Drug-Free Campus Policy

This policy has been developed in concert with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act which was enacted to ensure that any institution of higher education that receives funds under any federal program has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students. It also incorporates the statutory mandates required under the state Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 (O.C.G.A. § 20-1-20 et seq.)

No student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the Technical College's property or as part of its sponsored activities. Such unlawful activity may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action, including expulsion. Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involving alcohol or the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall be immediate suspension and denial of further state and/or federal funds from the date of conviction. Specifically, in the case of a drug-related offense, the student shall minimally be suspended for the remainder of the semester and forfeit all academic credit for that period.

Athens Technical College shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within ten days of receiving notice of the conviction from the student or the actual notice of conviction. Within 30 days of notification of conviction, the college shall, concerning any student so convicted:

• Take additional appropriate action against such students, including expulsion as necessary.
• Provide such student with a description of any drug or alcohol counseling treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs available by a federal, state, local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.