Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) Annual Notification
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program.
All members of the McLennan Community (faculty, staff, and students) are encouraged to review the information on the following pages as well as consult the Highlander Guide and Personnel Handbook (policies E-XXVIII & E-XXV). This information is distributed on an annual basis.
Students, faculty, and staff may request information about the Drug Free Schools and Communities Biennial Report by contacting Student Engagement at 254-299-8443.
Standards of Conduct
Use of illegal drugs, and the illegal use of alcoholic beverages, is identified as conduct which adversely affects the university community. College regulations prohibit any use, possession, sale, delivery, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by McLennan students, faculty, staff, or guests to the College, on College-owned property and at all College sponsored activities. In addition, being under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicants at any campus facility is also a violation of McLennan policies.
McLennan Community College students are also prohibited from the illegal use of drugs or alcohol whether on or off campus.
The legal age for the consumption of alcohol is 21 years of age. Any underage student consuming alcohol is violating standards for student conduct. Additionally, excessive alcohol use can lead to additional violations, such as driving while intoxicated or public intoxication.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Students caught violating these policies will face sanctioning through the College’s judicial process. These sanctions include verbal reprimand, disciplinary probation, time-limited suspension, and even expulsion.
Faculty or Staff who violate these policies will also be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Such sanctions include referral to drug and alcohol counseling programs, termination from employment with McLennan Community College, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.
Health Risks
Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below.
Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers)
Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
Marijuana
Impair short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
Cocaine
Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Nicotine
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal and overdose.
Treatment Options
A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from College and community agencies, students may contact Counseling Services located in the Wellness and Fitness building room 101; they can be reached by phone at 254-299-8210. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to consult their primary care provider, or the campus Human Resources office with questions or for community resource referrals. Human Resources can be located in the Administration building room 101 or by phone at 254-299-8605.
Individual Assessment and Counseling for McLennan Students
- Crisis Assessment & mental health screening through Counseling Services
- Individualized referrals based on situation
- Educational sessions for those concerned about alcohol or other drug use
- Judicial (mandatory) referrals
Educational Programs & Events
- Yearly Alcohol Awareness Week
- Preventing Substance Abuse educational module available through McLennan website
- Alcohol impairment simulation events
- McLennan Police presentations on drugs and alcohol available upon request
- Suicide prevention week addresses substance abuse as a key factor
Counseling Services - 254-299-8210
Address substance abuse concerns through individual counseling as part of a co-occurring disorder, individualized referrals based on situation, drug and alcohol education available on request.
McLennan Police Department - 254-299-8911
Respond to immediate safety concerns regarding drugs or alcohol use, questions regarding the legalities of drugs and alcohol, available to do educational presentations.
Student Conduct Office - 254-299-8520
Address General Conduct Policy, enforces policies and procedures, provide clarification on acceptable use standards.
McLennan Community Clinic - 254-313-5800
Provides medical care including initial assessment of the impact of drug and alcohol use on the medical health of students. Students are given individual health recommendations and referred for more intensive intervention as needed.
Cenikor (Community Resource) - 254-236-4567
Detox/Short-term Inpatient Facility & Outpatient Program.
DePaul Center (Community Resource) - 254-776-5970
Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse treatment division of the Providence Healthcare Network.
Heart of Texas Counseling Center (Community Resource) - 254-297-7100
Outpatient counseling clinic available to individuals who do not meet state requirements for MHMR.
Mission Waco (Community Resource) - 254-753-4900
Inpatient and outpatient faith-based treatment programs for drug and alcohol abuse.