Drug Free Campus

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Oconee Fall Line Technical College provides the following information to provide a campus environment free of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse and to prevent the abuse of alcohol and drugs by students and employees.

Drug Free Campus Statement

No student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s property or as part of any 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 term and forfeit all academic credit for that period.

OFTC shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency within 10 days after receiving notice of the conviction from the student or otherwise after receiving the actual notice of conviction.

Within 30 days of notification of conviction, the Technical College shall with respect to any student so convicted:

  1. Take additional appropriate action against such student up to and including expulsion as it deems necessary.
  2. Provide such student with a description of any drug or alcohol counseling treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

OFTC is responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of a drug free awareness program to inform students of the following:

  1. The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse on the campus and elsewhere.
  2. Any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and assistance programs.
  3. Any penalties to be imposed upon students for drug and alcohol abuse violations occurring on the campus.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program

OFTC’s Office of Student Life will implement healthy living programs to counterbalance drug and alcohol abuse. OFTC will articulate and consistently enforce clear policies that promote an educational environment free from substance use/abuse and provide online education for members of the campus community for the purpose of preventing alcohol abuse and other drug use. OFTC will provide a reasonable level of care for substance abusers through referral. OFTC will implement campus activities that promote and reinforce health, responsible living, respect for community and campus standards, individual responsibility on the campus, and intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual or ethical, and physical well-being of the members. OFTC will be vocal and visionary in combating the negative issues surrounding alcohol and other drug use and abuse on campus.

As part of this comprehensive awareness program, OFTC has partnered with Get Inclusive to provide free access to online training modules that address issues of student alcohol and drug use, including steps to take towards making positive behavior changes. “Voices for Change – Consent, Alcohol and Hazing” is a mandatory component of the COLL1060 course, Introduction to College and Computers, but is available to all students. Get Inclusive’s “Alcohol & Other Drugs for Undergrads” online course provides a more specific and in-depth exploration of the topic of alcohol use, helping students understand how alcohol affects one’s body, mind, perceptions, and behaviors, with the goal of helping students make well-informed decisions to stay healthy and safe.

Students should contact the Office of Student Life at 478-240-5162 or studentlife@oftc.edu to request confidential access to either of these courses.

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

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol can, and in many instances, very probably will, lead to serious health problems, chemical dependency, deterioration of the quality of life, and, if untreated, early death.

Cocaine provides a short-lived “high” followed by depression, paranoia, anxiety, guilt, anger and fear. It can cause rapid physical and psychological addiction. In some instances, cocaine may cause a heart attack or sudden death, even on the first use.
The dangers of this highly addictive drug and its close derivative, “crack”, are evidenced daily through the news media. Overdose of cocaine (or other stimulants) can cause agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death.

Marijuana, like cocaine, provides a short-term high, and like cocaine, is addictive. While the “high” may last only a short time, traces remain in the body for a month or more, inhibiting short-term memory, reducing reaction time and impairing visual tracking. It may also cause an inability to abstract and understand concepts. In some instances it can depress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack, contribute to lung diseases, and infertility. Marijuana and other cannabis can cause euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite and disoriented behavior. Overdose can cause fatigue, paranoia and possible death.

Depressants such as barbiturates, chloral hydrate, benzodiazepines, etc., can cause slurred speech, disorientation and drunken behavior without the odor of alcohol. Overdose can cause shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.

Hallucinogens such as LSD, Mescaline and Peyote, amphetamine variants, etc., can cause illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. Overdose can cause longer, more intense illusionary hallucinatory episodes, psychosis and possible death.

Narcotics such as opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils and nausea. Overdose of narcotics can cause slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possible death.

Prescription drugs, used improperly, can cause tired-ness, or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, brain dam-age, and, in some instances, addiction or death.

Alcohol, used abusively, will impair judgment, result in anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression and isolation. Prolonged use may cause liver and heart disease, cancer, and psychological problems and dependency in the form of alcoholism. Alcohol used by pregnant women is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in children.

Criminal Sanctions

Under Georgia and federal law, it is a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute illegal drugs. As required by federal regulations, charts at the current Safe and Secure Web site detail federal penalties for drug trafficking and state sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs.

