/ Equity and Compliance

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

  1. Standards of Conduct
    1. Employees
    2. Students
  2. Legal Sanctions
    1. Federal
    2. State
    3. Local
  3. Health Risks
    1. Drug Abuse
    2. Prescription Drug Abuse
    3. Nicotine/Tobacco Abuse
    4. Alcohol Abuse
  4. Drug and Alcohol Programs
    1. Employees
    2. Students
    3. Local Resources
  5. Disciplinary Sanctions
    1. Employees
    2. Students
  6. Notification of the DAAPP
    1. Employee Notification 
    2. Student Notification
  7. Oversight Responsibility

The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) require an Institution of Higher Education (IHE) such as Hope College (Hope), to certify that it has implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use and/or distribution of illicit drugs both by Hope students and employees either on its premises or as a part of any of its activities. At a minimum, an IHE must annually distribute the following in writing to all students and employees:

  1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees;
  2. A description of the legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
  3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse;
  4. A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or reentry programs that are available to employees or students; and
  5. A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct or law.

I. Standards of Conduct

A. Employees

It is the policy and practice of Hope College, in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act (41 U.S.C. 701) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (20 U.S.C. 1145g), to prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on our property or as a part of Hope College sponsored activities.

The full version of the current Hope College Drug and Alcohol Policy can be found at : https://hope.edu/offices/compliance/drug-alcohol-policy.html.

B. Students

Students attending Hope College are held responsible to our College Drug and Alcohol Policy, as well as the Student Behaviors policy as outlined in the Student Handbook.

1.0 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Hope College upholds state and local laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The concepts listed below are for your consideration:

  1. Michigan's drinking age is 21; therefore, most college students cannot drink alcohol legally.
  2. Alcohol use inhibits individuals from functioning at full capacity.
  3. Alcohol abuse has a negative impact upon the learning environment of the college.
  4. Peer pressure may intimidate and compel persons to change their behavior to go along with the crowd.
  5. Alcohol use has the potential for leading to alcohol abuse.
  6. There is a high correlation between alcohol use and sexual assault.

While the college affirms that the decision to drink or not drink is a matter of individual choice, it has established the following regulations regarding the use of alcoholic beverages in order to maintain an atmosphere supportive of its educational purpose:

1.1 The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on college property, in college housing units, at college events, or in college vehicles are prohibited. Any alcohol, which is found on-campus or in campus residence facilities, will be confiscated and disposed of by the Residential Life Staff or Campus Safety.

1.2 The use of college or organizational monies to purchase alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

1.3 Alcoholic beverages may not be used to promote an event.

1.4 The possession of alcoholic beverage containers is prohibited in campus housing units; this includes collectable empty or full alcohol containers and dispensing paraphernalia.

6.0 DRUGS

Hope College upholds state and municipal laws regarding illegal drugs. Please see the Drug and Alcohol Policy relating to the use of medical marijuana within the Hope College community.

6.1 Hope College prohibits the use, possession, sale, manufacture, production, administering, dispensing, and prescribing of any illegal drug (by city, state, or federal law), or misuse of prescribed drugs.

6.2 Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Drug paraphernalia generally refers to any items used in connection with controlled substances. A full definition of what constitutes drug paraphernalia can be found in sec.333.7451 of the Michigan Penal Code.

Marijuana

The possession or use of both recreational marijuana and medical marijuana is prohibited in any College program or activity, even if off campus. Legal use of recreational or medical marijuana off campus (when not affiliated with a College program or activity) is not subject to this policy unless it impairs job or academic performance, or has other side effects that may impair a student or employee’s ability to complete work responsibilities or participate in the educational programs of the College properly and safely.

Background: Hope College receives federal funding through Title IV in the form of student financial aid (grants, loans, and work-study programs) and through federal research grants. As a condition of accepting this money, Hope College is required to certify that it complies with the Drug-Free Schools, and Communities Act (DFSCA) (20 U.S.C. 1145g part 86 of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations). The federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. A 811) which does not recognize the difference between medical or recreational use of marijuana. Thus to comply with the Federal Drug Free School and Communities Act and avoid losing federal funding, Hope College must prohibit all marijuana use, including medical marijuana, and provide sanctions for its use.

Sanctions for violating this standard of conduct are outlined in Section V (B) below. A full version of the Student Behavior policy can be found at https://www.hope.edu/offices/student-development/policies-resources/student-handbook.html#student-behavior-and-policies.

II. Legal Sanctions

The Holland Department of Public Safety enforces all federal and state laws and local ordinances.

