CWI Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Substance abuse may result in a wide array of serious health and behavioral problems. Alcohol and drugs are toxic to the human body. In addition to the problem of toxicity, contaminant poisonings often occur with illegal drug use. HIV infection with intravenous drug use is a prevalent hazard. Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, which can occur for first time cocaine users. Long lasting effects caused by drug and alcohol abuse can cause problems such as disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, leaks of blood vessels in the brain, bleeding and destruction of brain cells, possible memory loss, infertility, impotency, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and pulmonary damage. Drug use during pregnancy may result in fetal damage and birth defects causing hyperactivity, neurological abnormalities, and developmental difficulties.

Additional health risks can include:

The CWI policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on the campus sponsored events protects and supports the employees and students of CWI.

All CWI students and employees are expected to comply with federal, state, and local drug and alcohol laws as well as CWI policies and procedures. Any student or employee who violates any of these drug or alcohol laws will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and will be subject to prosecution in accordance with the law. Legal sanctions for violation of local, state, and/or federal laws may include, but are not limited to fines, jail, or prison sentences up to ninety-nine (99) years or life. Students who violate both the Student Code of Conduct and federal, state, local, or other applicable law may be accountable to both and the CWI civil or criminal authorities.

Students who are convicted of a crime involving drugs or controlled substances may be inelligible to receive Federal Student Aid, including Student Loans, federal and state grants, and federal work study.

Student Code of Conduct

The College shall, within the scope of applicable federal and state due process requirements, take such administrative or disciplinary action as is appropriate for violations of the Illegal, Unauthorized, or Irresponsible Substance Use Policy, which covers the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program expectations, and applicable law. In the event that such violation is also a violation of federal, state, or local law, CWI may decide to proceed or delay its own disciplinary processes.

Sanctions

Sanctions for violation of CWI’s Illegal, Unauthorized, or Irresponsible Substance Use Policy are designed to be educational in nature and assist students with resuming a healthy lifestyle, conducive to the ongoing success of their academic and personal goals.  As a result, students are typically assigned a combination of sanctions: Status and Individual. 

Status Sanctions

Status sanctions pertain to a student’s relationship with the College, and provide a form of consistency for the College in responding to acts of misconduct. One or more of these is usually issued when a student has been found responsible for violating the Code:

• Warning – written notice to the student that the behavior is not acceptable at CWI and that additional incidents may result in more severe sanctions. This notice exists in the student conduct file and is not reflected on an academic transcript.
• Behavior Contract – a contract that states behavioral expectations for the student and penalties (class- or program-based) and/or sanctions assigned if the contract is violated. Violation of a behavior contract generally leads to removal from a class or program and/or more serious status sanctions. If a student refuses to sign the behavior contract, the penalties and sanctions delimitated in the contract are enacted.
• Disciplinary Probation – a period of time (which may be indefinite) during which a student is under warning that any other violation of college policy may result in suspension. Disciplinary probation may also prohibit a student from participating in certain college activities or programs, as it is considered notice that the student is not in good standing due to behavior. This sanction is not reflected on the academic transcript.
• Suspension – a defined period of time during which a student is not permitted to engage in any of the privileges, courses, organizations, events, or activities associated with being a student at CWI. During the period of suspension, a hold designating such will be placed on the student’s account and transcript prohibiting registration, enrollment, attendance, or ability to earn credit for any credit or noncredit courses offered by CWI. This also prohibits receipt of a degree or certificate from CWI during this time. This suspension does not prevent a student from attending another college or university, transferring any otherwise qualifying credits back to CWI at a later date, or receiving copies of CWI transcripts reflecting academic credits previously earned. Once the period of suspension has been completed, the hold will be lifted from the student account, provided the student has completed any other requirements required prior to return. During the period of suspension, the student is also banned from CWI property unless otherwise stated.
• Expulsion – the indefinite termination of a student’s status at the College. This prohibits engagement in any of the privileges, courses, organizations, events, or activities associated with being a student at CWI. This does not prohibit the transferring of credits earned to another college or university, but the expulsion is designated permanently on the academic transcript. Unless otherwise stated, the student is also indefinitely banned from CWI property. This is the most egregious sanction that the College can impose upon a student. Expulsion is designed to be a permanent separation from the institution; however, in those rare cases where a student seeks to return to the College at a later date after making significant behavioral changes, a student may petition for reinstatement. A petition for reinstatement may be submitted no earlier than 5 years after the date of expulsion. The petition should be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students and should describe 1) what actions the individual has taken to learn from the situation and prevent the behaviors from re-occurring, and 2) what educational pursuits the individual seeks at CWI. The Dean of Students will convene a committee of faculty and staff to review the petition and provide a recommendation for the Dean’s consideration. The Dean will make a decision and provide the outcome to the student. If denied, the former student may repetition once one year has passed. There is no appeal process to this decision.
• Conditional Re-Enrollment – A hold is placed on the student’s account, prohibiting re-enrollment until certain activities or sanctions are completed. The student may also be under behavioral restrictions upon enrollment.
• Restriction of Access or Privileges – Prohibition on accessing a specific area or building of campus, and/or prohibition from participating in certain activities. This may include removal from a course or formal learning activity for a specified period of time or for the duration of the activity. This sanction may or may not affect a student’s ability to take a specific course, but it typically allows for the pursuit of educational programs overall.
• Ban from Campus – prohibition on accessing any College property, including satellite campuses.