Federal sanctions for the illegal possession of drugs include imprisonment up to 1 year and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first conviction; imprisonment for 15 days to 2 years and a minimum fine of $2,500 for a second drug conviction; and imprisonment for 90 days to 3 years and a minimum fine of $5000 for a third or subsequent drug conviction. For possession of a mixture or substance which contains a cocaine base, federal sanctions include 5 to 20 years in prison and a minimum fine of $1000 for a first conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 5 grams, for a second conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 3 grams, and for a third or subsequent conviction if the mixture or substance exceeds 1 gram. Additional possible penalties for the illegal possession of drugs are forfeiture of real or personal property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if the offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment; forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used, or intended for use, to transport or conceal drugs; civil fine up to $10,000 per violation; denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses for up to 1 year for the first and up to 5 years for a second or subsequent offense; successful completion of a drug treatment program; community service; and ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm.

Georgia law prohibits the purchase or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, or the furnishing of alcohol to such a person. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs also is illegal. It is against Georgia law, under certain circumstances, to walk and be upon a roadway while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The punishment for these offenses may include imprisonment, payment of fine, mandatory treatment and education programs, community service, and mandatory loss of one’s driver’s license.

The use, possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, and trafficking of illegal drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of potential federal statutory maximum penalties.

However, precise federal sentencing is governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Please note that sentencing under these guidelines can result in penalties that are more severe than the federal statutory maximums and which are more severe than the penalties imposed under state law under certain circumstances.

A federal drug conviction may result in the denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second and subsequent offenses [21 U.S.C. sec. 853]. Moreover, any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison will forfeit personal and real property related to the violation, including homes, vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other personal belongings [21 U.S.C. sec. 853(a)(2), 881(a)(7) and 881(a)(4)].

Further, persons convicted on federal drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of Oconee Fall Line Technical College may face penalties of prison terms and fines that are twice as high as regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year {921 U.S.C. sec. 845(a)].

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education Programs

A variety of counseling services and treatment centers are available throughout the state for anyone experiencing problems related to substance abuse. Although most counseling and treatment centers charge for their services, some programs are free of charge. Faculty, staff, and students should avail themselves of sources to identify the services or programs which most closely meet their specific needs.

Consistent with its educational mission, Oconee Fall Line Technical College provides useful and informative educational programs on drug/alcohol abuse. The Student Affairs Division sponsors work-shops and lectures on alcohol and drug related issues to support and encourage healthy, productive lifestyles.

One of these educational programs is the AlcoholEdu for College online course, which is available to all students at OFTC. Designed to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol amongst students, it is the most widely used alcohol prevention program in higher education.

Two of these educational programs are online courses provided through training partner Get Inclusive: “Voices for Change – Consent, Alcohol and Hazing”, which is a mandatory component of the COLL 1060 – Introduction to College and Computers course for OFTC students, and the more in-depth and specific “Alcohol & Other Drugs for Undergrads.” Designed to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol amongst students, Get Inclusive’s interactive courses are among f the most widely used alcohol prevention programs in higher education. Both courses are available at no charge to all OFTC students. Students should contact the Office of Student Life at 478-240-5162 or studentlife@oftc.edu to request confidential access to either of these courses.

The following agencies can be contacted for assistance with drug/alcohol abuse related issues:

Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Al-Anon for Families of Alcoholics
Alcohol Treatment Referral Hotline
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Cocaine Anonymous
Georgia Crisis and Access Line
www.aa.org
www.na.org
888-425-2666
800-662-4357
800-662-4357
800-662-4357
988
Bridges of Hope
Piedmont
Community Mental Health
Oconee Center
Promise of Hope (Women)
Promise of Hope (Men)
Step One Recovery Center
River Edge
Teen Challenge
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Willingway
Chauncey, GA
Macon, GA
Dublin, GA
Sandersville, GA
Dudley, GA
Cochran, GA
Dublin, GA
Macon, GA
Dublin, GA
Dublin, GA
Statesboro, GA
478-374-4008
478-741-1355
478-272-1190
478-445-5518
478-676-4673
478-934-0774
478-275-6800
478-803-7714
478-984-5252
478-272-1210
800-242-9455

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/  or  1-800-662-HELP

Additional Resources

College Alcohol Abuse: Facts and Dangers

Vaping – Potential Health and Hygiene Concerns