A. Federal

Federal law provides criminal and civil penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of a controlled substance. Under the Controlled Substance Act, as well as other related federal laws, the penalties for controlled substance violations include but are not limited to: incarceration, fines, potential for the forfeiture of property used in possession or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance (which may include homes, vehicles, boats, aircrafts and any other personal or real property), ineligibility to possess a firearm, and potential ineligibility to receive federal educational benefits (such as student loans and grants).

B. State

The State of Michigan has numerous laws regulating the possession and use of controlled substances and alcohol. As an example, under current Michigan state law, “a person shall not knowingly or intentionally possess or distribute a controlled substance.” If an individual is found guilty of a violation of the state law, they may be subject to large fines and imprisonment.

A minor (defined as a person under the age of 21) may not “purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor, consume or attempt to consume alcoholic liquor, possess or attempt to possess alcoholic liquor, or have any bodily alcohol content.” Violations of the law may subject the individual to fines, participation in a substance abuse program, imprisonment, community service hours, and/or out of pocket expenses related to required substance abuse screenings.

On November 2, 2018, Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-1 which legalized the possession and use of limited amounts for marijuana in private/nonpublic places for persons 21 years or older.

What is allowed and not allowed under Proposal 18-1?

  • An individual can have and use 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana by people 21 years and older. An individual cannot have 15 grams or more of marijuana in the form of a concentrate (MCL 333.27955). Possession and use as stated is not allowed on Hope College campus.
  • An individual 21 or older can possess, store, and process up to 10 ounces of marijuana from plants in their residence. They can have up to 12 plants for personal use and no more at one time. Plants cannot be in public view. Property owners/managers can prohibit marijuana on their property (MCL 333.27955). Marijuana is not allowed on Hope College campus.
  • An individual can share or give without the exchange of money up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to a person who is 21 years or older (MCL 333.27955). The exchange or sharing cannot be known, promoted, or advertised to the public.
  • Employers can refuse to hire applicants or terminate employees if they test positive for marijuana (MCL 333.27954).
  • An individual cannot drive or control any motor vehicle under the influence or marijuana (MCL 333.27954)

What are the penalties and were there any changes?

  • Yes, there have been changes to the penalties. The following is information on violation penalties as cited by the State of Michigan. In addition, the City of Holland Ordinance has been amended to conform with Michigan Law (MCL 333.27951 to 333.27976)
  • For violations of possession for a person under 21 years of age, who possess not more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana (MCL 333.27965).
    • For a first violation, if the person is at least 18 years of age, is responsible for a civil infraction and will receive a fine of not more than $100, and forfeiture of the marijuana.
    • For a second violation, if the person is at least 18 years of age, is responsible for a civil infraction and will receive a fine of not more than $500, and forfeiture of the marijuana.
  • For violations of possession for a person who is at least 21 years of age who does not possess more than twice the amount of marijuana allowed, or possesses with intent to deliver not more than twice the amount of marijuana (MCL 333.27965).
    • For a first violation, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished by a fine of not more than $500 and forfeiture of the marijuana;
    • For a second violation, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and forfeiture of the marijuana;
    • For a third or subsequent violation, is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 and forfeiture of the marijuana.

* The information provided refers to the State of Michigan Law is not meant nor should it be used as legal advice.

The State of Michigan laws can be found at http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?chapterindex.

C. Local

The City of Holland ordinances include but are not limited to: purchase, consumption or possession of alcoholic liquor by a minor; a minor who uses fraudulent identification to purchase alcoholic liquor; disorderly intoxication; and attempting to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Sanctions could range from a civil infraction with attached fines to substance abuse prevention services or substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation, community service, probation or even imprisonment. A full version of the local ordinances can be found at http://ecode360.com/27623523.

III. Health Risks

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are short-term and long-term health risks along with the overall risk of developing substance dependency or addiction. Some of the related health risks are listed below. For a comprehensive list of health risks please see: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts

A. Drug Abuse

The following is a list of the most frequently used drugs and the risks associated with their use.

  1. Cannabis (marijuana & hashish)

    Known risks are “problems with learning and memory; hallucinations; anxiety; panic attacks; psychosis; cough, frequent respiratory infections, possible mental health decline, and addiction.”

  2. Opioids (heroin & opium)

    Known risks are “constipation, endocarditis, hepatitis, HIV, addiction, and fatal overdose.”

  3. Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine & methamphetamine)

    Known risks are “weight loss, insomnia, cardiac or cardiovascular complications, stroke, seizures, and addiction.” Specific risks associated with cocaine use include “nasal damage from snorting.” Specific risks associated with methamphetamine use include “severe dental problems.”

