Alcohol and Illegal Substance Abuse Policy

I. Drug Free School and Communities

Nevada State College has joined other colleges and universities across the nation in encouraging the elimination of alcohol and other drug abuse on our campus and in our community. This policy supports the belief that the unlawful possession or use of drugs, including alcohol, and the abuse of alcohol and any drug by students constitutes a grave threat to their physical and mental well-being, and significantly impedes the processes of learning and personal development. While the majority of adults who drink alcohol do so in an acceptable and responsible manner, there is a substantial number who misuse and abuse alcohol, with resulting problems in health, academic, and vocational performance, social and personal relationships, and financial and legal areas.

II. Alcoholic Beverages

In compliance with state law, no student may possess or consume alcohol if under 21 years of age; neither may a student offer alcoholic beverages to a minor (under 21 years). 

The President has the authority to designate the time and place for special events where alcoholic beverages may be served on the college campus (for student groups as well as the entire college community and guests). Students who are of legal age may consume alcohol at these events.

Except as provided above, the storage, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages shall not be permitted on college-owned or college-supervised property. In addition, any student who exhibits offensive behavior on college-owned or college-supervised property, or while attending a college-sponsored event while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, shall be subject to college disciplinary action

III. Other Substances

The use or possession of illegal and/or unauthorized drugs and drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.

IV. Campus Disciplinary Sanctions for Violations of Alcohol and Illegal Substance Policies

A student involved in violations of college standards of conduct will be required (unless expelled from the college) to participate in an education and assessment process as a condition of continued association with the institution. The following sanctions are presented as guidelines, indicating the range and progression of sanctions–from educational programs through expulsion. These sanctions are applied on a case by case basis, depending on the specific nature of the alcohol and drug violation. Each student’s case is evaluated in terms of that student’s level of risk posed (health or danger to self and others) by his or her substance abuse.

• For violations involving alcohol, sanctions might include:
  • three-hour education seminar.
  • counseling and assessment
  • campus disciplinary probation
  • extended probation with counseling
  • suspension
  • expulsion

• For violations involving the possession or use of drugs, sanctions might include:
  • disciplinary probation and referral to assessment/treatment
  • suspension
  • expulsion
• For violations involving the sale of drugs, sanctions might include:
  • suspension
  • expulsion

V. Legal Sanctions

Legal action provides for sanctions ranging from the imposition of fines to incarceration. These sanctions are imposed after due process is pursued. Legal sanctions are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Such sanctions result from the referral of an alcohol or other drug violation which comes to the attention of the college Police Department and is referred to the District Attorney’s Office. Legal action may take place concurrently with campus disciplinary action.