Disciplinary Sanctions
The College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees consistent with local, State, and Federal laws for violation of the “Standards of Conduct” outlined above. All persons should be aware that violations could result in expulsion from school, termination of employment, or referral for prosecution.

• Federal Trafficking Penalties include substantial fines and imprisonment up to life.
• West Virginia Sanctions depend on the classification of the controlled substance, the particular activity involved (possession or trafficking) and whether multiple convictions are involved. Under WV law, the most severe penalties for drug violations are for possession with intent to sell. On a first offense conviction, one may receive a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for 15 years.  Sanctions for violations of state alcohol laws vary according to the severity of the offense, with the minimum vehicular violation calling for imprisonment in the county jail for 24 hours, and a $500 fine.
• College Sanctions will be imposed consistent with procedures used in other disciplinary actions. Violations of drug and alcohol standards are the most serious type, and may result in sanctions up to expulsion from the College.

Health Risks
Substance abuse and drug dependency are problems of staggering size in our society today. They are the leading causes of preventable illness and injury in the United States, and are estimated to afflict over 25 million Americans. While alcoholism may develop in anyone, it tends to appear first between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more prevalent when a family history of alcohol abuse exists.

Alcohol abuse is often characterized by one of three different patterns: (1) regular and daily use, (2) drinking large amounts of alcohol (binging) at specific or irregular times, or (3) periods of sobriety interspersed by periods of heavy drinking and intoxication. The disorder is progressive, and is usually fatal. If you recognize any tendencies toward alcohol abuse in yourself, your friends, or loved ones, please seek help as outlined below in the “Counseling & Other Assistance” section.

Health risks of other drugs include:

• Narcotics (including opium, morphine, codeine, heroin and others). Physical addiction, loss of awareness, respiratory restriction, and possible death.
• Depressants (including barbiturates, Quaaludes, and others). Slurred speech, disorientation, shallow respiration coma likely with overdose.
• Stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamines, and others). Increased heart rate and blood pressure, possibly leading to death, increased excitation, loss of appetite.
• Hallucinogens (including LSD, “mushrooms,” PCP, mescaline, and others). Illusions and hallucinations, poor perception of time and distance, psychotic and unpredictable behavior, often leading to injury and arrest. Symptoms may reappear (flashback) some time after use.
• Cannabis (marijuana, hashish, THC, others). Unrealistic euphoria, diminished inhibitions, disoriented behavior, diminished motivation, increased pulse.

Counseling & Other Assistance
Help is available on campus through the Offices of Student Services, Human Resources & Employee Development and the Office of Public Safety.