Alcohol and Drug Policy

The Bergen Community College Board of Trustees approved the following policy resolution regarding drugs and alcohol: “In accordance with Public Law 101-226, Bergen Community College declares that it will endeavor to provide its employees and students with an environment that is free of the problems associated with the unauthorized use and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs.” Therefore, Bergen Community College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on college property or as part of any of its activities. As a matter of policy, Bergen Community College further prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol on the college campus. Intoxication and/or disorderly conduct resulting from consumption of alcoholic beverages violates college policy.

Local, state and federal laws that apply to unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol will be enforced. Individuals and organizations in violation of college policy and regulations are subject to disciplinary sanctions. As appropriate, sanctions may range from verbal warning up to dismissal. Sanctions may also include completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program or referral to appropriate legal authorities for prosecution.

These policies apply to all Bergen Community College employees and students as well as visitors to the College.

The college alcohol policy prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Bergen Community College campus. Violators may be subject to suspension or dismissal. Intoxication and/or disorderly conduct resulting from consumption of alcoholic beverages will be considered a serious violation of campus regulations and may result in disciplinary action.

The possession or sale of drugs is a violation of the law. Bergen Community College will, therefore, make every effort to uphold the law and render assistance and support to law enforcement agencies legally and ethically pursuing their objectives, while at the same time render assistance to students when needed or necessary. In light of the foregoing statement, Bergen Community College’s drug policy is as follows:

• 1. Faculty members, employees of the institution, and students are asked to report or submit to the Executive Vice President and Vice President of Student Services any knowledge or evidence directly or indirectly relating to the possession or sale of drugs anywhere on the college campus or at any time during a college-connected activity.
• 2. The Executive Vice President and Vice President of Student Services shall submit to the College President all information they may come by regarding the possession, sale, or use of drugs on the college campus or during any college-connected activity and will recommend the appropriate course of action to be followed.
• 3. Bergen Community College students convicted of a drug charge or who admit, in writing, to the possession or sale of drugs anywhere on the college campus or during any college-connected activity will be subject to dismissal from the College.
• 4. Information given to a counselor during the privacy of a counseling session will not be divulged by the counselor unless, in the judgment of the counselor, there exists a clear and imminent danger to life, limb, or property.

Students should refer to the document “Bergen Community College Student Program to Prevent Illicit Use of Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol,” available through the offices of the Executive Vice President, Vice President of Student Services, Health Services, Counseling, and the Department of Public Safety.