Signs like these are becoming more prevalent as many college and university campuses implement a no drug and alcohol policy.  Photo courtesy of www.myhardhatstickers.com

By Christopher Linvill

On Feb. 7, students received an email from the college reminding them that DCCC is an alcohol and drug free campus. The email described problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse, including information from the Surgeon General: “Preventing drug abuse and excessive alcohol use increases peoples chances of living long, healthy, and productive lives.”

“The college prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance including alcohol in any facility owned, leased or used by the College,” the email states.

According to the email, if a student violates the policy he or she will receive disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

“The most important information [in the email] is the help available to students dealing with drug and alcohol problems,” said Grant Snyder, Vice Provost.

The policy has been around for a few years, but was not put into effect until 1988 with the Free Workplace Act, which requires Federal grantees to agree to provide a drug free workplace for its employees, Synder said..

DCCC President Jerry Parker said that the policy was emailed so newer students are aware of consequences if the policy is violated.

“To my knowledge we don’t have a drug problem or alcohol problem because we are a commuter campus,” Parker said. “That’s not to say we don’t have students that have their own personal difficulties with it.”

Parker explained how the email was more of a reminder to students that drugs and alcohol is illegal, regardless of being on the college campus or not, because it is “the law of the land.”

“We do want people to be vigilant,” Parker said. “If they see anything, we want to be alerted so we can nip anything in the bud that we are not aware of. So it’s basically asking students to police themselves.”

Several college and community resources are available for students who need help, Parker said. According to the email, these resources include counseling and access to the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health and the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.

DCCC is not the only college to be drug and alcohol-free. Roosevelt University in Chicago, Ill. has a policy that is almost identical to DCCC’s concerning the campus’s disciplinary actions and the issues involving alcohol and drug abuse.

Montgomery County Community College is another college that is drug and alcohol free. According to their website, “The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance, including alcohol, in the workplace, as defined in the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.”

The policy is very similar to DCCC and also offers support for students or employees with problems relating to alcohol and drug related issues.

Parker explained that there might be students on campus with problems. “If you need help, we are here to help,” he said.