Individualized Sanctions

In addition to the standard sanctions above, individualized sanctions may be imposed that are designed to maximize the learning of a specific student. These sanctions take into account the student’s learning style and stage of development, as well as the unique factors of a given situation. Multiple individualized sanctions may be imposed, including but not limited to one or more of the following:

• Reflective Activity: an activity designed to promote reflection by the student about their behavior and its impacts. Examples can include writing assignments, interviews, research projects, etc. Completion will be based on fulfilling the objective requirements of the assignment, not on whether the student adopts or expresses a particular perspective or point of view.
• Counseling Assessment: Completion of an assessment with a licensed care provider as well as documentation of learning about possible resources for follow up
• Restitution: Payment to a harmed party, such as to repair or replaced vandalized property
• Community and/or College Service: Completion of a designated number of hours of service on campus or in the community
• Meetings with College Resources: Meeting with a College employee or office to learn about resources offered to support students

Students who are found to be responsible for violating the code of conduct may be subject to class- or activity-based sanctions in addition to status and individualized sanctions.

Families may be notified in certain circumstances under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Idaho State and Civil Alcohol Penalties
Idaho State Criminal and Civil Penalties for Offense of a Controlled Substance

Federal

• 1 U. S. C. 841 makes it a crime (a) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or (b) to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense, a counterfeit substance.
• The Controlled Substances Act places all substances which are in some manner regulated into one of five schedules. The CSA provides penalties for unlawful manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.
• The U. S. Code establishes and authorizes the U. S. Attorney General to revise as needed, classifications of controlled substances. Schedule I is comprised essentially of “street drugs” and Schedule V is comprised of drugs with a “low potential for abuse” when compared with drugs in schedules I-IV. Examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin and marijuana. PCP, for example, is a Schedule II drug. Amphetamine is a Schedule III drug, while Barbital is a Schedule IV drug. An example of a Schedule V drug would be a prescription medication with not more than 200 mg. of codeine per 100 grams.
• The penalties are determined by the schedule of the drug or other substance, and sometimes are specified by drug name, as in the case of marijuana.
• Penalties for first offenses include a fine up to $10 million and/or a prison term up to life, but no less than 1 year.
• For the Drug Enforcement Agency’s complete list of Federal Trafficking Penalties for Schedules I-V and Marijuana, please see: https://www.dea.gov

*Penalties for subsequent violations of the above-described provisions are progressively more severe than the initial convictions. Penalties, laws, and statutes may change without notice. This list is not intended to be comprehensive. For a complete list of drug and alcohol related offenses, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

There are symptoms and signs to be on the watch for that may indicate substance abuse or addiction in yourself and others.

Signs to watch for in yourself:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
• Not meeting obligations and work or school responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
• Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

Things to watch for in others:

• Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance; neglecting responsibilities
• Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, sudden weight loss or gain,  changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns; tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination; unusual odors on breath, body, or clothing
• Neglected appearance — lack of interest in physical appearance, deterioration of personal grooming habits
• Changes in behavior — exaggerated efforts to keep family members out of personal space; engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors; getting into legal trouble, including fights, accidents, illegal activities; drastic changes in relationships with family and friends
• Unexplained change in personality or attitude - sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or angry outbursts; periods of unusual increased energy, nervousness, or instability; lack of motivation; appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid with no reason
• Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home

Sources:

• Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse: www.hopecouncil.org 
• Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org