Prohibition against Unlawful Presence of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol On-Campus. The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance or drug paraphernalia is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by the College Office of Public Safety. Violators are subject to College disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment. It is also a violation of the College Policy for anyone to consume, possess, or be in the presence of alcohol, cannabis, and other substances in any public or private area of campus without prior College approval. Individuals, organizations or groups violating alcohol/substance policies or laws may be subject to sanctions.
College Sanctions for Violation of Drug-Free Campus Policy Any student who violates the foregoing drug-free campus policy shall, subject to provisions of the College’s Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook, be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations. These sanctions may include expulsion, termination of on-campus employment, referral for law enforcement, or participation in an approved drug or alcohol assistance program.
Statement on Public 61 E. Statement on College’s Cooperation with Law Enforcement agencies. The College will cooperate fully and completely with local or state agencies on any case of suspected use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. In the event that any student is apprehended by local, state or federal authorities for the offense of use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, that student will not be in any way protected by the College. A student convicted of violating civil law may be subject to separation from the College.
The sale, use, possession, manufacture or distribution of prohibited drugs, other controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or loitering with the intent of engaging in any of these activities, is prohibited on any College or College-related property. It also includes the possession of all implements, or equipment designed for use, in growing, manufacturing, processing, storing, or concealing drugs.
In addition to traditional marijuana and cannabis buds that are smoked using rolling papers, vapes, pens/DABS, bowls, bongs, or other paraphernalia, cannabis may also take the form of edibles, including candies, cookies and brownies. None of these forms are permitted within SUNY-owned or operated accommodations, and residence life professional and para-professional staff must adopt a consistent protocol for confrontation and documentation procedures regardless of the form of cannabis. A recommended cannabis response protocol for residence life staff and University Police (UPD) is described below.
Additionally, medical cannabis remains prohibited in SUNY-owned or operated accommodations. Existing New York Department of Health regulations governing medical cannabis, including the prohibition from using medical cannabis on college campuses (10 NYCRR 1004.18), will remain in effect unless modified or abrogated by the newly-established New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
Students and employees are prohibited from possessing or using alcohol or illegal drugs on campus or during any college activity. Any student or employee who is apprehended for the same will in no way be protected by the College. Preventing the spread of unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is everyone’s responsibility. If you wish to report illegal drug activity, you can make a toll-free call to: 1-800-GIVE-TIP. Calls will be received in complete confidence and will be referred to the appropriate Federal, State, or local authority agencies.
Each Semester the Counseling Division will present a workshop related to substance abuse. Prevention Specialist on site is available for educational, individual counseling, and group counseling sessions. Any student or student athlete suspected of or apprehended with alcohol or substance will automatically be mandated to prevention services.
Annual Notice to Students and Employees
Section 1213 (P.L. 101-226) of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires institutions of higher education that receive federal funds to adopt and implement a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees that at a minimum includes the list below.
- Annual distribution of the following to each student and employee:
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use of distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any 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 description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or reentry programs available to employees or students; and
- A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State, and Federal law) and a description of these sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct required by paragraph 1-a; and
- A biennial review by the institution of its program to:
- Determine the effectiveness and implement changes to the program, if needed; and
- Ensure consistent enforcement of the sanctions required by paragraph 1-e.
Alcohol Policy/Substance Abuse Policy Note
All students, employees, visitors, and invitees to Columbia-Greene Community College are subject to the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the College while on campus. Students may not consume, sell, distribute, or serve alcohol beverages anywhere on campus (including parking lots, athletic fields, etc.). Enforcement will be through normal disciplinary channels. The possession, distribution, sale, or use of drugs considered illegal, unless prescribed by an authorized practitioner, is prohibited throughout the College campus. Enforcement will be through normal disciplinary channels. The College regulations pertaining to student conduct apply to sponsored off-campus activities, including all field trips. Regulations also will be strictly enforced on College vehicles or chartered vehicles while students are in transit to and from sponsored events.
The College administration interprets this section to exempt lawful alcohol consumption provided by licensed vendors on their premises. Articles of the Penal Law directly address unlawful traffic in mind-affecting drugs, comport with the Public Health Law Articles, and set criminal penalties for possession or sale of drugs considered harmful or subject to abuse. The seriousness of the offense and penalty imposed upon conviction depend on the individual drug amount held or sold.
Under the Penal Law, a gift of drugs, including marijuana, is treated as a sale. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 15 days, but not more than one year. A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
Unlawful Possession of Alcohol
On January 1, 1990, a package of new state laws made it illegal for persons under twenty-one (21) years of age to possess alcoholic beverages. Under the new laws, underage persons found possessing alcohol may be given a summons to appear in a local court.
Local Resources
Twin Counties Recovery Services, Inc.
Greene County Clinic
428 West Main St., Catskill, NY 12414
Phone: (518) 943-2036
Email: reneep@twincountyrecoveryservices.org
Columbia County Clinic
350 Power Ave, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone: (518) 828-9300
Email: anabellp@twincountyrecoveryservices.org
Impaired Driver Program (IDP): Columbia and Greene Counties
47 North 5th St, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone: (518) 697-6181