Updated July 2023
Introduction
The College for Creative Studies is committed to providing a safe, healthy learning community for all its members. The College recognizes that the improper and excessive use of alcohol and other drugs may interfere with the College’s mission by negatively affecting the health and safety of students, faculty and staff. Due to the harm caused by excessive and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs, the College has a vested interest in establishing polices to prohibit unlawful behavior and sanctions to address policy violations by members of the CCS community.
Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the College is required to have an alcohol and other drug policy and must distribute this policy annually to all employees and students. This Policy must outline the College’s prevention, education and intervention efforts, and consequences that may be applied by both the College and external authorities for policy violations. The law also requires that individuals be notified of possible health risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and sources of assistance for problems that may arise as a result of use.
Scope
This policy applies to all faculty and staff, as well as students enrolled in credit bearing and non-credit bearing courses at CCS, including any and all programs located off site. Guests, on campus or at College events, who are violating a College policy, may be asked to leave campus/the event and their CCS host will be held responsible for their guest’s actions.
Students visiting other countries to attend academic programs are reminded that they may be subject to arrest and legal sanctions for alcohol and drug offenses under the laws and regulations of that particular country or institution in addition to the judicial process of the College.
Definitions
The following terms are defined for the purposes of this policy and are important for purposes of expressing the College’s policy on a drug and alcohol-free environment:
College refers to the College for Creative Studies.
College activities include programs affiliated with the College, including study-abroad programs, and any on-campus or off-campus event or function conducted, approved, sponsored or funded, in whole or in part, by the College or any officially recognized student organization.
College premises includes all buildings and land owned, leased, or used by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks), and motor vehicles operated by employees, including personal motor vehicles, when used in connection with work performed for or on behalf of the College.
Controlled Substance means a controlled substance in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812), as further defined by regulations at 21 CFR 1300.11 through 1300.15.
Contract means a legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the federal government and a recipient whenever the principal purpose of the instrument is the acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government; or whenever an executive agency determines in a specific instance that the use of a type of procurement contract is appropriate.
Conviction means finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the federal or state criminal drug statutes.
Criminal drug statute means a federal or non-federal criminal statute involving the manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, use, or possession of any controlled substance.
Drug For the purpose of this Policy, the term “drug” includes:
- controlled substances, as defined in 21 USC 812, which cannot be legally obtained
- legally obtainable controlled substances which were not legally obtained, including:
- Prescribed drugs when prescription is no longer valid (e.g. use of medication after a course of treatment is completed);
- Prescribed drugs used contrary to the prescription;
- Prescribed drugs issued to another person.
Federal agency or agency means any United States executive department, military department, government corporation, government-controlled corporation, or any other establishment in the executive branch, or any independent regulatory agency.
Guest means a person who is not a direct member of the College community, such as a student or employee.
Host means the person who is responsible for a guest being on campus or at a College event.
Illicit drug use means the use, manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, or possession of illegal drugs.
Over the Counter Substances means items that are available for purchase from retailers that do not need a prescription.
Prescribed Drug means any substance prescribed for use by a licensed medical practitioner.
Student means an individual registered or enrolled for a credit or non-credit course or program offered by the College.
CCS Alcohol and Drugs Policy
All members of the CCS community also are governed by laws, regulations and ordinances established by the state and local municipalities and will be held accountable by law enforcement representatives of those entities for any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of all campus members to be aware of these laws.
Alcohol
Employees, students, and campus guests, regardless of age, are expected to refrain from the possession, consumption or transportation of alcoholic beverages while on any part of the campus or at College-sponsored/supported events, while driving a College vehicle or while otherwise engaged in College business. Possession of an empty container of an alcoholic beverage will be dealt with as though the individual responsible for the empty container consumed the contents.
The only exception to this Policy is that individuals of legal age may consume alcohol on College property in a manner consistent with College policy and State of Michigan law within the approved designated area of events coordinated by the President of the College. To request an exception to this Policy for events not coordinated by the President, approval must be obtained from the employee’s Vice President or Dean with final approval given by the President of the College using the Request for Approval to Serve Alcohol at a CCS Sponsored Event form (see link at the end of this paragraph). For all College related events involving alcohol, a licensed, third-party bartender must be present to serve the alcohol and the bartender must refrain from using a tip jar.
