Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) Annual Information

Introduction  

Shoreline College (SC) complies with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The College has established the following policies, including Policy 5030 – Student Conduct Code / Washington Administrate Code (WAC) 132G-121-015 (9) & (10)032 (2) & (3), Policy 3805  - Alcohol Consumption and Possession, Policy 5326 – Drugs, Policy 5328 – Substance Abuse and STDs, Policy 1004 (132G-137- 060) (1) & (3) – Use of College Facilities, 4120 - Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. 

Shoreline College recognizes drug dependency as an illness and a major health problem. In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and to meet the requirements of relevant legislation, it is the policy of SC to maintain a drug-free workplace for our employees and students. This notice will provide information covering the following areas: 

  • Standards of conduct related to drugs and alcohol for students and employees; 
  • Disciplinary and legal sanctions for students and employees who violate policy; 
  • A description of the health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol or use of illicit drugs; and  
  • A list of drug and alcohol programs/resources that are available to students and employees.  

Policy 1004 states that State law relative to public institutions governs the use or possession of intoxicants on campus or at college functions. The use or possession of unlawful narcotics or drugs, not medically prescribed, on college property or at college functions, is prohibited. Students, staff, and faculty who are obviously under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful drugs, or narcotics while in college facilities shall be subject to disciplinary action.  

The vaping or smoking of marijuana or herbal or chemical products, and the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco is prohibited at all times on campus. 

Policy 5326, Drugs, states that students possessing, manufacturing, selling, using or causing someone else to use unlawful drugs on College property or on property under the supervision and control of the College may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Policy 3805 notes that the possession, sale, or use of alcohol is prohibited on the campus of Shoreline College [with limited exceptions]. 

Policy 5030, the Student Conduct Code, includes the following prohibited conduct related to alcohol and drugs: 

(a) Alcohol. The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being observably under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, except as permitted by law and applicable college policies.  

(b) Marijuana. The use, possession, delivery, or sale of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana intended for human consumption, regardless of form, or being observably under the influence of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities.  

(c) Drugs. The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being observably under the influence of any legend drug, including anabolic steroids, androgens, or human growth hormones as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW, or any other controlled substance under chapter 69.50 RCW, except as prescribed for a student's use by a licensed practitioner 

For information on coordination and compliance, please contact the Vice President of Student Affairs office at studentaffairs@shoreline.edu. 

All resource phone numbers and web links listed in this document were correct at the time of publication. 

Standards of Conduct  

SC will impose disciplinary sanctions on students for violations of the standards of conduct up to and including dismissal, and they may be referred for prosecution as appropriate. SC will impose disciplinary sanctions up to and including suspension or termination on employees who violate College policy, and they may be referred for prosecution as appropriate.  

Student Conduct 

Being under the influence of, possessing, manufacturing, using or selling drugs or alcohol, as well as underage drinking/drug use is prohibited. According to the Revised Code of Washington, (RCW) 66.44.270, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor. While Washington State law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises and in connection with college activities. Being observably under the influence of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana, or otherwise using, possessing, selling or delivering any product containing marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana and intended for human consumption, regardless of form, is prohibited at SC and is a violation of the Standards of Conduct for Students per WAC 132G-121-015.  

Being observably under the influence of any legend drug, narcotic drug or controlled substance or otherwise using, possessing, delivering, manufacturing, or seeking any such drug or substance, except in accordance with a lawful prescription for that student by a licensed health care professional or as otherwise expressly permitted by federal, state, or local law, is prohibited. Use, possession and distribution of drug paraphernalia for the drugs and substances identified in this program is prohibited.  

For students, a violation of any federal or state law regarding alcohol/drug use is also a violation of the College's Student Conduct Code and is treated as a separate incident from any off-campus investigations or proceedings. Per WAC 132G-121-020, disciplinary sanctions for these types of violations can include education, referral, warning, probation, loss of privileges, suspension, or dismissal depending upon the nature and severity of the violation(s). 

Employee Conduct 

Policy 3805 notes that the possession, sale, or use of alcohol is prohibited on the campus of Shoreline College [with limited exceptions]. 

Per Policy 4120- Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Shoreline has established the following: 

Shoreline College District Number Seven (7) is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive workplace. In support of this commitment, the College complies with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements related to drug- and alcohol-free workplaces, including conditions associated with federal and state grant funding.    

This policy applies to employees engaged in College work on College‑owned or controlled property – or while conducting College business regardless of location.   

Prohibited Conduct   

Employees are prohibited from the following:   

The unlawful manufacture, possession, use, distribution, or sale of controlled substances, except as permitted by law  

The unauthorized possession or use of alcohol   

Reporting for or performing College work while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other controlled substances in a manner that adversely affects job performance, judgment, safety, or workplace conduct.   

Note: Because cannabis remains illegal under federal law, permitting its workplace use violates the Drug‑Free Schools and Communities Act and may jeopardize federal funding and student financial aid.   

Managerial Authority and Equity Considerations   

Managers and supervisors are responsible for maintaining a safe and functional workplace and are authorized to address observed workplace behavior when specific, observable behaviors indicate a work-related safety or performance concern.  

 Legal Sanctions 

The following list of Washington State and federal drug laws and penalties are those in effect and current as of November 14, 2023. Please refer to the associated links for specific prohibitions and information regarding penalties.  

