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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 college policies and Student Standards of Conduct. 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.

Learn more about the impact of drug convictions on FSA.

Health risks

Using drugs and alcohol can have substantial and harmful effects on health. These effects often are permanent and can lead to severe physical and psychological impairment, disability and premature death.

Learn more about the risks associated with alcohol and drugs.

Available resources

TCC has counselors on all four campuses to assist students in addressing their drug and alcohol use and finding appropriate treatment resources, if needed. Counseling services at TCC are confidential and free to students. Employees should contact Human Resources for information on available treatment resources.

Programs and events

The college hosts educational programs and activities throughout the academic year to educate students and employees on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and help them make healthy alternative choices.

Programs and activities are published on TCC’s events calendar.

Program oversight and review

As required by U.S. Department of Education’s regulations for institutions of higher education receiving federal funds or financial assistance, TCC will:

  1. Annually, notify each student in writing, of standards of conduct; a description of appropriate sanctions for violation of federal, state, and local law and college policy; a description of health risks associated with alcohol and other drug use; and a description of available treatment programs; and
  2. Conduct a biennial review on the effectiveness of its alcohol and other drug programs and the consistency of sanction enforcement.

Each campus dean of student services will maintain records of reports of violations of this policy by students and any disciplinary action imposed. Such records shall be provided to the Vice President of Student Affairs for the biennial review.