CCS Request Approval to Serve Alcohol – Revised Feb 2020
Drug/Controlled Substance
Students, CCS employees and guests are prohibited from using, possessing, transferring or selling any illegal drug, controlled substance, or related paraphernalia, including hookahs, while on any part of the campus or at College sponsored/supported events.
Any person taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication is personally responsible for ensuring that while taking such drugs or medications, he or she is not a safety risk to themselves and others while on College property, while driving a College or privately owned vehicle, or while otherwise engaged in College business. It is illegal to misuse prescription medication, i.e. continue to use medication when the prescription is no longer valid, use prescribed drugs contrary to the prescription, and give or sell prescribed drugs to another person. Misusing prescription drugs can result in conviction with jail time.
CCS Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Strategies
The College uses the following strategies to provide a positive influence on the campus culture regarding alcohol and
drug abuse:
- Students, employees and campus guests, regardless of age, are expected to refrain from the possession, consumption or transportation of alcoholic beverages on campus. (see details and exceptions described in the above section)
- Alcohol and drug awareness education is provided to all new students during New Student Orientation
- Providing education and awareness activities
- All student social, extracurricular, and public service options are substance-free
- Prohibiting the marketing and promotion of alcohol and other drugs
- Developing and enforcing campus policies and enforce laws to address high-risk and illegal alcohol and other drug use
- Providing early intervention and referral for treatment
Health Risks
The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs increases the risk for a number of health-related and other medical, behavioral and social problems. Below is a general description of the health risks associated with drug use.
ALCOHOL: Can cause short-term effects such as loss of concentration and judgment; slowed reflexes; disorientation leading to higher risk of accidents and problem behavior; long-term effects include risk of liver and heart damage, malnutrition, cancer and other illnesses; can be highly addictive to some persons.
AMPHETAMINES: Can cause short-term effects such as rushed, careless behavior and pushing beyond your physical capacity, leading to exhaustion; tolerance increases rapidly; long-term effects include physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal can result in depression and suicide; continued high doses can cause heart problems, infections, malnutrition and death.
CANNABIS: Can cause short-term effects such as slow reflexes; increase in forgetfulness; alters judgment of space and distance; aggravate pre-existing heart and/or mental health problems; long-term health effects include permanent damage to lungs, reproductive organs and brain function; can interfere with physical, psychological, social development of young users.
COCAINE: (crack) Can cause short-term effects such as impaired judgment; increased breathing, heart rate, heart palpitations; anxiety, restlessness, hostility, paranoia, confusion; long-term effects may include damage to respiratory and immune systems; malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function; highly addictive.
DESIGNER DRUGS/SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS: (bath salts, K2, spice) Can cause short-term effects such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure and chest pain; hallucinations, seizures, violent behavior and paranoia; may lead to lack of appetite, vomiting and tremor; long-term use may result in kidney/liver failure, increased risk of suicide and death.
HALLUCINOGENS: (PCP, LSD, ecstasy, dextromethorphan) Can cause extreme distortions of what is 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 and long-term use can cause permanent loss of mental function.
INHALANTS: (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons) Can cause short-term effects such as 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.
OPIATES/NARCOTICS: (heroin, morphine, opium, codeine, oxycodone, china white) Can cause physical and psychological dependence; overdose can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest and death; long-term use leads to malnutrition, infection and hepatitis; sharing needles is a leading cause of the spread of HIV and hepatitis; highly addictive, tolerance increases rapidly.
SEDATIVES: Can cause reduced reaction time and confusion; overdose can cause coma, respiratory arrest, convulsions and death; withdrawal can be dangerous; in combination with other controlled substances can quickly cause coma and death; long-term use can produce physical and psychological dependence; tolerance can increase rapidly.
TOBACCO: (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco) Can cause diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular smoking being a major risk factor for a myocardial infarction (heart attack), diseases of the respiratory tract such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema, and cancer, particularly lung cancer and cancers of the larynx and mouth; nicotine is highly addictive.
For an extensive list of health-related risks please visit The National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/
Counseling and Treatment Programs
Students
All students are encouraged to seek help early if they feel they have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol, and to learn how to assist others with substance abuse problems. With early assistance it is less likely that serious consequences will result from an alcohol or drug problem.
The College offers the following alcohol and drug abuse services:
Information and Referral
All students are eligible to consult with the professional staff of the Wellness Center; personal counselors and/or health care professional, regarding the availability of drug abuse assistance programs. Drug and alcohol abuse counseling and rehabilitation program referrals are made to mutual help organizations, private hospitals, public treatment programs, and private drug treatment practitioners.
Individual Counseling
Individuals are seen on a short-term basis for assistance with drug-related problems. However, it is likely that students will be referred out for alcohol and drug dependence. This service is available to students at no charge.
Contact Information
Personal Counseling – 313-664-7852 or 313-664-7838
College Nurse – 313-664-7982
Employees
Alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation and assistance programs are available through the College’s health benefit program and Ulliance (employee assistance program) with both in-patient and out-patient programs. Employees with alcohol or drug abuse problems are strongly encouraged to participate in these programs. Employees may contact the Office of Human Resources to seek counseling assistance and/or referral to an appropriate outside agency. All communications between employees and CCS or outside agencies are strictly confidential.
Contact Information
Human Resources – 313-664-7652
Ulliance (Employee Assistance Program) – 888-333-6269
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan – 800-637-2227
Blue Care Network – 800-662-6667
Community Resources
Narcotics Anonymous – http://www.na.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous – http://www.aa.org/
Al-anon – http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
For friends, relatives and domestic partners who are coping with a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.
Free Rehab Centers – Detroit – https://www.freerehabcenters.org/city/mi-detroit
CCS Sanctions
The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs also increases the risks for behavioral and social problems such as negative effects on academic work performance; conflicts with co-workers, classmates, family, friends and others; conduct problems resulting in disciplinary action, including loss of employment or dismissal from an academic program; and legal problems resulting in ticketing, fines and imprisonment.
Students
When a student is found responsible for violating the CCS Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, their case will be evaluated and an appropriate sanction will be implemented.
The sanctions described are minimum sanctions and do not limit the disciplinary power of the College in any matter involving Code of Conduct violations.
A Warning is a written notification that a particular action is not acceptable.
Disciplinary Probation is a formal written notice that a student is in poor judicial standing with the College.
Loss of College Housing Eligibility (if applicable) is the termination of a student’s admissibility to live in College housing.
Suspension is the termination of an individual’s status as a student, with the loss of all rights and privileges, for a specific time period.
Dismissal is the permanent termination of an individual’s status as a student, with the loss of all rights and privileges.
Community Service Hours is a required number of hours to be worked in unpaid College or public service within a specific period of time.
Educational Project is a project that is focused on educating the student about a particular issue.
Employees
CCS will take appropriate action, up to and including immediate termination, with employees in violation of this policy. Employees are notified that action under this policy may include requiring successful participation in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation or assistance program as a condition of continued employment.
External Sanctions
Federal Law
Violations of laws and ordinances may result in misdemeanor or felony convictions accompanied by the imposition of legal sanctions, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fines as determined under local, state, or federal laws;
- Imprisonment, including up to life imprisonment, for possession or trafficking in drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs;
- Forfeiture of personal and real property;
- Denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts and student loans;
- Loss of driving privileges;
- Required attendance at substance abuse education or treatment programs.
A full description of federal sanctions for drug felonies can be found at: https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-policy. This section is not intended as legal advice; consult with an attorney regarding your specific legal issues.
Michigan Law
Alcohol: 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. A first-time conviction may result in a fine, substance abuse education and treatment, community service and court-ordered drug screenings. There also is a provision for possible imprisonment or probation for a second or subsequent offense. Use of false identification by minors in obtaining alcohol is punishable with a fine, loss of driver’s license, probation and community service.
