College Policies Governing Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 86), enacted pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, require institutions receiving federal financial assistance to distribute the following information annually to students and employees.
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of its activities.
- A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
- A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
- A list of drug and alcohol programs (counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and reentry) that are available to employees or students.
- A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees for violations of the standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution.
These standards are reflected in the College's Student Code of Conduct, Drug-Free Workplace Policy (2.26.13), Employee Handbook, and other applicable College policies.
1. Standards of Conduct
Northampton Community College prohibits students and employees from unlawfully manufacturing, possessing, using, dispensing, selling, distributing, or being under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol on College property, in the workplace, or as part of any College-sponsored or College-supervised activity. This prohibition does not preclude the lawful possession or consumption of alcohol at an event specifically authorized by the College.
Definitions
Term |
Definition |
| Alcohol | Any beverage containing alcohol for human consumption, including beer, wine, liquor, malt beverages, and similar products regulated under federal, state, or local law. |
| College Property | Any building, facility, grounds, vehicles, or other property owned, leased, controlled, or operated by Northampton Community College. |
| College-Sponsored Activity | Any event, program, travel, course activity, athletic event, meeting, internship, conference, or other activity officially sponsored, supervised, funded, or authorized by the College. |
| Cannabis | For purposes of College policy, cannabis, marijuana, THC products, and related substances remain subject to applicable federal and institutional restrictions regardless of changes in state law. Individuals must comply with College policies and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. |
| Controlled Substance | Any drug or substance listed in federal or Pennsylvania controlled-substance schedules whose manufacture, possession, distribution, or use is regulated by law. |
| Drug Paraphernalia | Equipment, products, or materials used or intended for use in manufacturing, storing, concealing, consuming, inhaling, injecting, or otherwise introducing controlled substances into the body. |
| Illicit Drug | A controlled substance whose use, possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution is prohibited by law, or a controlled substance that is not used in accordance with a valid prescription or legal authorization. |
| Misuse of Prescription Medication | Using prescription medication in any manner other than prescribed, including using another person's medication, taking higher doses than prescribed, or using medication for non-medical purposes. |
| Under the Influence | A condition in which alcohol, drugs, or other substances impair an individual's judgment, coordination, behavior, reaction time, physical abilities, or mental functioning. |
| Substance Use Disorder | A medical condition characterized by the recurrent use of alcohol or drugs despite significant health, academic, occupational, or social consequences. |
| Overdose | A medical emergency that occurs when a person consumes alcohol or drugs in quantities that overwhelm the body's ability to function safely, potentially resulting in serious injury, unconsciousness, respiratory failure, or death. |
2. Legal Sanctions
The following description is a summary only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone wishing legal advice should consult an attorney.
Alcohol
a. City of Bethlehem (Fowler Campus):
Public consumption of alcoholic beverages and possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in a public place or in an automobile is illegal and punishable by law. Punishment includes a $100 fine or thirty days’ imprisonment (or both) for the first offense; a $300 fine or sixty days’ imprisonment (or both) for the second offense; and a $600 fine or ninety days’ imprisonment (or both) for the third and each subsequent offense.
b. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
A person less than 21 years of age commits a summary offense if he or she attempts to purchase, consume, possess, or knowingly and intentionally transport any liquor or malt or brewed beverage. Convictions for underage alcohol offenses may result in criminal penalties, fines, court costs, and other judicial consequences.
Misrepresentation of Age (18 Pa.C.S. § 6307) to purchase alcohol is punishable by the following:
- First offense: summary offense
- Subsequent offenses: misdemeanor of the third degree
- Fine of up to $500 may be imposed for subsequent violations.
Underage Purchase, Possession, Consumption, or Transportation (18 Pa.C.S. § 6308) of alcohol is punishable by the following:
- Summary offense
- Fine up to $500 for first violation
- Fine up to $1,000 for second and subsequent violations.
Furnishing or Selling Alcohol to Minors (18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.1) is punishable by the following:
- Misdemeanor of the third degree
- Minimum fine:
- $1,000 for first offense
- $2,500 for each subsequent offense.
Pennsylvania law provides that a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater who operates a motor vehicle is considered driving under the influence and is subject to prosecution under Pennsylvania law. A more complete summary of Pennsylvania laws and penalties related to alcohol may be found in the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.
Drugs
c. Federal
The Federal drug laws, The Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq., are similar to the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act, but contain, for the most part, more severe penalties. Federal sanctions generally increase based on the type and quantity of drug, prior convictions, and whether the offense involved trafficking, firearms, or distribution to minors. Schedules of controlled substances are established, and the law prohibits the knowing or intentional manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession with intent to distribute or dispense a controlled substance.