  4. Depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazepines & sleep medications)

    Known risks are lowered blood pressure, slowed breathing, tolerance, withdrawal, addiction; increased risk of respiratory distress and death when combined with alcohol.

  5. Club Drugs (MDMA-methylene-dioxy-methamph-etamine [also known as:
    Ecstasy, Adam, clarity, Eve, lover's speed, peace, uppers]; Flunitrazepam [also known as: Rohypnol: forget-me pill, Mexican Valium, R2, roach, Roche, roofies, roofinol, rope, rophies]; GHB [also known as: Gamma- hydroxybutyrate: G, Georgia home boy, grievous bodily harm, liquid ecstasy, soap, scoop, goop, liquid X])

    Known risks are “sleep disturbances, depression, impaired memory, hyperthermia, addiction.” Risks specific to GHB are “unconsciousness, seizures, and coma.”

  6. Dissociative Drugs (Ketamine [also known as: Ketalar SV: cat Valium, K, Special K, vitamin K]; PCP and analogs [also known as: Phencyclidine: angel dust, boat, hog, love boat, peace pill]; Salvia divinorum [also known as: Salvia, Shepherdess's Herb, Maria Pastora, magic mint, Sally-D]; Dextrometh- orphan (DXM) [also known as: cough and cold medications: Robotripping, Robo, Triple C]).

    Known risks are “anxiety, tremors, numbness, memory loss, and nausea.”

  7. Hallucinogens (LSD [also known as: Lysergic acid diethylamide: acid, blotter, cubes, microdot yellow sunshine, blue heaven]; Mescaline [also known as: buttons, cactus, mesc, peyote]; Psilocybin [also known as: Magic mushrooms, purple passion, shrooms, little smoke])

    Known risks are “flashbacks and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder.”

  8. Other Compounds (Anabolic steroids [also known as: Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, Depo-Testosterone, Equipoise: roids, juice, gym candy, pumpers]; Inhalants [also known as: Solvents (paint thinners, gasoline, glues); gases (butane, propane, aerosol propellants, nitrous oxide); nitrites (isoamyl, isobutyl, cyclohexyl): laughing gas, poppers, snappers, whippets])

    Known risks for anabolic steroids are “hypertension, blood clotting and cholesterol changes, liver cysts, hostility and aggression, acne, (in adolescents) premature stoppage of growth, (in males) prostate cancer, reduced sperm production, shrunken testicles, breast enlargement, (in females) menstrual irregularities, and development of beard and other masculine characteristics.” For inhalants, the known risks are “cramps, muscle weakness, depression, and memory impairment, damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems, unconsciousness, and sudden death.”

B. Prescription Drug Abuse

Commonly abused classes of prescription drugs include opioids (for pain), central nervous system (CNS) depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy). The use of prescription medications by anyone other than the prescribed individual is illegal and dangerous. Known health risks for inappropriate or illegal use include those listed above for these drug categories.

C. Nicotine/Tobacco Abuse

Nicotine can be found in cigarettes, cigars, bidis, smokeless tobacco (snuff, spit tobacco, chew), and E-Cigarettes and other vaporizers. Known health risks of tobacco use include chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder, and acute myeloid leukemia; adverse pregnancy outcomes, and addiction. Tobacco use is the leading cause of disability, disease, and death (NIDA, 2014).

D. Alcohol Abuse

Known health risks include increased risk of injuries, violence, fetal damage (in pregnant women), depression, neurologic deficits, hypertension, liver and heart disease, addiction, and fatal overdose.

“Alcohol affects every organ in the drinker's body and can damage a developing fetus. Intoxication can impair brain function and motor skills; heavy use can increase risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease. Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, and/or continued use despite harm or personal injury. Alcohol abuse, which can lead to alcoholism, is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.”

IV. Drug and Alcohol Programs

The following training, programs, resources, counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or reentry programs are available to employees and/or students as described below.

A. Employees

  • Human Resources acquired a new online training software (SafeColleges) that offers a variety of free training modules accessible by all employees if they would like to review the information as “Extra Training”. The relevant module is called “Drug Free Workplace”.
  • The College offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free and accessible to any employee who may be seeking confidential counseling, assessment and/or treatment options. The EAP is a benefit paid for by the College. The hotline (1-800-227-0905) is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees are eligible for up to six sessions with a counselor at no cost.
  • Substance abuse needs are also covered by the medical plan offered by Hope College.
  • Leaves of Absence are available for drug and alcohol abuse treatment. Hope offers leaves, covered either under the Family and Medical Leave Act or through our short term disability program if in conjunction with a medical leave. Interested employees work with Hope’s Human Resources department to request a leave to participate in treatment, and the reason for the leave is maintained confidentially. Leaves may be full leaves, meaning the employee is entirely absent from work, or the employee may take intermittent leave of absence. Leaves are coordinated through and documented by the employee’s treatment provider.

