Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs - ACS

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As required by CFR 86.100 Alliance Computing Solutions publishes and distributes to all current students and employees its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program. Below are the details related to this important subject matter.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention.

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions that participate in the Federal Financial Aid to implement a drug prevention and awareness program for their students and employees through the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. All students are expected to conduct themselves as mature adults and the consumption of alcohol or drugs while attending class is prohibited and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Standards of Conduct

The School must adhere to a code of conduct that recognizes the unlawful manufacture, sale, delivery, unauthorized possession or use of any illicit drug is prohibited on the School’s property. If an individual associated with the School is apprehended for violating any drug-or alcohol-related law when on School property, or participating in a School activity, the School will fully cooperate with all law enforcement agencies. Underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the School and the state laws will be enforced. Intentionally or knowingly selling, or intentionally or knowingly furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21, or to persons obviously inebriated, is not permitted on the School’s property.

Health Risks Associated with the use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions and the loss of memory. High doses of alcohol can cause respiratory depression and death. Long-term consumption, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to dependence and permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Physical effects of drugs include increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite. The use of drugs may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. Motivation and cognition may also be altered making the acquisition of new information difficult. As you can see from the above there are major health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.

Pell Grant

Federal guidelines state the grantee must certify that he or she will not engage in unlawful activities related to controlled substances during the period covered by the grant.

Federal Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Violations

Federal guidelines focus strongly on illicit drug use and distribution. The Higher Education Opportunity Act states students convicted of an illicit drug violation can be denied federal financial aid for a specific period, in addition to other legal penalties. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) asks students if they have been convicted of a drug-related offense: “Have you ever been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs?” If you answer “yes,” the School will send a worksheet in the mail to determine if your conviction affects your eligibility for aid. Failure to answer the question automatically disqualifies students from receiving federal financial aid. Answering this question falsely could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment or both. More information about federal penalties and sanctions is located at http://www.justice.gov/dea/agency/penalties.htm

Penalties for Drug Convictions

If the student was convicted of both possessing and selling drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the student will be ineligible for the longer period.

Possession of Illegal Drugs

For a first offense, a student loses eligibility for federal financial aid for one year from the date of conviction. • For a second offense, a student loses eligibility for federal financial aid for two years from the date of conviction. • For a third offense and subsequent offenses, a student has indefinite ineligibility for federal financial aid from the date of conviction.

Sale of Illegal Drugs

For a first offense, a student loses eligibility for federal financial aid for two years from the date of conviction. • For a second offense and subsequent offenses, a student has indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction.

How to Regain Eligibility

A student can regain eligibility for federal student aid funds the day after the period of ineligibility ends or upon successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program that must: • Include at least two unannounced drug tests;

Have received or be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly under a federal, state or local government program. Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it after successfully completing a rehabilitation program, passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or if a conviction is reversed, set aside or removed from the student’s record so that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record.

In such cases, the nature and dates of the remaining convictions will determine when the student regains eligibility. The student is responsible to certify that a rehabilitation program was successfully completed. As with the conviction question on the FAFSA, the School is not required to confirm the reported information unless conflicting information is determined.

Convictions During Enrollment

Federal regulations require enrolled students convicted of a drug offense after receiving federal financial aid to notify Alliance Computing Solutions immediately. The student will then become ineligible for further federal financial aid and must repay federal financial aid received after the conviction.

Drug and Alcohol Help and Counseling

Available to all students that the New York City has many free and low-cost services for people with drug and/or alcohol problems. In addition to the listings below, students can call New York City’s 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week hotline at 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or visit NYC Well online to receive referrals to local resources and support to individuals who need drug and alcohol counseling.

Institutional Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Violations

Any member of the School community found consuming or selling drugs on School property shall be subject to discipline on a case-by-case basis. Discipline will be based on the seriousness of the situation. A case may result in dismissal from the School. In all cases, the School will abide by local, state and federal sanctions regarding unlawful possession of drugs and the consumption of alcohol. Additional state penalties and sanctions may also apply. The School has adopted a zero- tolerance policy regarding underage drinking.

New York State Laws on Underage Drinking

While many of the laws across the U.S. concerning underage drinking are similar, it is important to know what your specific laws concerning this crime are. In the state of New York, the following laws dictate underage penalizations: In New York State, it is unlawful for a person under 21 years of age to purchase, attempt to purchase, possess or consume an alcoholic drink. A minor in violation of this offense is guilty of a misdemeanor. For the first conviction, the minor will be fined up to $1000. The minor’s driving privileges will also be suspended for up to year.