Federal penalties for marijuana and other controlled-substance offenses vary according to the substance involved, quantity, criminal history, and other statutory factors. Federal penalties may include fines, imprisonment, supervised release, forfeiture of property, and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Individuals should consult current federal law (21 U.S.C. §§ 841-865) for the most current criminal penalties.
Federal law provides enhanced penalties for certain drug manufacturing, distribution, and possession-with-intent-to-distribute offenses committed in designated protected locations, including within 1,000 feet of schools and colleges. The nature and extent of the enhancement depend on the specific offense and applicable federal statute.
d. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, 35 Pa. C.S.A. 780-101 et seq., establishes five schedules of controlled substances based on dangerousness and medical uses. It prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, or acquisition of controlled substances except in accordance with the Act as well as acquisition by misrepresentation, forgery, or the knowing possession of controlled substances unlawfully acquired. For purposes of the Annual Drug and Alcohol Notification under 34 C.F.R. § 86.100(a)(2), the following summary may be used to describe representative Pennsylvania criminal sanctions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of the law. Penalties vary based on the substance involved, quantity, prior convictions, location of the offense, involvement of minors, and other aggravating circumstances. Pennsylvania law also authorizes probation, forfeiture of property, treatment requirements, driver's license consequences, and enhanced penalties in certain situations.
Pennsylvania Drug Law Penalties:
Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance
Knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription is generally a misdemeanor offense. A conviction may result in imprisonment of up to one year, fines that may reach several thousand dollars, probation, court costs, and a permanent criminal record. First-time offenders may, in some cases, be eligible for diversionary or rehabilitative programs.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possessing or using drug paraphernalia, including items used to store, package, ingest, inhale, inject, or otherwise introduce controlled substances into the body, is generally an ungraded misdemeanor. A conviction may result in up to one year of imprisonment and fines of up to $2,500.
Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID)
Manufacturing controlled substances, delivering them to another person, or possessing them with intent to deliver are among Pennsylvania's most serious drug offenses. These offenses are generally felonies and may result in substantial fines and multiple years of imprisonment. Penalties increase significantly based on the type and quantity of drug involved, prior criminal history, use of firearms, and other aggravating circumstances.
Delivery to a Minor
Pennsylvania imposes enhanced penalties when an adult delivers controlled substances to a person under age 18 or possesses controlled substances with intent to deliver them to a minor. These offenses carry mandatory minimum incarceration provisions. Additional penalties may apply if the offense was intended to promote habitual drug use, involved a minor in drug trafficking activity, or occurred near a school, college, university, or school bus stop.
Drug-Impaired Driving
It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by controlled substances or with certain controlled substances present in the bloodstream. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, mandatory drug and alcohol assessment and treatment, driver's license suspension, ignition-interlock requirements, and other sanctions. Penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses, accidents causing injury, and other aggravating circumstances.
Other Drug-Related Offenses Relevant to College Students
Distribution or Sharing of Controlled Substances Giving, sharing, selling, or otherwise distributing controlled substances to another person may constitute delivery under Pennsylvania law and can be prosecuted as a felony offense, even when no money changes hands. Penalties may include substantial imprisonment and fines.
Offenses Near Schools or Colleges
Additional penalties may apply when drug-trafficking offenses occur on or near school, college, or university property, or involve minors.
Second and Subsequent Offenses
Pennsylvania law provides enhanced penalties for repeat drug offenders, including longer periods of incarceration and increased fines.
Please see the Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Scheduling website for the most recent and complete information about Federal drug trafficking penalties.
