Annually on or about October 1, the College shall distribute the following statement of policy and procedures to all employees of the college by email, entry into the minutes of the Staff Senate and Faculty Senate, posting on SFCC’s Intranet,
WORDING FOR THE LETTER TO BE DISTRIBUTED:
SFCC Employees Code of Conduct
SFCC strives to create and maintain an environment that supports and respects all members of the learning community. In order to achieve this goal, the College has established a Code of Conduct in Policy 4-1 which sets out values, expectations and standards of behavior that apply to all Employees. Employees who violate any provision of this Code of Conduct may be subject to discipline under the SFCC Corrective Action or Disciplinary Action Policy ( Policy 4-2) The discipline imposed will depend on the severity of the violation and the circumstances of the situation. If appropriate, the College will report any activity that appears to violate any local, state or federal law to the appropriate authorities.
Dangerous Substances – Alcohol and Other Drugs
SFCC is committed to providing an environment that supports the educational pursuits of its students and promotes the good health and welfare of the college community as a whole. Abuse of alcohol and drugs impair work and academic performance, pose a threat to the health and safety of the SFCC community and undermine the learning environment. SFCC is committed to maintaining a drug free campus as well as helping students and employees solve drug and alcohol-related problems. SFCC prohibits the possession, use, dispensing, distribution and manufacture of any illegal substance both on campus and at any college-hosted function held off campus property.
Policy on Illegal Drugs and Alcohol
A. This policy covers all property and facilities owned, used, leased or controlled by SFCC and any other site where SFCC business is conducted, including motor vehicles.
B. Controlled substances as defined in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 812 and implementing regulations, 211 CFR 1308.11-08.15. Controlled substances include but are not limited to, marijuana hashish, cocaine (including crack), amphetamines, heroin, PCP, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, certain prescription, and certain controlled substance analogs. Possession, use, sales or trafficking of controlled substances and glues is prohibited and punishable as a crime.
C. Illegal uses of alcohol include, but are not limited to serving, buying, or drinking alcohol by a minor; assisting a minor or an intoxicated person to get alcohol; selling alcohol without a license and driving while under the influence. Possession of alcohol is prohibited on all SFCC properties and in SFCC vehicles. (The President may make an exception to allow alcohol at a college function by granting prior written consent. All laws relating to the sale, purchase, and distribution of alcohol must be observed, including age limits).
D. This policy is not intended to supersede or negate any existing policies on substance abuse, student or employee discipline or any additional requirements imposed on its students or employees by federal or state law.
E. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol on SFCC property or as a part of any of its activities by any member of the SFCC community is strictly prohibited.
F. As a condition of continued employment, all employees shall abide by this policy. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
G. SFCC’s response to any violation of this policy may include, as a total or partial alternative to disciplinary action, a requirement that the employee participate satisfactorily in an approved substance-abuse treatment or rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment.
Legal Sanctions and Health Risks
A. Penalties for even the most minor violation of the New Mexico Liquor Control Act can include fines up to $300, confiscation of property and imprisonment for up to seven (7) months. More serious violations carry greater penalties, with larger fines and longer imprisonment.
B. Penalties for illegal drug use can include significant fines and imprisonment. Penalties for illegal sale of drugs are greater and may include property confiscation. Alternative penalties for illegal drug and alcohol use may include mandatory community service. Violation of laws by a foreign national may result in deportation.
C. Driving or using machinery after drinking or using drugs creates the risk of injury or even death for the user and others. Penalties include criminal charges, up to and including homicide, monetary fines, as well as the loss of the driver’s license and impoundment of the vehicle. The minimum blood alcohol levels at which drivers’ licenses are revoked in New Mexico are .02% for those under 21 and .08% for those 21 and over. All drivers in New Mexico are presumed to be intoxicated at the .08% level.
D. In drug-related cases, a court may permanently suspend eligibility for federal benefits, including student financial aid. A criminal record can seriously hurt education and career opportunities.
Health Risks Associated with Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
A. Excessive alcohol consumption and abuse of illicit drugs can lead to certain types of cancer, pathological changes in the liver, brain, heart, and muscle which can lead to disability and death, as well as addiction, birth defects, shortened life span, stomach ulcers, phlebitis, varicose veins and other health problems.
B. Alcohol is significantly involved in all types of accidents: motor vehicle, home, industrial and recreational. Alcohol and drugs are also factors in homicide assaults, rapes, suicides and family and date violence.
C. Unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are often associated with alcohol and other drug abuse. Intravenous (IV) drug use is a high-risk factor for AIDS, which is a serious and often fatal disease.
D. Substance abuse negatively impacts on personal, work and academic relationships. For more information on the possible effects and health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol, contact one of the Counselors on staff at SFCC.
Campus and Community Resources for Substance Abuse Problems
Any member of the SFCC community who is concerned about substance abuse can receive confidential assistance from one of the Community resources listed below or by accessing their medical plan benefits. More information about medical benefits is available in the NMPSIA guide.
Other community resources include (all are in Santa Fe unless noted otherwise):
Christus St. Vincent Care Connection Program – 505 995-9550
Christus St. Vincent Sobering Center – 505 913-4330
New Mexico Treatment Services LLC – 505 982-2129
Santa Fe Recovery Center – 505 471-4985
The Life Link – 505 438-0010
Turning Point Recovery Center, Albuquerque – 505 217-1717
Contact:
Yash Morimoto, Ph.D., Vice President for Strategy and Organizational Effectiveness, yash.morimoto@sfcc.edu, 505-428-1765.
Donna Castro, Chief Human Resources Officer
donn.castro@sfcc.edu, 505-428-1019