B. Students

  • The Hope College Counseling and Psychological Services webpage offers a free Alcohol Screening tool, which can be accessed at: http://www.alcoholscreening.org/Home.aspx.
    The screening tool is not a substitute for an evaluation with a licensed counselor, but it can provide educational benefits.
  • Through the Hope College Counseling and Psychological Services, students have free access to licensed counselors on campus for initial screening/consultation in regards to a concern around substance use, with possible referral to an outside agency.
  • Tailored trainings are offered to both Athletes and members of Greek Life.
  • As part of the Health Dynamics Course, all Hope students receive education about alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, as part of that unit, they take a survey through Moodle, followed by a quiz based on their survey results.

C. Local Resources

The following drug and alcohol related services and resources are available through local agencies:

  • Detoxification Services: Detoxification is a service for adults intended to help them manage the physical process of withdrawal from substances while being medical monitored by Physician and Nursing staff. Detoxification services are typically provided for 4-14 days; the individual is then referred to engage in continuing addiction treatment. The goal is to provide 24-hour medical services where individuals can safely detoxify from all substances to then be able to fully participate in ongoing substance use and co-occurring mental health treatment outside of the detoxification facility.
  • Residential Treatment Services: Organized system of comprehensive services in a facility setting for individuals with a substance use disorder. A course of treatment will vary according to need, and the focus is on acquiring the skills and resources needed to transition to ongoing community-based care and recovery. Residential treatment typically consists of 30-90 days. Following this level of care, individuals are transitioned to a lower level of care such as Intensive-Outpatient or Outpatient programs.
  • Intensive Outpatient Services: This level of care typically consists of at least nine hours per week of treatment which provides services for individuals with a greater need or who are early in sobriety. Services consist of individual and group psychotherapy in addition to case management. Once individuals complete an intensive outpatient program, they are typically referred to a lower level of case such as outpatient services.
  • Outpatient Services: Individual and/or group-oriented counseling services for individuals, typically on the basis of scheduled appointments of an hour or more at a community agency. Individual counseling often focuses on reducing or stopping substance use, skill building, adherence to a recovery plan, and social, family, and professional/educational outcomes. Group counseling is often used in addition to individual counseling to provide social reinforcement for pursuit of recovery (SAMHSA, 2016: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/treatment)
  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medication Assisted Treatment is the use of medications, often used in conjunction with counseling services, to assist in alcohol, tobacco, and opiate reduction and cessation. MAT is provided by specific treatment providers who are specially trained in substance use and addiction. For individuals struggling with severe or persistent addiction, a combination of counseling and MAT can help sustain their sobriety and recovery.
    • Alcohol: Medications commonly prescribed to those with an alcohol dependency include Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone. These medications are not commonly used to treat the disorder, but can assist someone in reducing or refraining from drinking.
    • Tobacco: For those with a nicotine or tobacco dependency, nicotine replace therapy (NRT) can be helpful in reducing tobacco use; it is not intended to treat nicotine dependency. While NRT such as gum, lozenges, or patches can be purchase without a prescription at your local drug store, it is important to consult your Physician before starting NRT.
    • Opiates: Medications commonly prescribed to those struggling with opiate dependency include Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. Each medication is unique and distinct from each other. Individuals engaging in MAT can safely take prescribed medication for months or years depending on recommendations and monitoring of their medication prescriber.
    • For more information about MAT please visit:
      https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment.
  • Recovery Management: Long-term community-based treatment and recovery coaching for men and women with chronic and unstable substance use disorders, family focused treatment and case management services for women with a substance use disorder who also have responsibility for children.

Regional resources and agencies available to students and employees include, but are not limited to:

  1. OAR – Ottagan Addiction Recovery (www.oar-inc.org)
    Holland Location
    483 Century Lane
    Holland, MI 49423
    (616) 396-5284

    Grand Haven Location
    700 Washington Avenue, Suite 220
    Grand Haven, MI 49417
    (616) 842-6710

  2. Holland Behavior Health
    854 S. Washington Ave. Ste. 330
    Holland, MI 49423
    (616) 355-3926

  3. Arbor Circle (www.arborcircle.org/)
    Main Campus
    1115 Ball Ave NE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49505
    phone: 616-456-6571
    fax: 616-235-0979

    Outpatient Counseling Center Phone - 616-459-7215
    Outpatient Counseling Center Fax - 616-451-0020

    Newaygo Campus
    222 East 82nd Street
    Newaygo, MI 49337
    phone: 231-652-1780
    fax: 231-652-1786

  4. West Brook Recovery Center (http://www.westbrookrecovery.com/)
    3210 Eagle Run Drive NE Suite 200
    Grand Rapids, MI 49525
    616-957-1200

  5. Mel Trotter Ministries (https://www.meltrotter.org/gethelp/shelter)
    225 Commerce Ave SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    (616) 454-8249

  6. Network180 (http://network180.org/en/)
    (616) 336-3909
    (800) 749-7720
    Routine business hours:
    Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm
    Emergency services available 24 hours

  7. Wedgwood
    3300 36th Street SE
    Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
    (616) 942-2110

For additional resources:

  • United Way First Call for Help line – Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211.org.
  • National directory of addiction and recovery programs and treatment centers www.recoverycorps.org.

V. Disciplinary Sanctions

Hope College will impose sanctions on students and employees for violation of Hope’s policies and standards of conduct (consistent with federal, state, and local laws) up to and including reprimands, expulsion, termination, and referral for prosecution. Possible sanctions are described in more detail below.

A. Employees

The Director of Human Resources or designee handles matters that require disciplinary action at Hope College. The concept of progressive discipline will be utilized in most cases, taking into consideration the severity of the incident, prior disciplinary action, etc.

The following corrective actions (sanctions) may be imposed by the College for a violation of our Drug and Alcohol Policy:

  • Warning – Verbal or Written
  • Performance Improvement/Management Process
  • Required Counseling
  • Required Training or Education
  • Probation
  • Loss of Annual Pay Increase
  • Loss of Oversight or Supervisory Responsibility
  • Demotion
  • Suspension with pay
  • Suspension without pay
  • Termination
  • Other Actions: In addition to or in place of the above sanctions, Hope College may assign any other sanctions as deemed appropriate, including referral for assessment.

B. Students

The Associate Dean of Students or designee handles matters that require disciplinary action at Hope College. The concept of progressive discipline will be utilized in all cases, taking into consideration the severity of the incident, the number of times the student has been referred to the conduct system, etc.

The following sanctions may be imposed by the College for general misconduct:

  • Letter of Warning
  • Probation Level I: Probation set for a specific length of time. If an individual is found in violation of any College policy during that time, a more serious sanction will be imposed.
  • Probation Level II: Probation set for a specific length of time. Students on Probation II may be removed from leadership positions in student organizations. If an individual is found in violation of any College policy during that time, a more serious sanction imposed.
  • Withheld Suspension: The most serious form of discipline short of suspension. This sanction means that if an individual is involved in a violation of any College policy during the stated period of time, he/she may be immediately suspended from the college.
  • Suspension: A set length of time when an individual may not be involved in any aspect of the college. This includes courses, housing, and campus activities. A student may apply for readmission at the end of the suspension period.
  • Expulsion: A student is dismissed from the College permanently.

Secondary sanctions may be assigned in addition to primary sanction levels. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Educational Sanctions: Could include research papers/projects, reflective essays, educational event development and planning, and required meetings with faculty/staff.
  • Loss of Housing, Meal, or Other Campus Access Privileges
  • Organizational Sanctions: Could include deactivation, de-recognition, loss of all privileges (including College registration), for a specified period of time; required training or meetings; development of an action plan.
  • Referral for Assessment

VI. Notification of the DAAPP

A. Employee Notification

Notification of the information contained in the DAAPP will be distributed to all current employees of the college on an annual basis starting Fall 2019 via an all-staff email and an announcement on InHope. The DAAPP will also be available for review online.

B. Student Notification

Notification of the information contained in the DAAPP will be distributed to all currently enrolled students starting Fall 2019 via email and InHope. The DAAPP will also be available for review online.

VII. Oversight Responsibility

The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Officer and the Prevention Educator/Victim Advocate shall serve as the main contacts that will have oversight responsibility of the DAAPP including, but not limited to: updates, coordination of information required in the DAAPP, and coordination of the annual notification to employees and students and the biennial review. A Drug and Alcohol Task Force has been established to assist with these responsibilities. This team is responsible to the College President and provides a report to the President’s Administrative Council bi-annually.


 

Last updated June 2019

Significant portions of this document were used/revised with permission from the DAAPP created by Lansing Community College.