Gordon State College recognizes and supports local, state, and federal laws and policies of the Board of Regents, with respect to the sale, use, distribution, and possession of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, as well as the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 with respect to the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs on college campuses and elsewhere.

Standards of Conduct

• State of Georgia Statutes declare that it is unlawful for any person less than 21 years of age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
• It is unlawful to sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years of age. Furthermore, servers can be held civilly liable for damage caused by underage drinkers to whom they provided alcoholic beverages.
• It is unlawful to be under the influence of, use, possess, distribute, sell, offer, or agree to sell, or represent to sell narcotics, hallucinogens, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances, except as where permitted by prescription or law.
• • Drug convictions no longer affect federal student aid eligibity. Once released, the eligibility limitations related to your incarceration will be removed. You may apply for aid before release so aid it processed in time to start school.

Alcohol

Gordon State College enforces a strict alcohol policy that aligns with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and state laws to maintain a safe and lawful campus environment. College prohibits the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages on campus, including residence halls, regardless of a student's age. Even empty or decorative alcohol containers are not permitted, as their presence is considered evidence of alcohol use.

Under the Student Code of Conduct, violations related to alcohol can result in disciplinary actions ranging from fines and warnings to probation or removal from campus housing, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense. These measures are in place to ensure compliance with the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 and to promote awareness of the dangers associated with alcohol use among students.

By adhering to these policies, Gordon State College upholds its commitment to providing a supportive and legally compliant educational environment for all students.

Drugs

Gordon State College enforces a strict drug policy in alignment with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and state laws to maintain a safe and lawful campus environment. The college prohibits the unlawful possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, and use of illicit drugs on institutional premises, in accordance with the Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act of 1989.

Violations of the drug policy are categorized into levels based on severity. Level One violations may include possession of under one ounce of marijuana or drug paraphernalia with residue, leading to sanctions such as disciplinary warnings, fines, parental notification, and probation. Level Two violations, such as disruptive behavior caused by drugs or hosting events where marijuana is present, can result in higher fines, extended probation, and possible suspension. Level Three violations, including possession of larger quantities or repeat offenses, may lead to disciplinary suspension for at least twelve months or expulsion.  

The Board of Regents encourages institutions to adopt programs designed to increase awareness of the dangers involved in the use of illegal drugs, in accordance with Georgia laws governing the manufacture, sale, use, distribution, and possession of controlled substances on college campuses.

By adhering to these policies, Gordon State College upholds its commitment to providing a supportive and legally compliant educational environment for all students.

Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse

Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 20-3-90 et seq., provides that any student organization functioning at any university system institution which knowingly permits or authorizes the sale, distribution, serving, possession, consumption, or use of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug when such sale, distribution, serving, possession, consumption, or use is not in compliance with the laws of this state shall have its recognition as a student organization withdrawn, shall be expelled from campus for a minimum of a calendar year from the year of determination of guilt. The organization shall also be prohibited from the use of all property and facilities of the university system institution with which it is affiliated. These disciplinary actions are subject to administrative review and hearing procedures as are provided in the code.

Travel

Students should be aware that they are responsible for abiding by the Drug-Free Campus Policy and that they may be held liable, both civilly and criminally, in the case that they are found in violation. When students travel, they should know that their point of destination is considered an extension of the campus. Violations occurring off campus will be treated the same as if the violations occurred on campus.

All students participating in extra-curricular travel are required to complete the necessary travel forms prior to departure and return them to the Student Life and Recreation Office. These forms can be obtained from the Director of Student Life and Recreation or online.

Risks Associated with the Alcohol Abuse and Illicit Drug Use

The inappropriate or excessive use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with a variety of personal health risks, and risks to others. Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Moderate doses of alcohol may increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including murder, rape, armed robbery, vandalism, spouse and child abuse, and drunk driving. High doses of alcohol often cause marked impairment in higher mental function, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information and make judgments. Heavy use may cause chronic depression and suicide and is also greatly associated with the abuse of other drugs. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described. The use of even small amounts of alcohol by a pregnant woman can damage her fetus.

Long-term heavy alcohol use can cause digestive disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, circulatory system disorders, and impairment of the central nervous system, all of which can lead to dependence, particularly in person with one or more parents or grandparents who were problem drinkers. At least 15-20 percent of heavy users will eventually become problem drinkers or alcoholics if they continue drinking. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake by alcoholics is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, or convulsions, which can be life threatening.

