Policy: Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances on Campus (5.18)

Also refer to System Policy 5.18 and System Procedure 5.18.1.

Rochester Community and Technical College is committed to fostering a healthy, respectful campus environment that supports individual well being and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This policy provides students and employees with information to support responsible decision making and accountability for personal conduct.

Part 1. Policy

The unlawful use, possession, production, distribution, manufacture or sale of any alcoholic beverage, other drug, or controlled substance is prohibited on the campus of Rochester Community and Technical College. This campus prohibition includes athletic facilities or athletic events, and applies to any person on campus grounds, whether they are a member of the College community or not. Individuals should note that even though they may be of legal age to consume or possess alcohol or other drugs, RCTC policies prohibit the use or possession of alcohol and other drugs on the campus. (“Exceptions” to this policy are listed under Minnesota State Policy 5.18, Part 5, and Part 6.)

Note: Despite State Law, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act apply. Therefore, the use, possession, production, manufacture, and distribution of marijuana continue to be prohibited while a student is on college owned or controlled property or any function authorized or controlled by the college.

Part 2. Definitions

Alcohol or other drug abuse means the use of alcohol or controlled substances that unlawfully impairs a student’s or employee’s ability to perform academic, work, or college related activities safely or responsibly, or that threatens the safety of the individual or others. Controlled substances are those defined by applicable federal and state law.

Part 3. Scope of Coverage

This policy applies to all persons on College owned or controlled property and at College sponsored activities. Violations of this policy may result in institutional sanctions imposed in a fair and consistent manner. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to appropriate College officials.

Part 4. Prohibited Activities

In accordance with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101 226) and Minnesota Statutes chapters 152, 340A, and 624.701, Rochester Community and Technical College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcohol or controlled substances by students and employees on College owned or controlled property or as part of College sponsored activities.

Students and employees remain subject to applicable civil and criminal laws. Conduct that violates both law and College policy may result in the imposition of institutional sanctions in addition to any legal sanctions, including when off campus conduct is sufficiently related to the College community.

Part 5. Legal Sanctions

Applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, and local law may apply for the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances. Such sanctions may include probation, fines, suspension or revocation of driving privileges, and/or incarceration, as provided by law.

Part 6. Disciplinary Sanctions

Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action under College conduct procedures and may be referred to appropriate counseling or health services. Employees who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, in accordance with applicable employment agreements. Disciplinary sanctions will be applied in a fair and consistent manner.

Concerns regarding alcohol or other drug use should be reported through appropriate College channels.

Part 7. Health Risks

Students and employees are notified of the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and controlled substances. Alcohol and other drug use can impair judgment, coordination, memory, and decision making, increase the risk of injury and violence, and negatively affect academic and work performance. Prolonged or excessive use may lead to dependency, serious physical and mental health conditions, and, in some cases, death.

Additional information regarding the health effects of alcohol and controlled substances is available through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other public health resources

Part 8. Biennial Review

As required by the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, the College will conduct a review of its alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs and policies every two years. The review will assess the effectiveness of the AOD program, determine whether disciplinary sanctions are applied consistently, and identify and implement any needed changes.

Part 9. Alcohol and Controlled Substance Use Assessment and Counseling

Alcohol and other controlled substance use awareness programs and services are offered through RCTC’s Student Life, Student Health Services, Counseling, Human Resources, and other campus departments. Students or employees in need of assistance with a drug or alcohol problem may contact the following:

RCTC Drug and Alcohol Referral Resources:

Students:

  • RCTC Counseling Center 507-285-7260
  • RCTC Student Health Service 507-285-7261

Employees:

National Self-Help Resource:

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), U.S. Department of Health www.drugabuse.gov

Part 10. Certification

This policy will be distributed to all new RCTC students and employees and annually to all current students and employees.

Date of Implementation: Immediate
Date of Adoption: 11/23/ 1999
Date of Revisions: 4/25/2006, 5/4/2007, 5/14/2008, 3/29/2010, 5/8/2012, 5/14/2014, 12/11/2015, 3/1/2018, 10/18/2021, 10/2/2026