Part 1: State of Compliance. Lake Superior College (LSC) recognizes that the misuse of alcohol and other drugs is a serious issue affecting college students, the community and our society. LSC adheres to the federal Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) and Minnesota State Board Policy 5.18 which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on the college premises, or in conjunction with any college sponsored activity or event, whether on- or off- campus. In accordance with federal regulations, this policy is included in the annual Campus Crime and Security Report, which is distributed to every student and employee. The college conducts a biennial review of this policy to determine the effectiveness of this policy and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions for violating standards of conduct are enforced consistently.
Part 2: Standards of Conduct. No student or employee shall manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, distribute, or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute alcohol, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off- campus.
- No student or employee shall possess or use a controlled substance while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off-campus, except when the possession is for that person’s own use and is authorized by law.
- Students and employees are expected to act responsibly and conduct themselves appropriately when representing the college on or off campus. The Unlawful or irresponsible use of alcohol or other drugs will result in sanctions as described in this policy.
- Employees are advised to refrain from use of alcohol while serving in a supervisory capacity with students at off-campus, college-sponsored events.
Employees are advised to refrain from use of alcohol in the company of students due to the power differential that exists.
No student shall report to campus, and no employee shall report to work while under the influence of a controlled substance, which affects alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision-making, or safety, except as prescribed by a physician.
Except as allowed by Board Policy 5.18, the possession, use, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages and 3.2% malt liquor at LSC and at LSC sponsored events is prohibited.
Part 3: Disciplinary Sanctions. Students or employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. The severity of the sanctions will be appropriate to the violation. Sanctions include, but are not limited to: official reprimand, restitution, completion of a rehabilitation program, community service, suspension, expulsion and/or reporting to local law enforcement will be imposed on students who violate the preceding standards of conduct. Sanctions, consistent with existing contracts, up to and including termination of employment, will be imposed on employees who violate the preceding standards of conduct.
Part 4: Legal Sanctions. Federal and state sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances range from up to one year imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines for a first offense, to three years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines for repeat offenders. Additional penalties include forfeiture of personal property and the denial of federal student aid benefits. Under federal laws, trafficking in drugs such as heroin or cocaine may result in sanctions up to and including life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 gm or more. Fines for such an offense can reach $8 million. First offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 gm, may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $4 million. A first offense for trafficking in marijuana may result in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 for an offense involving less than 50 kg, and up to life imprisonment and fines up to $8 million for an offense involving 1,000 kg or more. The State of Minnesota may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol-related violations. For example, driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content of .08 or more) may result in a $700 fine, 90 days in jail, and/or revocation of driver’s license for 30 days. Possession of alcohol under age 21 or use of false identification to purchase alcohol results in $100 fine. Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment.
Part 5: Health Risks
Alcohol— Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, and incidents of drinking and driving. Continued abuse may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle.
Amphetamines— Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, depression, damage to the brain and lungs, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.
Cocaine/Crack— Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, paranoia and depression. Cocaine is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, psychosis, convulsions, stroke and even death.
Hallucinogens— Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) causes illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Hallucinogens can cause liver damage, convulsion, coma and even death.
Marijuana — Marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. Users also experience interference with psychological maturation and temporary loss of fertility. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.
Methamphetamine — Methamphetamines, known as speed, meth, ice, glass, etc., have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Taking even small amounts may produce irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Over time, methamphetamine users may experience symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, a severe movement disorder.
Narcotics — Narcotics such as codeine, heroin or other opiate drugs cause the body to have diminished pain reactions. The use of heroin can result in coma or death due to a reduction in heart rate.
Steroids— Steroid users experience a sudden increase in muscle and weight and an increase in aggression and combativeness. Steroids can cause high blood pressure, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, sterility and prostate cancer. Additional information can be found at the National Institute on Drug Abuse Website.
Part 6: Educational and Treatment Programs. LSC provides periodic information and training for employees and information to students that foster a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Counselors are available to assist students deal with personal concerns the might interfere with their academic work while at LSC. Services are free and confidential and can be arranged by contacting the Counseling Department.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all Minnesota State employees. EAP can assist employees by providing a professional assessment of a possible alcohol or drug problem. The mission of EAP is to provide confidential, accessible services to individual employees and state agencies in order to restore and strengthen the health and productivity of employees and the workplace. For additional information, contact the Human Resources Department.
Community area substance abuse treatment center referrals include:
Alcoholics Anonymous (Alano Club) – Duluth, MN
3009 Restormel St.
Duluth, MN 55806
Alcoholics Anonymous – Superior, WI
1609 John Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
715.394.9824
Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
314 W. Superior Street, #400
Duluth, MN 55802
218.723.8444
Duluth Bethel – Port Rehabilitation Center
23 Mesaba Avenue
Duluth, MN 55805
218.722.1724
Duluth Bethel – Outpatient Center
23 Mesaba Avenue
Duluth, MN 55805
218.727.0504
Liberalis – Chemical Health Services For Women
810 3rd Street N Ste 102
Carlton, MN 55718
218.384.7000
Superior Treatment Center Inc.
202 W. Superior St. #700
Duluth, MN 55802
715.336.9300
Miller-Dwan Medical Center Chemical – Dependency Services
502 E 2nd Street
Duluth, MN 55805
218.727.8762
Wipson Counseling Services
1507 Tower Ave
Superior, WI 54880
715.392.3331
Additional substance abuse treatment centers can be found at: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Website (http://www.samhsa.gov/).
Date Implemented: April, 2006
Date Updated: August 30, 2017