Use of Illicit Drugs interferes with the brain’s ability to take in, sort and synthesize information. They distort perception, which can lead users to harm themselves or others. Drug use also affects sensation and impairs memory. Illicit drugs all have some health-threatening qualities, some more than others. Examples are lung damage for marijuana, central nervous system disorders for cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens, and liver damage from inhalants. Dependence and addiction are constant threats to users. HIV is widely spread among intravenous drug users. Regular abuse of these substances generally exposes users to criminal elements who may influence users to become involved in criminal activities in addition to their already illegal drug use.

Information on Alcohol and Drugs and Treatment Referral

Gordon State College has no drug and alcohol treatment or rehabilitation programs. A community resource list with options for addiction treatment is available on the Counseling and Accessibility Services webpage including resources in Barnesville and surrounding counties. Programs listed as referral sources should not be interpreted as an endorsement by the College.

Suspension from Public Institution for Convicted Drug Offenders

Any student of a public educational institution who is convicted, under the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state, of any felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug shall as of the date of conviction be suspended from the public educational institution in which such person is enrolled. Except for cases in which the institution has previously taken disciplinary action against a student for the same offense, such suspension shall be effective as of the date of conviction, even though the educational institution may not complete all administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension until a later date. Except for cases in which the institution has already imposed disciplinary sanctions for the same offense, such suspension shall continue through the end of the term, quarter, semester, or other similar period for which the student was enrolled as of the date of conviction. The student shall forfeit any right to any academic credit otherwise earned or earnable for such term, quarter, semester, or other similar period; and the educational institution shall subsequently revoke any such academic credit which is granted prior to the completion of administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension.

Student Conduct Sanctions for Alcohol/Drug Offenses

Sanctions that may be imposed by Gordon State College for violators of this Policy include the following or any combination thereof: Reprimand; Restrictions; Probation; Suspension; Administrative withdrawal or expulsion; Referral; Monetary fine; Loss of Privilege, Educational Sanctions.

Legal Sanctions – Alcohol Offenses

Alcohol Offenses

Common Alcohol Offenses	Typical Penalty-First Offense
Possession of or attempt to purchase alcohol by a person under 21 years of age	$300 fine, up to three years of probation, 20 hours of community service, up to 6 months in jail
DUI	1st offense: $750 - $1,000 fine, 40 hours community service, jail 10 days to 12 months (all except 24 hours of jail time may be suspended or probated) Over age 21: driver’s license suspended for one year, may get limited driving permit (go to work and school) after DUI school in 120 days Under age 21: license revoked 6-12 months depending on blood alcohol level, no limited driving permit issued
Using a false driver’s license, ID, or allowing someone to use your driver’s license or ID	$100 - $200 fine, 12 months of probation, up to 12 months in jail
Providing alcohol to a person under age 21	$1,000 fine, 12 months of probation, up to 12 months in jail

Legal Sanctions – Illicit Drug Offenses

Drug Offenses

Common Drug Offenses	Typical Penalty-First Offense
Purchase/Possession of controlled substance	Felony: $1,000 fine, 2 to 15 years in jail
Trafficking controlled substance (not marijuana)	Felony: $100,000 to $1 million fine, 5 to 15 years in jail
Possession of 1 ounce or less marijuana	Misdemeanor: Fine up to $1,000; 12 months jail
Possession of more than 1 ounce marijuana	Felony: 1 – 10 years jail
Trafficking marijuana	Felony: Fines from $100,000 to $1,000,000; 5 to 15 years jail or probation
Trafficking marijuana to minor	Felony: Fine up to $250,000; 2 to 20 years in jail

Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid

Higher Education Act Amendment (October 1998) Section 484 Section 484, Student Eligibility, is amended to authorize the suspension of a student’s federal loan eligibility if he or she has been convicted of a drugrelated offense. The section states that a student who has been convicted of any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under this title during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified in the following table:

Student Ineligibility for Grants, Loans, or Work Assistance

For possession of a controlled substance, ineligibility period is:

• First Conviction - 1 year
• Second Conviction - 2 years
• Third Conviction – Indefinite

For sale of a controlled substance, ineligibility period is:

• First Conviction - 2 years
• Second Conviction - Indefinite