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Policy for A Drug-Free Environment
Horry-Georgetown Technical College strives to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure educational environment. Students are required and expected to report to their classes or activities in an appropriate mental and physical condition to meet the requirements and expectations of their role. In order to prevent the consequences of alcohol and other drug use in the educational setting, the South Carolina Technical Education System has implemented a policy to ensure a drug-free educational environment. This policy outlines the punishment for violation of South Carolina laws dealing with illegal drugs and alcohol, along with severity of the penalty, depending on the type of illegal drug in question The Policy is available online on the Student Right to Know page of the College website at www.hgtc.edu/righttoknow. Students and employees are notified annually of the availability of this information.
The College has personal counseling services available and provides programs each year to create awareness and offer resources on alcohol and drug abuse concerns.
The College
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is concerned about the adverse effects that drugs
and alcohol can have upon society, families and education. To that end, HGTC is committed
to establishing and promoting a campus free from alcohol and illegal drug use. Under
no condition will alcoholic beverages, liquors or illegal drugs be permitted at student
events either held at the college or sponsored by the college. No one under the influence
of alcohol or narcotic will be permitted to attend such events. Students found to
be under the influence will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student
Code for the South Carolina Technical College System. In an effort to maintain a drug-free
learning environment, Horry-Georgetown Technical College Department of Campus and
Public Safety, in conjunction with local law enforcement authorities, will periodically
use drug dogs in conducting sweeps for illicit drugs in all of the parking lots, common
areas, and buildings on all Horry-Georgetown Technical College campuses. The Director/Chief
of Campus and Public Safety will arrange supervision and coordinate all canine searches
with the assistance of local law enforcement authorities and Horry-Georgetown Campus
and Public Safety personnel. These sweeps will be performed by handlers and canines
trained and certified in the detection of illegal drugs/narcotics. Canines will be
allowed to make sweeps through all common areas, parking lots, and will be utilized
inside of buildings when deemed necessary by College authorities. Once a canine alerts,
probable use to believe drugs are present in the area is created. Accordingly, searches
will be conducted of vehicles and other areas once the canine alerts. Upon discovery
of suspected illegal drugs/narcotics, persons who are determined to be in violation
of State or Federal law and/or College rules and regulations, will face College disciplinary
actions and possible arrest.
The Law
As part of HGTC's commitment to all levels of achievement, policies in compliance
with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
Amendments of 1989, and the South Carolina Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990 have been
implemented. Public Law 101-226 requires that, as a condition of receiving funds or
any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of
higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent
the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs by students and employees.
Sanctions
HGTC does not tolerate the attempted or actual violation of any federal, state or
local laws regarding alcohol and drugs. Student disciplinary action may be taken in
response to conduct that poses a threat to persons or property in the College community
or disrupts the orderly conduct of College activities. The College will impose sanctions
on students for violations of the Student Code for the South Carolina
Technical College System (HGTC Procedure 9.3.7.1) and/or violations of other relevant
College policies or procedures, including HGTC Policy 9.3.3 Alcohol and Drugs.
Similarly, the College will impose sanctions on employees for violations in accordance
with HGTC Policy 3.6.1, Disciplinary Actions, and HGTC Procedure 3.6.1.1, Disciplinary
Action Procedure. All employees
(including student workers) must adhere to laws and policies as a condition of employment.
HGTC Policy 3.5.9, Employee Alcohol/Drug Use, and Procedure 3.5.9.1, Employee Alcohol/Drug
Use Procedure,
provides additional information.
Sanctions for students may include suspension or expulsion. Sanctions for employees may include termination. In addition to the penalties imposed by HGTC, referral may be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency.