MWCC Resources for Substance Abuse Problems For any member of the MWCC community who is experiencing substance abuse problems, the college stands ready to offer supportive services and referral for treatment, as appropriate and available. See Appendices A and B for more information on the medical risks associated with drug and alcohol use and treatment coverage. Information concerning substance abuse and rehabilitation counseling programs is available through the following college resources: 1. Alcoholics Anonymous Regular meetings are held on campus for students and staff. Information about these meetings may be obtained from the health services office. 2. Substance Abuse Education The health services office at MWCC is the primary resource for individuals experiencing or affected by persons with substance abuse issues. Information and referral services are available on a drop-in basis. Informational brochures on topics such as AIDS transmission and sexually transmitted diseases are made available to students, so they may access information in an anonymous manner. The college nurse and college counselors are available by appointment to discuss issues with students confidentially. 3. Awareness Activities- Student Life Informational Programs The student life office, in conjunction with the MWCC Student Government Association, plans a number of alcohol and drug awareness activities. Additionally, groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) have set up informational booths oncampus to encourage responsible drinking. At key times during the semester, such as the holiday season and graduation, awareness activities have also been scheduled. The focus of all of these activities is that students have options in making their choices relative to drug and alcohol use. The responsible and legal choice is always emphasized. 4. Human Services Alcoholism is treated as part of a unit of Psychology 240, Abnormal Psychology, a course required of Human Services and Criminal Justice students. This topic is discussed in three classes as a category of Substance Use Disorders as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSMIV) of the American Psychiatric Association. The following broad concepts are covered in this unit: incidence; physical effects; progression; gender differences in addiction; and treatment.
5. MWCC Library A bibliography available in the MWCC Library lists books on alcohol and drug abuse. FERPA Parental Notification Policy In compliance with FERPA regulations, MWCC has adopted a Massachusetts Board of Higher Education recommendation that the parents or legal guardians of students under twenty-one years of age be notified when the student has violated the MWCC alcohol or drug policies. Section 952 of the 1998 Higher Education Amendments, authorizes institutions of higher education to disclose to parents and guardians of students under age twenty-one, violations of institutional policies or rules, as well as local, state, and federal laws governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Other Prohibited Activities: Gambling, Firearms & Weapons No gambling will be allowed on the campus. Violators of this provision are subject to dismissal. It is the policy of this college to prohibit firearms, knives, or other weapons on-campus for demonstration or for protection. Under extreme circumstances permission may be granted by the president of the college.
Smoking Policy Introduction As an attempt to reduce the health risks associated with second-hand cigarette smoke, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts first implemented a policy, which invoked the elimination of smoking within the confines of public buildings which fall under the jurisdiction of the State. It was then noted that tobacco smoke within confined areas creates a health hazard to both smokers and non-smokers, especially those suffering from allergies, respiratory diseases or heart disease. Smoke in confined areas may also be irritating and annoying to non-smokers and violates their right to breathe air relatively free from tobacco contaminates. In the interest of further protecting the health and well being of members and visitors of the college community, smoking is prohibited from our campus. This includes all buildings, work areas, offices, restrooms, lobbies, public entrances, etc. Smoking will be permitted in private vehicles parked on the campus. Because of our collective concern for the environment, because we are aware of the harmful effects of smoking on the smoker, and because we now know how much is being written about the effects of second-hand smoke on the non-smoker, we are committing ourselves to a smoke-free environment at MWCC. 219
MWCC 2008-09 College Catalog & Student Handbook