Purpose:
Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) is committed to the welfare of its community, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Accordingly, a policy was developed regarding the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and firearms on DSCC property.
Scope:
This policy is applicable to all DSCC students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Policy:
The possession, consumption, manufacture, sale or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs and or any controlled substance on any DSCC owned, leased or otherwise controlled property including an affiliated clinical site, an institution sponsored event, or as part of any activity of Dyersburg State, is illegal under both state and federal laws and prohibited by this policy.
It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone less than 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. Such offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 11 months, 29 days, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. The offense of public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days or a fine of not more than $50, or both.
The carrying or use of weapons on any DSCC owned, leased or otherwise controlled property is prohibited and governed by state statutes and is strictly prohibited by this policy. T.C.A. 39-17-1309 prohibits the possession of weapons, including firearms, on any property owned, used or operated by TBR. Notices are posted and state: FELONY. STATE LAW PRESCRIBES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SIX (6) YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000) FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
The enforcement of alcohol, illegal drugs and firearms regulations on college property is the primary responsibility of campus security and local law enforcement agencies. DSCC has been designated “Drug free” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted with presidential approval.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education Programs: DSCC has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals and college disciplinary actions. These include:
Alcohol and Drug Education: DSCC Counseling Office, Employee Assistance Program
Counseling Services: DSCC Counseling Office, Employee Assistance Program
Referral Services: JACOA (Jackson), Northwest Counseling Center (Dyersburg), Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous
College Disciplinary Actions: Faculty/Student Judicial Review Committee.
Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws, including driving under the influence, are available from the Tennessee Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security website at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety.html.
Instructional sessions are offered through the College Wellness Program to inform students and staff regarding the dangers of drug or alcohol-abuse. Informational posters are displayed in all campus and center buildings. In addition, educational information is provided in the Student Handbook.
Compliance:
Faculty, staff and students are expected to adhere to this policy.
Definitions:
Controlled Substance drug which has been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed under a physician’s prescription
Revision History:
Policy written September, 2012; approved by Administrative Council on 9/27/12.