Complete college policies are available in the College Catalog and the Student Handbook. Northampton Community College reserves the right to make changes in the staff, fees, courses of instruction and regulations without prior notice.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
As required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, the following information is provided to all Northampton students and employees:
College policy prohibits the use, possession, or distribution on College properties or at College sponsored or supervised functions of controlled or dangerous drugs or substances as defined by state and/or federal law, except as expressly permitted by law. Members of the College community who are age 21 or older may consume alcohol when it is served, with College approval, at a College sponsored event. However, all individuals, regardless of age, must abide by the laws of the Commonwealth and may not at any time be intoxicated on College property or at a College sponsored event.
The consumption or possession of alcohol is not permitted in the student apartments or residence halls.
Upholding the Law
Students and staff should be aware that there are serious consequences for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs, abuse of alcohol, or underage drinking. The College works closely with local officials to ensure that the laws are upheld and will report drug and alcohol related incidents to the police for investigation.
Health Risks
Health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are varied and range from death to heart and liver damage to intense psychological dependence. Students and staff are encouraged to read the many health related pamphlets that are displayed throughout campus and to consult with the personnel in the Health Center.
Substance Abuse Counseling
The College provides intervention and prevention counseling services to students who use and/or abuse drugs or alcohol. The College employs staff skilled in counseling students and their families on issues related to substance abuse. Counseling appointments are free to students and may be scheduled from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Thursday (all year) and 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Fridays (fall and spring semesters).
Counseling is provided in the counselor's office, which allows for privacy and confidentiality. In addition to the staff specializing in drug and alcohol counseling, the College employs additional counselors to whom students may bring personal and educational concerns which may affect their use of substances.
The counselors maintain a close liaison with community agencies and detoxification units to ensure that students who require further treatment receive it. When students need treatment from off-campus providers, the College counselor maintains regular contact with the student through the agency with the written consent of the student. Area agencies with whom the College has worked include Hogar Crea Men's & Women's Center, the Alcohol Counseling Center, the Northampton County Drug and Alcohol Division, St. Luke's Addiction Treatment Services, St. Luke's Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Community Psychological Center, New Directions Treatment Services, and the Renewal Center.
For employees, the College offers an Employee Assistance Program. This confidential, professional counseling service is available for staff and their families who may be experiencing problems. Employees are also encouraged to seek advice and counsel through the Health and Wellness Center.
College Sanctions
Depending upon the seriousness of the offense, drug and alcohol violators may be placed on probation, suspended, or have their association with the College terminated. All violations of federal, state, or local statutes shall be reported to the proper authorities when appropriate for such disposition as the law may direct.