3. Health Risks
The misuse of alcohol and other drugs can result in serious health consequences, including injury, illness, dependence, overdose, disability, and death. Risks increase substantially when substances are used in high doses, used frequently, combined with other drugs or alcohol, or obtained from unregulated sources. The following summary outlines major acute and long-term health risks associated with commonly misused substances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) identify these risks as significant public health concerns. This information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Health Risk Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs
Substance |
Major Acute Risks |
Major Long-Term Risks |
| Alcohol | Impaired judgment, reduced coordination, memory impairment, injuries, violence, alcohol poisoning, respiratory depression when combined with opioids or sedatives, risky sexual behavior, overdose, and death. | Alcohol use disorder (dependence), liver disease, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, several cancers, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders when used during pregnancy. |
| Cannabis (Marijuana/THC Products) | Impaired attention, judgment, memory, reaction time, coordination, anxiety, panic, paranoia, psychotic symptoms, increased heart rate, and impaired driving ability. | Cannabis use disorder (dependence), persistent cognitive difficulties, mental health problems, chronic respiratory effects from smoking, cardiovascular risks, and potential adverse effects on fetal development during pregnancy. |
| Opioids and Fentanyl | Extreme drowsiness, respiratory depression, slowed or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, overdose, and death. Even small amounts of fentanyl may be fatal. | Opioid use disorder (dependence/addiction), tolerance, chronic constipation, hormonal dysfunction, infectious disease risk from injection use, overdose recurrence, and death. Pregnancy exposure may lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and other complications. |
| Cocaine and Other Stimulants | Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, seizures, stroke, heart attack, dangerous overheating, overdose, and sudden death. | Stimulant use disorder, cardiovascular disease, chronic anxiety, depression, psychosis, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of fatal overdose, especially when mixed with fentanyl. |
| Methamphetamine | Euphoria, increased energy, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, stroke, irregular heartbeat, overdose, and death. | Severe stimulant use disorder, memory loss, chronic insomnia, psychosis, dental disease ("meth mouth"), cardiovascular damage, mental health disorders, and increased risk of overdose. |
| Sedatives and Depressants | Drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, blackouts, respiratory depression, overdose, coma, and death. Risks are greatly increased when combined with alcohol or opioids. | Physical dependence, withdrawal seizures, cognitive impairment, depression, and increased overdose risk, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. |
| Hallucinogens | Distorted perception, panic, paranoia, impaired judgment, accidents, psychotic reactions, aggressive behavior (particularly with PCP), and injury. | Persistent psychosis, hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (flashbacks), worsening of underlying mental health conditions, and substance use disorder in some users. |
| Inhalants (e.g., solvents, aerosols, nitrites) | Dizziness, loss of coordination, impaired judgment, suffocation, irregular heart rhythms, loss of consciousness, sudden sniffing death syndrome, and overdose. | Permanent damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, bone marrow, and nervous system; cognitive impairment; and dependence. |
| Misused Prescription Drugs | Adverse drug reactions, impaired judgment, overdose, cardiovascular events, respiratory depression, and dangerous interactions with alcohol or other drugs. | Dependence, addiction, organ damage, mental health effects, withdrawal symptoms, and increased risk of overdose or death |
Additional Health and Safety Concerns:
Dependency and Addiction
Many substances, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and prescription medications, can lead to substance use disorders characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences. Dependence can develop gradually and may result in withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
Overdose Risk
Overdose can occur with alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, sedatives, stimulants, and other drugs. Fentanyl is especially dangerous because it is frequently mixed into counterfeit pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances without the user's knowledge.
Naloxone (Narcan®) and Opioid Overdose Response
Naloxone (Narcan®) is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing while emergency medical assistance is obtained. Naloxone is effective against opioid overdoses involving prescription opioids, heroin, fentanyl, and many synthetic opioids. Anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if available, and remain with the individual until emergency responders arrive.
Naloxone is available in Pennsylvania through pharmacies and other community distribution programs. The College encourages members of the campus community to become familiar with overdose warning signs and the proper use of naloxone.
Mental Health Effects
Substance misuse is associated with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, cognitive impairment, psychosis, memory problems, and worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions.
Pregnancy-Related Risks
Alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, and other drugs may harm fetal development and increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, developmental delays, and other serious complications.
Dangers of Combining Substances
Using multiple substances together significantly increases risk. Particularly dangerous combinations include:
- Alcohol + opioids: greatly increased risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death.
- Alcohol + sedatives/benzodiazepines: increased risk of overdose, blackouts, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure.
- Stimulants + opioids: can mask signs of overdose and increase cardiovascular stress.
- Cannabis + alcohol or other drugs: increased impairment, slowed reaction time, and accident risk.
Remember: No level of illegal drug use is considered safe. Seeking help early for substance misuse can reduce the risk of serious health consequences and improve academic, personal, and workplace success.
4. Drug and Alcohol Programs
The College prohibits the use, possession, or distribution on College properties or at College sponsored or supervised functions of controlled or dangerous drugs or substances as defined by state and/or federal law, except as expressly permitted by law. Further, members of the College community (administrative official, faculty member, student or staff, or any employee) may not at any time be intoxicated on College property, at a College sponsored, or supervised function.
Employees who are age 21 or above may consume alcohol when alcohol is served as part of an approved College sponsored or supervised event. However, all individuals, regardless of age, must abide by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In accordance with 34 C.F.R. Part 86, the College conducts a Biennial Review of its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program to determine program effectiveness and ensure consistent enforcement of sanctions. Copies of the Biennial Review are available upon request.
a. Alcohol & Drug Awareness Programs Offered on Campus:
- Consequences of drinking on campus
- Effects of alcohol on the body
- Liquor Laws in PA
- Consequences of drug use on campus
- Effects of drugs on the body
- College policies and procedures regarding alcohol and other drug use on campus
- Substance use disorder assessment and referral of substance abuse issues.
- Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)
b. Drug and Alcohol Counseling Opportunities:
Students: In-person College Counseling Services are located on the Bethlehem and Pocono campus locations. Virtual counseling services are offered to all students if they choose not to have in-person services. Services are offered free of charge for a wide range of issues revolving around substance abuse, misuse, dependency, and recovery. The staff provides services that span education/prevention, crisis intervention, and brief counseling. Help can be offered through individual meetings. NCC has a Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) for students who are in recovery from substance use disorders. Information about this program can be found at: NCC Collegiate Recovery Program or by e-mailing recovery@northampton.edu Additional information about the services provided can be found at NCC Counseling Services.
Any contact with the Counseling Services staff is held in confidence. No information is reported to anyone except with written permission or in rare circumstances such as when the student presents a clear and imminent danger to him/herself or others, when the counselor is mandated to report the abuse of a child or elder, or when the court has ordered disclosure. The services the office provides may be from one session to ongoing sessions throughout the year. Appointments are easy to make by calling the numbers listed on the website.
Employees: An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been established to provide professional counseling and rehabilitation programs for staff that are in need of these services due to substance abuse. Supervisors or managers who are faced with an employee substance abuse problem may consult with the Office of Human Resources to determine an appropriate course of action. Information can be found at Health Advocate.
c. Other Resources:
Health and Wellness Center
College Center 1st floor
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: 610.861.5365
Health and Wellness Center
NCC’s Collegiate Recovery Program
NCC Collegiate Recovery Program
recovery@northampton.edu
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA in the Lehigh Valley
Pocono Intergroup AA
Northampton County Drug & Alcohol
2801 Emrick Boulevard
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: 610.829.4725 (non-emergency)
Phone: 610.252.9060 (emergency)
Northampton County Drug and Alcohol
Carbon, Monroe, Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission
724 Phillips Street, Suite 203
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Phone: 570.421.1960 (non-emergency)
Phone: 866.824.3578 (emergency)
Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery
SAMHSA National Helpline
1.800.662.HELP
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Note: In an emergency involving alcohol poisoning, overdose, or suspected overdose, call 911 immediately.
5. Disciplinary Sanctions:
The College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who violate these standards of conduct. Sanctions may include educational interventions, mandatory assessments, treatment or rehabilitation referrals, probation, suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, and referral for prosecution, as appropriate.
a. Students: Violations of the Standards of Student Conduct will result in (a) disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Conduct section of the Student Handbook, and (b) legal action consistent with local, state and federal laws. Possible disciplinary actions include warning, probation, educational sanctions, mandatory assessments, counseling referrals, suspension, expulsion, and referral for prosecution. Please refer to Student Conduct & Academic Honesty section on the College web site for more information: Student Conduct and Academic Honesty. As permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Office of Student Affairs may notify parents/guardians of a student who is under the age of 21 any time he or she is found responsible for violating the College’s Code of Conduct relating to alcohol or drug offenses.
In addition, in all disciplinary cases involving drugs or alcohol in which the student is not suspended or expelled, the Student Judicial Officer may impose a mandatory interaction with Campus Counseling.
b. Employees: In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (2.26.13 Policy on the Drug-Free Workplace Act), which requires prime federal contractors with contracts of $25,000 or more and direct federal grantees to certify to the contracting and granting agencies that they maintain a drug-free workplace, Northampton Community College certifies that the requirements for providing a "drug-free workplace" have been established and will be enforced. The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances in the workplace as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act. The College also prohibits employees from reporting to work impaired by alcohol or other drugs in violation of College policy. Possible disciplinary actions include verbal or written warnings, mandatory participation in education or treatment programs, suspension, termination of employment, and referral for prosecution where appropriate.
Additionally, while the College respects the privacy of its employees, it also recognizes that it has an obligation to maintain a drug/alcohol free workplace because substance abuse can have a harmful effect on the learning and work environment. Therefore, employees are expected to report for work physically and mentally able to safely and effectively perform their essential functions. Compliance with this requirement is considered to be an essential job qualification for all faculty and staff. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been established to provide professional counseling and rehabilitation programs for staff that are in need of these services due to substance abuse.
As a condition of employment/continuing employment, all staff must abide by the provisions of this policy. Staff employed under the terms of a grant must notify the College of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction. The College will notify the contracting or granting agency within ten (10) days after receiving notice from an employee or from an outside agency of an employee's criminal drug statute conviction for conduct in the workplace. Within thirty (30) days of receiving notification of an employee's drug statute conviction, the College will initiate appropriate personnel actions, which may include imposing a sanction or requiring satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program through the EAP or another approved agency.
The provisions of this policy will be disseminated to all staff members through the College Policy Manuals and will be published in the College news publications. Any questions pertaining to the Annual Drug and Alcohol Notification should be directed to the Executive Director of Government Relations & Public Safety.
