Drug Free Schools and Campuses

Mohawk Valley Community College seeks to abide by the A.O.D. Federal Mandate by

• Providing information, education, and prevention regarding the abuse of substance throughout the MVCC community, b) compiling accurate statistics/assessments of college student/staff behavior toward A.O.D. issues, c) providing appropriate professional counseling and intervention services for students who demonstrate the need to address A.O.D. issues, and
• Providing relevant, professional referral services for students exhibiting symptoms of A.O.D. problems.

Mohawk Valley Community College seeks to ensure the health and well being of all students, faculty and staff. Our commitment reflects a college-wide commitment to:

• A comprehensive prevention effort to reduce the use and, in particular, the high risk use of alcohol and other drugs.
• The use of intervention for alcohol and other drug problems and to refer to treatment and recovery.
• Establish a standard of conduct that prohibits, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students, faculty and staff, on its property or as part of any of its activities.

Mohawk Valley Community College subscribes to the disease concept of alcoholism and addiction. With alcohol and drug abuse and dependence, there is a loss of control, a compulsion to use, and continued use, despite negative consequences. Alcoholism and addiction are family diseases with enormous impact on the family, individually and collectively. Approximately one out of every three Americans reports that alcohol has been a problem in his or her family.

Intervention, with referral to treatment and recovery programs, is the primary response of the College, with strong support for 12-step and other self-help support groups.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all Utica and Rome MVCC Buildings effective May 30, 1995.

The above policy includes private offices, and does include Resident Halls.

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol have been determined scientifically and medically to present a clear and present risk and threat to personal health and well being.

Health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs include but are not limited to:

• Brain damage
• Pneumonia
• Stroke
• Bronchitis
• Viral hepatitis
• Skin abscesses
• Osteomyelitie
• Memory loss
• Cellulitis
• Coma
• Tachycardia
• Hypertension
• Phychosis
• Convulsions
• Depression
• Extreme nervousness
• Weight loss
• Physical injury stemming from dangerous decision making
• Dependency and addiction
• Heart attack
• AIDS
• Death

Health risks associated with alcohol abuse can result in:

• Brain damage
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Gastritis
• Pancreatis
• Physical injury caused by dangerous decision making
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Availability of counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs

Counseling Center, Professional Staff, Room 104B, Payne Hall, Utica Campus
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telephone: 792-5326

Off Campus:

A number of counseling, treatment and/or rehabilitation programs are available in the Greater Utica/Rome area:

• Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica, N.Y. 13502, 724-5168
• Alcoholics Anonymous, 276 Genesee St., Utica, N.Y. 13501, 732-6880
• Alcohol Drug Crisis Intervention, (800)454-8966
• Mohawk Valley Council on Alcoholism/Addiction, Inc., 214 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro, N.Y 768-1361

• Alcohol Crisis Center, 212 Rutger Street, Utica, N.Y. 735-1116
• Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, Utica Campus, Noyes Street, Utica, N.Y.
• Utica Rescue Mission, Sobering Up Center, 212 Rutger Street, Utica, N.Y. 735-1645

Some important provisions of the New York State Law pertaining to alcohol are as follows:

• Persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing any alcoholic beverage with intent to consume the beverage. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $50 per offense, but are not subject to arrest.
• Persons under the age of 21 who present falsified or fraudulently altered proofs of age for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages are guilty of a violation, punishable by a fine of up to $100 and a community service requirement of up to thirty (30) hours.
• A person under the age of 21 who presents an altered New York State driver's license for the purpose of illegally purchasing an alcoholic beverage may be subject to a suspension of that driver's license for up to ninety (90) days.
• An individual serving drinks to anyone under the age 21 can be held liable for damage should that person injure someone while under the influence of alcohol.
• The law prohibits anyone from selling alcohol without a license.

Mohawk Valley Community College clearly and unequivocally states that it will impose such disciplinary sanctions on its students and employees as may be prescribed by local, state and federal law should said students and/or employees violate the standard of conduct relative to the use of drugs or the abuse of alcohol. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by MVCC students and employees is prohibited on College property or as a part of any College-sponsored activity. Compliance with this policy shall be a condition of attending or working at Mohawk Valley Community College.

The College further states that the disciplinary action may extend from suspension, to expulsion from the College or termination of employment as well as referral for prosecution. Furthermore, the College stipulates that successful completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program may be included in the disciplinary sanctions.

A complete and detailed description of local, state and federal laws relating to the unlawful trafficking of drugs and the penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Ability is Impaired (DWAI) is on file in the following offices:

Utica Campus

• President Room 305 Payne Hall
• Human Resources Room 113 Academic Building
• Residence Life Room 208 Alumni College Center
• Security Room 204 Alumni College Center
• Vice President of Student Services Room 347 Payne Hall
• Vice President for Instruction Room 301 Payne Hall
• Financial Aid Room 120 Payne Hall
• Counseling Center Room 104B Payne Hall

• Student Services Room L33 Plumley Complex

A description of the various health risks is available from the Student Health Center on the Utica campus, and the Student Services Office on the Rome campus.

The Penalties Driving While Ability Impaired DWAI (more than .05 up to .09 blood alcohol concentration level)

Fine	Jail Sentence	License/Action
1st Offense min. $300/max. $500	Up to 15 Days	90-day suspension
2nd Offense min. $500/max. $750	Up to 30 Days Min.	6-month (within 5 years) revocation*
3rd Offense min. $750/max. $1,500	Up to 180 Days Min.	6-month (within 10 years) revocation*
		(upgraded from violation to misdemeanor)

(.10 and over blood alcohol concentration level or other evidence of intoxication)

Fine **	Jail Sentence	License/Action
1st Offense min. $500/max. $1,000	up to 1 year min.	6-month revocation*
2nd Offense min. $1,000/max. $5,000	up to 4 years min.	1 year (within 10 revocation*
*The Department of Motor Vehicles decides when you may be relicensed.
**Additional mandatory surcharge of $90 applies to misdemeanors, $155 for felonies.

NOTE: PENALTIES FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS MAY BE GREATER.