Substance Abuse Policy

Purpose

Installer Institute believes the unlawful possession and use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol is harmful and dangerous. Alcohol and drug abuse not only have an adverse effect on safety but also on the health and welfare of the entire community. Therefore, the objectives of this policy are:

• to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the entire student body;
• reduce injuries to persons or property;
• and encourage counseling and rehabilitation for those that may need help.

Installer Institute prides itself on the reputation it holds within the community and industry ; therefore , keeping a safe and drug-free environment is very important.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

INSTALLER INSTITUTE CANNOT AND DOES NOT CONDONE DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE BY ITS STUDENTS.

Installer Institute does not allow the possession, use , or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or staff on its property or housing facilities. Students are also prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any other substance that could adversely affect the health, safety , or welfare of students, faculty , or staff on Installer Institute property or at any of its officially sponsored activities. This includes all forms of synthetic marijuana, regardless of the legality of the substance.

Consequences

Installer Institute will report to local and/or state law enforcement, as applicable by federal and state drug laws, any student who is found in possession of, using, or selling illegal drugs on campus, as well as anyone who is found to have broken the state laws regarding illegal possession or use of drugs or alcohol. Illegal possession or use of drugs or alcohol can have penalties, including community service, suspension or loss of driver’s license, jail time, and fines.

For the State of Florida specific statutes and penalties on drug and alcohol offensives, please reference the following link – www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes.

Possible federal sanctions for illegal possession or individual federal trafficking penalties can range from 1 year to life in prison and/or have a financial penalty ranging from $1,000 to $8 million. The minimum sentence for a violation after two prior convictions for felony drug offenses is a mandatory term of life imprisonment without release and a fine up to $8 million if an individual and $20 million if other than an individual. For the most up-to-date federal trafficking penalties information, visit the website of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration at www.dea.gov/agency/penalties.htm.

Installer Institute recognizes alcohol and drug abuse may have an adverse effect on classroom performance and is concerned with this impact. In addition, Installer Institute recognizes the significant health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol. While the frequency, duration, and severity vary, there are a number of serious health consequences. For all drugs, there is a risk of overdose leading to convulsions, coma, and death. Mixing certain drugs can also be lethal. Below is a list of some potential health risks:

Alcohol

• vitamin deficiencies
• stomach ailments
• alcohol poisoning
• liver disease
• weight gain and high blood pressure
• depressed immune system
• cancer

Drugs

• heart or respiratory failure
• tremors and seizures
• nausea, rapid heart rate
• skin disorders
• depression and disorientation
• paranoia and psychosis
• memory impairment
• weakened immune system (HIV and Hepatitis C)
• impotence
• heart attack
• respiratory failure

Installer Institute recognizes alcohol and drug abuse may be successfully treated, enabling the student to return to a satisfactory performance level. Students who have a substance abuse problem are encouraged to voluntarily seek assistance and deter others from engaging in illegal drug or alcohol use, possession, or distribution. Violation of this policy will result in Installer Institute taking appropriate action, up to and including termination and/or requiring the student to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or other assistance/rehabilitation program.

Substance Abuse Prevention Policy – General Procedures

Installer Institute takes appropriate disciplinary action whenever a student violates or is suspected of violating this Substance Abuse Prevention Policy.

A student attending class under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs a student’s mental or physical capacity IS NOT AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. This includes all forms of synthetic marijuana. Any student using physician-prescribed medication or other medication that may impair performance in either the classroom or in the shop/bay shall immediately inform his or her instructor of such medication.

Possession of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia , or alcohol is prohibited. When Installer Institute becomes aware of reasonable grounds (as listed below) to believe a student has violated the Substance Abuse Prevention Policy, the Institute will immediately investigate. As a result of such investigation, the following actions may be taken at Installer Institute’s sole discretion, depending upon the severity of the offense:

• verbal warning/advisement;
• written warning;
• referral to an approved rehabilitation/counseling agencies;
• termination.

Students should be aware that Installer Institute may bring matters of illegal drug use to the attention of local law enforcement. Students should fully understand that Installer Institute supports the criminal prosecution of policy violators, when appropriate. Reasonable grounds for suspecting substance abuse include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following: slurred speech, red eyes, erratic behavior (aggressiveness), and inability to perform the job, the smell of alcohol or marijuana emanating from student’s body, inability to carry on a rational conversation, other unexplained behavioral changes, dilated pupils, incoherence, and unsteadiness on feet or attendance failure.

To assure clear communication of the required standards of conduct and the sanctions imposed for violation of those standards, Installer Institute provides students with a copy of the Substance Abuse Prevention Policy.

Students are hereby notified that COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS OF CONDUCT REQUIRED BY THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY IS MANDATORY. IN ORDER TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE, INSTALLER INSTITUTE MAY CALL A STUDENT TO THE OFFICE UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:

After an accident occurring at the Institute.

• If Installer Institute believes an individual has been observed possessing or using a prohibited substance on campus.
• When Installer Institute believes an individual may be affected by the use of drugs or alcohol, and the use may adversely affect the individual’s effectiveness in the classroom environment or his or her safety as well as the safety of others.
• When Installer Institute believes a student is impaired during school hours or while staying at the housing facility.
• Upon notification by proper authorities of alleged violations of the Substance Abuse Prevention Policy.

Available Assistance/Referrals Advising and referrals to outside agencies are available from the School Director or any staff member who have an “open door” policy and is available to students. Information from students will be kept confidential. Exceptions to confidentiality will occur when there is a risk of bodily harm to others or as required by law. In addition, the School Director must take appropriate action when he or she becomes aware that a student is in violation of this Substance Abuse Prevention Policy. A list of referrals for outside agency assistance and counseling are available in Installer Institute’s Admissions Office.