From the 2007-2008 Student Handbook

The Savannah College of Art and Design is in full compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226); 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 40: Procedures for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing; 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 382: Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing; and the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991; and is committed to a program that discourages the illegal use and abuse of alcohol and controlled substances by students and employees.

SCAD prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution or dispensing of alcohol or controlled substances by students or employees in college buildings, on grounds or property, or as part of any college activity. Any full- or part-time student/employee found to be in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and laws of the college, the city, the county, the state and the federal government. Students also are responsible for the actions of their guests.

The abuse of alcohol and/or use of other controlled substances can result in potentially life-threatening emergencies. With this in mind, students who display intoxicated or unusual behavior apparently resulting from the use of alcohol or other controlled substances while on college property or at SCAD-sponsored events are required to be evaluated by a licensed medical professional. Appropriate college personnel as designated by the dean of students determine decisions regarding the need for medical evaluation. Refusal to be transported for emergency evaluation will result in prompt eviction from the residence hall community and/or possible suspension from the college.

Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroin, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, tranquilizers and inhalants.

Students and employees are to be aware that illegal manufacture, possession, use, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances may subject individuals to criminal prosecution.

Health Risks
Alcohol abuse can lead to various health problems. Alcoholism, left untreated, shortens life expectancy by 10 to 15 years. A substantial number of alcohol users begin to drink due to the relaxing effect of this drug, but they can become dependent on it and create more problems for themselves, friends and family. Alcohol is the leading drug of abuse, is addictive for many people and has many side effects. Alcohol is a depressant. A psychological dependence occurs long before there is a physical dependence. Alcohol is a psychoactive or mind-altering drug. Therefore, its effects can lead to unhealthy choices.

Marijuana is a harmful drug. Its potency has increased 400 percent during the last 15 years. There are more cancer-causing agents in marijuana smoke than in cigarette smoke. Marijuana interferes with the body’s immune response to various infections and diseases. Small doses can impair memory function, distort perception, hamper judgment and diminish motor skills.

Cocaine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs, and it can kill. Cocaine is a very strong stimulant to the central nervous system. The drug produces an accelerated heart rate, while at the same time constricting blood vessels. These physical changes may be accompanied by seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest or stroke.

PCP is a hallucinogenic drug. It alters sensation, mood and consciousness and may distort hearing, touch, smell or taste, as well as vision. PCP induces a profound departure from reality, which leaves the user capable of bizarre behavior and severe disorientation. Psychotic behavior may continue for as long as two weeks after a single dose.

Hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline and mushrooms. These drugs affect perception, sensation, thinking and emotion. The user may have difficulty distinguishing between fact and fantasy and may hallucinate. The effects of these drugs may be different in each person with each administration.

A detailed list of health risks associated with alcohol and controlled substances is available through a personal counselor.

State of Georgia Criminal Liability—Alcohol
Note: These are only state penalties and sanctions. Additional city, county or federal penalties and sanctions may apply. The following alcohol-related offenses are misdemeanors under Georgia law and are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-9(b)].

Offenses
  1. Giving an alcoholic drink to a person who is in a state of noticeable intoxication [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-22].
  2. Selling, giving or furnishing alcoholic drinks to a person under 21 years of age [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-23(a)(1)].
  3. Possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-23(a)(2)].
  4. Misrepresentation by a person under 21 of his or her age for the purpose of obtaining an alcoholic beverage illegally [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-23 (a)(3)].
Penalties
Penalties for supplying alcoholic beverages to people under 21 years of age or unlawful purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages by any person under 21 years of age [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-23.1]:
  1. First conviction: A misdemeanor punishable by not more than six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $300 [O.C.G.A. Section 3-3-23.1(b)].
  2. Second conviction: A misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in a county jail [O.C.G.A. Sections 3-3-23.1 and 17-10-4].

State of Georgia Criminal Liability—Drugs
The following drug-related offenses are felonies under Georgia law [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(c)].

Offenses
  1. Purchase, possess, or have under his or her control any controlled substance [O.C.G.A. Section 16-13-30(a)].
  2. Manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, sell or possess a controlled substance [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(b)].
  3. Manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, purchase, sell or possess with the intent to distribute marijuana [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(j)(1)].
  4. Hire, solicit, engage, or use an individual under the age of 17 years for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, on behalf of a solicitor, any controlled substance [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(k)].
Penalties
  1. First conviction for violation of Offense 1: A felony and imprisonment for not less than two years and not more than 15 years [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(c)].
  2. Second and subsequent convictions for violation of Offense 1: A felony and imprisonment for at least five years and not more than 30 years [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(c)].
  3. First conviction for violation of Offense 2: A felony and imprisonment for at least five years and not more than 30 years [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(d)].
  4. Second and subsequent convictions for violation of Offense 2: A felony and imprisonment for at least 10 years and not more than 40 years or life imprisonment [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(d)].
  5. Any conviction for violation of Offense 3: A felony and imprisonment for at least one year and not more than 10 years [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(j)(2)].
  6. Any conviction for violation of Offense 4: A felony and imprisonment for at least five years and not more than 20 years, or by fine not to exceed $20,000 or both [O.C.G.A Section 16-13-30(k)].

Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
21 U.S.C. 844(a)
First conviction: Up to one year imprisonment or a fine of at least $1,000 or both. After one prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years, or a fine of at least $2,500 or both. After two or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years, and a fine of at least $5,000. Special sentencing provision for possession of crack cocaine: At least five years in prison is mandatory, not to exceed 20 years and a fine of at least $1,000, if:
A.    It is the first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams.
B.    It is the second crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams.
C.    It is the third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram.

21 U.S.C. 862 (b)-862(d) and 881(a)(7)
Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions regarding crack.)

21 U.S.C. 881 (a)(4)
Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.

21 U.S.C. 862
Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for the first offense, up to five years for the second and subsequent offenses.

18 U.S.C. 922(g)
Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.

Miscellaneous
Revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits, such as pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies.

College Sanctions Against Student Abuse of Alcohol or Controlled Substances
A SCAD student who violates the college’s drug and alcohol policy will be subject to the sanctions set forth in the Code of Student Conduct. All violations are handled on an individual basis. Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, warnings, probation, suspensions and expulsions or referral for prosecution and/or for the completion of a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program specified by SCAD at the expense of the student.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs
SCAD has an established substance abuse education program and a substance abuse counselor. SCAD may require, as part of disciplinary action, that the student receive treatment by a designated professional. Failure to comply with SCAD’s requirements is justification for immediate dismissal from the college.
 
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