Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
Tidewater Community College is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment for students, employees, and visitors. This includes ensuring the college is a drug- and alcohol-free zone. TCC supports the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690, Sec. 5151 et. seq.) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226).
Students and employees are encouraged to read and understand information about the college’s compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
Alcohol and other drugs
Tidewater Community College students shall not possess, sell, use, manufacture, give away, or otherwise distribute illegal substances, including drugs or, where prohibited, alcohol while on campus, attending a college sponsored off-campus event, or while serving as a representative of the college at an off-campus meeting, event, or other function.
For detailed information, read TCC Policy 1103: Alcohol and Other Drugs.
College disciplinary penalties
Students who violate TCC’s policy on alcohol and other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the TCC Code of Conduct Policy, which is published in the Student Handbook. Employees who violate TCC’s policy on alcohol and other drugs will be subject to action in accordance with college polices.
Legal penalties
Use of illicit drugs is illegal under both state and federal statutes. Use of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age is illegal under state law. Students who violate the college’s Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs (1103) shall have college charges processed against them in the normal manner of due process provided by college rules.
Further, students who violate this policy shall have committed a criminal offense, and the college shall notify the appropriate agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia or city government for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution.
Impact on financial aid
A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment when the student was receiving FSA. A student can regain eligibility for FSA by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program or by passing two unannounced drug tests administered by an approved drug rehabilitation program.
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) amendments of 1989 require that as a condition of receiving funds, or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, Tidewater Community College certifies that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Tidewater Community College is unequivocally opposed to the misuse of lawful drugs, the possession and use of unlawful drugs, the abuse of alcohol. The policy and programs are designed to identify problems at the earliest stage, motivate the affected individuals to seek help, and to direct the individual toward the best assistance available. Tidewater Community College conducts a biennial review in all even years. Read the most recent DAAPP Report here.