Individuals can be arrested and possibly convicted of Operating While Intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at .08 or higher, or the lesser offense of Operating While Visibly Impaired for BAC less than .08. Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .17 or higher may subject an individual to a charge of Operating While Intoxicated with a High BAC. All of these drunk driving charges are misdemeanors that carry potential jail time. If a student is under 21, there is a “zero tolerance” law in the state of Michigan and any blood alcohol level of .01 or higher can lead to a minor in possession (MIP) citation as well as being cited for Operating While Intoxicated, if applicable. All of these driving offenses can result in the suspension of driving privileges in the State of Michigan.
Medical Amnesty as a result of alcohol intoxication: To better ensure that minors at medical risk as a result of alcohol intoxication will receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, the State of Michigan provides for medical amnesty to remove perceived barriers to calling for or seeking help.
Michigan law continues to prohibit a minor from purchasing, consuming, or possessing, or attempting to purchase, consume, or possess, alcoholic liquor and from having any bodily alcohol content.
The medical amnesty law provides an exemption from prosecution for the following:
- A minor (under the age of 21) who, after consuming alcohol, voluntarily presents themselves to a health facility or agency for treatment or observation, including medical examination and treatment for any condition as a result of sexual assault (as defined in Michigan law).
- Any minor (under the age of 21) who accompanied an individual who, after consuming alcohol, voluntarily presented themselves to a health facility or agency for treatment or observation, including medical examination and treatment for any condition as a result of sexual assault (as defined in Michigan law).
- Any minor (under the age of 21) who initiated contact with law enforcement or emergency medical services personnel for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance in connection with a legitimate health care concern.
Medical Amnesty as a result of an overdose of any controlled substance, including a prescription drug: To better ensure that individuals at medical risk as a result of an overdose of any controlled substance, including a prescription drug, will receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, the State of Michigan provides for medical amnesty to remove perceived barriers to calling for or seeking help.
The medical amnesty law provides an exemption from prosecution for the following when the amount of the drug possessed is sufficient only for personal use:
- Any individual who voluntarily seeks medical assistance for themselves as a result of an overdose of any controlled substance, including a prescription drug.
- Any individual who accompanies or procures medical assistance for another individual as a result of an overdose of any controlled substance, including a prescription drug.
- Any individual who as a result of an overdose of any controlled substance, including a prescription drug, is presented for medical assistance by a third party.
The College for Creative Studies maintains the discretion to refer the individual for appropriate educational intervention(s).
Marijuana: On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposal 18-1, which legalizes possession and use of limited amounts of recreational marijuana by individuals 21 years and older. Neither this new state law, nor the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, authorize the use or possession of marijuana on any property owned or managed by CCS and by CCS’ faculty, staff, or students on any CCS property or during off-campus CCS business or events.
Marijuana possession and use remains illegal under federal law and is categorized as an illicit substance under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. Therefore, even though the State of Michigan has legalized limited amounts of marijuana for recreational or medicinal use for some individuals, the possession, use, storage, and cultivation of marijuana remains prohibited for all faculty, staff and students under CCS policy.
Employees and students who violate CCS policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus will continue to be subject to disciplinary action.
Sanctions for Illegal Use, Possession and/or Delivery of Controlled Substances
A full description of the State of Michigan sanctions for the controlled substances (Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978) can be found at: Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978 Part 74 Offenses and Penalties. This section is not intended as legal advice; consult with an attorney regarding your specific legal issues.
Employee Reporting Requirement
Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, in addition to the other requirements of this Policy, the College requires all employees who work in any capacity under a federal grant or contract to notify his or her supervisor or department head in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace or on work-related activities no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction. The supervisor or department head will notify the Office of Human Resources.
Distribution of Policy
A copy of this Policy statement will be distributed to all faculty, staff and students annually via email at the beginning of fall and winter semesters. New employees will receive this information from Human Resource when they are hired. Prospective students and employees are made aware of this policy upon their initial connection to the College.
Review of the College’s Prevention Program and Policy
Annually, the College shall review its Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and prevention strategies to determine effectiveness and to ensure that the College’s disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. This annual review will be conducted in May and the minutes from the review are available to students and employees upon request.
For More Information
For more information concerning this Policy, employees should contact the Office of Human Resources at 313-664- 7652 and students should contact the Office of Student Affairs at 313-664-7879.