcotics (AKA: Big H, Opium, Heroin, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Buprenorphine, Tramadol, Fentanyl, OxyContin, Hydrocodone: Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Codeine Morphine Methadone |
Euphoria, drowsiness, insensitivity to pain, nausea, vomiting, watery eyes, runny nose, slow, shallow breathing, clammy skin, and convulsions. |
Addiction, lethargy, weight loss, contamination from utensils (hepatitis, HIV/AIDS), accidental overdose, coma, death, premature or stillborn infants, and severe withdrawal. |
|
Stimulants other than cocaine (AKA: Black beauties, crank, crystal meth, diet pills, ice, pep pills, speed, uppers) |
Alertness, talkativeness, wakefulness, increased heart rate/blood pressure, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, headache, dizziness, dilated pupils, heavy sweating, and shaky hands; repeated use can lead to brain damage/ulcers/malnutrition. |
Fatigue leading to exhaustion, addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, possibly hallucinations, anxiety/panic and violent behavior. |
|
Benzodiazepines (AKA: alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR) clonazepam Klonopin) chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) lorazepam (Ativan) |
Depressed breathing, slow heartbeat, intoxication, drowsiness and uncoordinated movements |
Possible overdose (combination with alcohol can multiply the effect), muscle rigidity, and addiction; withdrawal and overdose require medical treatment; high doses can result in coma and death. |
Treatment and Rehabilitative Services
Students or employees who are having difficulty with drug or alcohol use are urged to seek a confidential assessment from the Prince George’s Community College Employee Relations or the Wellness Center. Based upon the assessment, Employee Relations or a Wellness Center counselor can provide referrals and linkage to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and treatment services at community-based agencies or within certain health insurance networks. Anyone aware of others (either students, faculty, or staff) with possible drug or alcohol abuse problems should also seek guidance from Employee Relations or the Wellness Center to facilitate a referral to the Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Centers, or an off-campus provider. Additional information regarding the Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Center at the College can be found online in the EAP Brochure and at the Wellness Center located on the main Largo campus.
Prevention and Education
Prince George’s Community College will institute and maintain a drug awareness program to inform employees and students about:
- The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
- The College’s policy of maintaining a drug and alcohol-free learning and working environment- Drug-Free Workplace Policy.