Walsh College is committed to promoting a healthy and safe learning and work environment in which students and employees can thrive as they pursue their educational and career goals. Additionally, the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) helps ensure Walsh College remains compliant with the federal consumer information disclosure requirements. The purpose of this program is to educate the Walsh College community about the standards of conduct; associated federal, state, and institutional sanctions; health risks; and prevention, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services associated with student and employee abuse of drugs and alcohol.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Walsh College will support activities and requirements of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. It is a violation of Walsh policy for students, employees, or visitors to engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance on Walsh property. Walsh policy prohibits illegal use of alcohol on Walsh Property. The prohibition against the manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance includes cannabis. While cannabis use for medicinal or recreational purposes is not currently illegal under Michigan state law, cannabis remains a schedule 1 controlled substance under Federal law and, as such, its manufacture, distribution, possession or use at Walsh is prohibited. WALSH COLLEGE SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Students in violation of these policies may face disciplinary action, including dismissal from the institution and/or appropriate criminal charges. Employees who are convicted of any criminal drug statute may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or be required to satisfactorily complete an approved drug abuse program at the employee’s expense. See also: Walsh College Substance Abuse Policy Walsh College Tobacco, Smoke and Vape Free Policy SANCTIONS UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW Violations of laws and ordinances relating to drugs and alcohol also may result in misdemeanor or felony convictions accompanied by the imposition of legal sanctions, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
Federal Drug Sanctions A full description of federal sanctions for drug offences can be found at Federal Trafficking Penalties. Michigan Drug and Alcohol Sanctions Under Michigan law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, consume or possess, or have any bodily content of alcohol. The following summarizes some of the potential legal consequences for violating state law.
Michigan Underage Drinking Penalties Michigan Impaired Driving Law and Penalties Michigan Controlled Substance Offences and Penalties Local Sanctions Oakland County Ordinance Search HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE Considerable health risks are associated with substance and alcohol abuse. Substance abuse dramatically impairs student and employee performance, contributes to absenteeism, and presents safety risks for not only the abusing individual, but also to others within the College community. The following are general descriptions of some of the health risks associated with substance abuse.
ALCOHOL Loss of concentration and judgment; slowed reflexes; disorientation leading to higher risk of accidents and problem behavior; risk of liver and heart damage, malnutrition, cancer, and other illnesses; can be highly addictive to some persons.
AMPHETAMINES Can cause rushed, careless behavior and pushing beyond your physical capacity, leading to exhaustion; tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; withdrawal can result in depression and suicide; continued high doses can cause heart problems, infections, malnutrition, and death.
CANNABIS Can cause permanent damage to lungs, reproductive organs, and brain function; slows reflexes; increases forgetfulness; alters judgment of space and distance.
COCAINE Causes damage to respiratory and immune systems; induces malnutrition, seizures, and loss of brain function. Some forms (such as “crack”) are highly addictive.
HALLUCINOGENS (PCP, LSD, ecstasy) Cause extreme distortions of what’s seen and heard; induces sudden changes in behavior, loss of concentration and memory; increases risk of birth defects in user’s children; overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma, and death. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.
INHALANTS (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons) Cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, slurred speech, hallucinations, or delusions; may lead to rapid and irregular heart rhythms, heart failure and death; long-term use may result in loss of feeling, hearing, and vision; can result in permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
NARCOTICS Highly addictive; tolerance increases rapidly; causes physical and psychological dependence; overdose can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death; leads to malnutrition, infection, and hepatitis. Sharing needles is a leading cause of the spread of HIV and hepatitis.
SEDATIVES Tolerance increases rapidly; produces physical and psychological dependence; cause reduced reaction time and confusion; overdoses can cause coma, respiratory arrest, convulsions, and death; withdrawal can be dangerous; in combination with other controlled substances can quickly cause coma and death.
Know the Risks of Using Drugs Know the Risks of Using Marijuana Know the Risks of Using Meth Get Smart About Drugs COUNSELING, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Students - Walsh College offers referral services to students aimed at preventing substance abuse and assisting in rehabilitation. Interested students may contact their Academic Advisor or the Oakland County Health Division directly.
Employees - Walsh College offers referral services to employees aimed at preventing substance abuse and assisting in rehabilitation. Interested employees may contact Human Resources at hr@walshcollege.edu or by phone at (248) 823-1602. All inquiries are confidential.
Additionally, employees may contact Walsh College’s Employee Assistance Program partner, UNUM, or the Oakland County Health Division directly.
For Substance Abuse Prevention visit oakgov.com/community/health/partnerships/prescription-drug-abuse-prevention. ANNUAL NOTIFICATION Walsh College regularly reminds students and employees about its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program as part of its annual consumer information disclosure email. In addition to the email disclosure, the information is also located on the Consumer Information webpage. BIENNIAL REVIEW The College conducts a biennial review of this policy to 1) determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed; and 2) determine the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that (i) occur on campus or during College activities; and (ii) are reported to Walsh College officials. This review includes representatives from Academic Advising, Facility Operations, Financial Aid, and Human Resources and is conducted in even numbered years.