Aims is an alcohol and drug-free institution. Read on for more information, including Aims policies and procedures, Standard of Conduct, legal sanctions and helpful resources for those dealing with substance abuse.
Background
The National Drug Control Strategy, issued in September 1989, proposed that Congress pass legislation requiring schools, colleges, and universities to implement and enforce firm drug prevention and education programs as a condition of eligibility to receive federal financial assistance. On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (PL 101-226), which requires institutions of higher education to implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by their students and employees on school premises or as part of any school activity.
This law is in addition to the Drug-Free Workplace Act (PL 100-690, 5151-5160), which requires applicants for federally funded grants and contracts to certify that they will institute affirmative steps to prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of controlled substances in the workplace. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment establishes the foundation on which Aims Community College has established its drug and alcohol policy.
Standard of Conduct
Aims complies with both the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. In compliance with these Acts, all students and employees are prohibited from the unlawful manufacturing, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on any of the Aims campuses or at any Aims sponsored activity.
In support of a Drug-Free School and Work Environment, the College has instituted the following policies and procedures:
- Policy 1-290: Drugs and Alcohol
- Procedure 611-01: Student Code of Conduct
- Policy 4-1900: Drug-Free Workplace
See the Aims Policies and Procedures Manual to read these specific policies and procedures.
Legal Sanctions
Students and employees are reminded that local, state, and federal laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions and penalties for the unlawful manufacturing, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions include, but are not limited to, incarceration and monetary fines.
The Federal Controlled Substances Act specifies penalties for a first offense individual involved in the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute narcotics of not fewer than 10 years or more than life imprisonment and a fine up to $4 million, or both. The penalty for simple possession, knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance, is imprisonment of up to one year and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both. Penalties for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age is imprisonment or a fine, or both, up to twice that established for distribution offenses.
The Colorado Criminal Code relating to controlled substances (Title 18, Article 18) establishes penalties for the unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession of a controlled substance, ranging from six months imprisonment or a $500 fine, or both, to 16 years imprisonment and/or $750,000 in fines, depending on the classification of substance. Penalties under the Colorado Beer Code (Title 12, Article 47) relating to unlawful manufacturing, distribution, and possession of alcoholic beverages range from up to one year imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 in fines, or both.
Local ordinances for the City of Greeley, relating to illicit drugs and alcohol, coincide with the State of Colorado statutes.
College Sanctions
Students and/or employees (full or part-time) who violate the standards set forth under the Aims Substance Abuse Policy (Aims Community College Policy 1-290) will be subject to disciplinary actions. Sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion or termination and/or referral to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Health Risks
Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse encompass physical and psychological effects, including but not limited to: malnutrition, brain damage, paranoia, psychosis, hepatitis, convulsions, coma, depression, heart disease, death, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, damage to the central nervous system, elevated blood pressure, respiratory failure, low birth weight babies, babies with drug/alcohol addictions, and an increased probability of intravenous drug users contracting AIDS. It is recommended that anyone having specific questions relating to their health and drugs/ alcohol should consult their physician.
Counseling, Treatment Programs and Referral Sources
Students who need counseling or treatment for drug or alcohol abuse may request a referral to North Range Behavioral Health.
Full-time employees needing counseling or treatment for drug or alcohol abuse issues may take advantage of the Horizon Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees may pick up an EAP brochure in the Human Resources Office or click on the Employee Assistance Program link under Employee Services on the Employee tab of myAims.
Off-campus Resources
Local Hotlines
- Alcoholics Anonymous (Northern Colorado Intergroup): (970) 351-0240, (970) 224-3552 or (970) 586-2471
- Greeley Counseling Center: (970) 356-8482
- Larimer Center for Mental Health: (970) 494-9870 (Loveland – 24 hours)
- Narcotics Anonymous: (970) 346-9249 (Greeley)
- North Range Behavioral Health: (970) 347-2120 (Greeley) or (303) 857-2723 (Fort Lupton)
- North Colorado Medical Center Behavioral Health Services: (970) 352-4121 (Greeley)
- The Institute for Alcohol Awareness: (970) 351-0273 (Greeley)
National Hotlines
- Alcohol & Drug Treatment Referral: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (24 hours)
- The Alcohol Treatment and Referral Network: 1-800-ALCOHOL (252-6465)
- National Cocaine Hotline: 1-800-COCAINE (262-2463)
Information on ordinances/statutes, health risks and referral sources are available in the Office of the Vice President of Student Engagement, Inclusion & Success (College Center 240), the Student Activities, Inclusion & Leadership office (College Center 131) and the Human Resources office (Cornerstone, room 201) all on the Greeley Campus.