Student Handbook

3.24(a) Substance Abuse Involving any Illegal or Controlled Substance

Northeastern Junior College strives to educate students as well as preserve a positive educational environment for all learners and active participants in the learning process. In order to provide a consistent and fair judicial process for all students, the following policy is based upon four main criteria: 1. Repeat violations by the student; 2. By type of controlled substance (i.e. cocaine, heroin, meth.); 3. The amount of controlled substance present; 4. The possible intent of the violator to use or distribute.

Evidence of abuse of over the counter and prescription medications and herbal substances will be considered Substance Abuse violations and may result in eviction, suspension, or expulsion.

Controlled Substance/Other Drugs Violation: Judicial Levels

Level One - Private or Group Possession/Use

Level One is possession only with no intent to sell or distribute. With possession there may be other people present—either students or non-students. There may be intent to use the substance, or it may simply be in the presence of others. All persons present may be subject to the sanction. Amount and type of illegal substance in possession does not exceed a misdemeanor legal summons. An amount of controlled-illegal substance that is excessive beyond a misdemeanor level will cause Level Two or Level Three sanctions. Many substances are considered felony regardless of amount. In these instances, the sanctions will be those of Level Two or Level Three. Eviction may occur, as defined in Level Two.

Sanctions for Level One

An illegal possession will result in a police call for summons – always. This will require educational sanctions to be assigned and referral to NJC Student Guidance Coordinator for assessment of need. The student must schedule an appointment with the NJC Student Guidance Coordinator within 14 days of the report of the offense/ The student will also be referred to an off-campus chemical counselor for an assessment at their own expense. Disciplinary Probation is for sixty (60) days. A repeat offense involving substance abuse within a four (4) semester time frame will result in a Level Three College Sanction of interim action.

Level Two – Private Group Possession/Use

Level Two is the second offense of what is stated above, in Level One.

Sanctions for Level Two

An illegal possession/use of a controlled substance will result in a police call for a summons – always. The college judicial action is immediate eviction (within 2 to 24 hours) and complete restriction from any residence hall and cafeteria. Disciplinary Probation is assigned for one (1) semester or ninety (90) days. A repeat offense involving a violation of substance abuse within a four (4) semester time frame will result in a Level Three College Sanction of interim action.

Level Three - Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute

Possession of an excessive amount is interpreted as intent to sell or distribute. There may have been observed behavior of selling, distributing of an illegal-controlled substance. This activity may be confined to one room or expanded to more than one area on campus. Amount and type of controlled substance exceeds the misdemeanor level.

Sanctions for Level Three

An illegal possession/use and distribution of a controlled substance will result in a police call for summons – always. The college judicial action is immediate eviction (within 2 hours) and an interim action from college, which may result in suspension following an investigation. As part of the interim action, complete removal from campus property will take place within two (2 hours) with police escort and total restriction from returning to campus until further notice.

Psychological Risks:

Some of the leading psychological risks of alcohol/drug use are:

  • Lateness to work or class
  • Temper tantrums
  • Attendance problems
  • Domestic violence
  • Inattentive-short attention
  • False confidence
  • Sluggish physically
  • Safety hazard
  • Criminal activity to support abuse
  • Distortion of reality
  • Hallucinations
  • Memory blackouts
  • Hyperactive to depression
  • Addiction
  • Medical Risks

Some of the leading medical risks are:

  • Damage to lungs
  • Addiction
  • Damage to reproductive system
  • Malnutrition
  • Damage to immune system
  • Brain seizure
  • Permanent loss of brain function
  • Overdose-death
  • Serious kidney/liver damage

Drug/Alcohol Treatment:

Northeastern Junior College encourages all students who have identified drug or alcohol problems to seek rehabilitation treatment before disciplinary sanctions have to be implemented as outlined in the student procedures. Most treatment programs which are supervised by professional doctors, psychologists are covered under most student health insurance programs. Student may receive on-campus assistance from the NJC Student Success Office, phone 521-6663.

Local Resources:

Northeastern Junior Student Success Center & Student Guidance Coordinator – 970-521-6663
NJC has a professional Student Guidance Coordinator trained in drug/alcohol and behavior intervention. This center is a first step in determining the needed support and resources for an individual’s problem with alcohol or drug education. Consultation and referrals to other agencies and treatment programs are made.

Centennial Mental Health
General treatment and alcohol/drug treatment programs.
211 West Main Street
Sterling, CO 80751
970-522-4392 (24 hours)

CMH provides comprehensive community based mental health services consisting of outpatient clinic, partial care, residential, inpatient, consultation and education. Centennial also provides crisis and emergency intervention services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They also provide Level II and III Alcohol Education Therapy groups to DUI drivers and court referrals. Also provides volunteer outpatient services and referrals for persons seeking treatment for alcohol and drug related problems.

State of Colorado Resources:

A list of statewide drug and alcohol treatment resources is available upon request from the NJC Guidance Coordinator.
The college conducts biennial reviews to determine program effectiveness, to show if procedures implemented need changes and to ensure disciplinary sanctions are enforced fairly and consistently.