State of Washington Uniform Controlled Substances Act (69.50 RCW)  

  • State of Washington Penalties for Consuming Alcohol or Cannabis and Driving Under the Age 21 (RCW 46.61.503) 
  • State of Washington Physical Control of Vehicle While Under the Influence (RCW 46.61.504) 
  • State of Washington Possession of Useable Cannabis, Cannabis Concentrates, or Cannabis-infused Products (RCW 69.50.4013) (Please note: the College enforces federal drug laws)
  • State of Washington Statutory Provisions for Illegal Drugs Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.401) 
  • State of Washington Statutory Provisions for Sale, Delivery, or Possession of Legend Drug without Prescription or Order Prohibited (RCW 69.41.030)

Federal Drug Laws (21 USC Controlled Substances Act)  

The possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are enforced for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions.  

Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate (21 USC 853) 

Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any tangible and intangible personal or real property related to the violation.  

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 USC 841)  

Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The following list is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions may be twice as severe.  

  • If death or serious bodily injury result from the use of a controlled substance which has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces not less than 20 years to life sentence and fines ranging up to $10 million. 
  • Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a college (21 USC 860) face penalties of prison terms twice as high and fines up to twice as high as the maximum penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year. 

Federal Drug Possession Penalties (21 USC 844)  

  • Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing any controlled substance for the first time face penalties of not more than one year in prison, and shall be fined a minimum of $1,000, or both. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. 
  • Civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued (21 USC 844a). 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) outlines detailed information on federal drug trafficking penalties on its Drug Information page. 

Health Risks 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, depending on the specific drug or drugs used, how they are taken, how much is taken, the person's health and other factors, drug use can have a wide range of short- and long-term, direct and indirect health effects. Short-term effects can range from changes in appetite, wakefulness, heart rate, blood pressure, and/or mood to heart attack, stroke, psychosis, overdose and even death. Long-term effects can range from heart and lung disease, cancer, mental illness and addiction. 

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive, stimulant drug that causes rapid physical and psychological changes. In some instances, cocaine may cause violent and erratic behavior, seizure, stroke, heart attack or even sudden death upon first use. Long-term use may lead to loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, nasal damage and trouble swallowing, infection and death of bowel tissue from decreased blood flow, as well as weight loss due to poor nutrition and lung damage. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, insomnia, slowed thinking and movement, and increased appetite. 

Methamphetamine is another extremely addictive stimulant drug that causes increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite and increased breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Long-term use may lead to anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood problems, violent behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, weight loss, severe dental problems, and intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching.  

Marijuana produces a psychoactive high with short-term effects that may include altered senses, changes in mood, impaired body movement, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving, and impaired memory. Regular, long-term marijuana use can lead to some people developing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. This causes users to experience regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention. Additionally, long-term use has been linked to mental illness.  

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are drugs that include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines. These drugs can cause drowsiness, slurred speech, poor concentration, confusion, headache, dizziness, problems with movement and memory, lowered blood pressure, and slowed breathing. Long-term abuse of these drugs can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and seizures.  

Psychedelic and dissociative drugs such as LSD, mescaline, and PCP temporarily alter thought patterns, mood and perceptions of reality. Use of these drugs impairs thought processes and perception that can cause unusual and sometimes dangerous behavior. This may lead to injuries and other safety issues. Short-term side effects include headache, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, trembling, and diarrhea. Some psychedelic and dissociative drugs have been associated with specific long-term health problems.  

Opioids such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl can cause euphoria, drowsiness, constipation, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, confusion, and nausea. Overdose of opioids can cause slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, sedation/loss of consciousness and possible death. Prescription drugs, used improperly, can cause tiredness or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, brain damage, dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing, and in some instances, addiction or death.  

Alcohol overdose symptoms include mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, vomiting, seizure, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, dulled responses, and extremely low body temperature. Alcohol overdose can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Prolonged use of alcohol may cause liver and heart disease, immune system suppression, cancer, psychological, learning and memory problems, and dependency in the form of alcoholism. Alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States.  

More information on commonly abused drugs is available on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.  

Drug and Alcohol Programs / Resources 

Shoreline College’s counselors are available to assist students with drug and alcohol abuse issues and can refer students to off-campus services as appropriate. Students can reach the Counseling Center by calling 206-546-4594. The following list of substance use community referral resources is available on the Counseling Center site.  

Washington Recovery Helpline | 1-866-789-1511 
24/7 help for substance abuse, problem gambling & mental health 

SAMHSA National Hotline | 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locators 
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders. 

Valley Cities Beahvioral Health Care | (253) 939-4055 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) | 1-206-587-2838 

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) | 1-206-790-8888 

Alanon & Alateen | 1-206-625-0000 

King County Virtual Resource Center 

Additional resources include the following:  

  • National Drug Helpline: Substance Abuse and Addiction Helpline 1-844-289-0879  
  • Crisis Connections:  988 by text or call  
  • Teen Link (866) 833-6546 
  • Washington Poison Control (800) 222-1222  
  • Washington Recovery Helpline (866) 789-1511  

Employees  

Employees who need assistance are encouraged to use resources available through the various state health insurance plans and seek advice from the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at (877) 313-4455. Trained specialists are available to assist both employees and family members.   

The State of Washington’s EAP is a confidential voluntary service available to College employees and their adult family members that provides resources to resolve personal or work-related problems and assists employees in maintaining their health and well-being. The EAP offers assistance on a broad range of issues including alcohol and drug abuse, legal issues and other concerns. Supervisors may refer employees with job performance issues due to substance abuse to the EAP. EAP services are free of charge. The EAP newsletter often includes information on drug and alcohol abuse prevention and resources for help.  

More drug and alcohol abuse prevention resources are available on Shoreline College’s Consumer Information / Right to Know webpage.  

 

Disciplinary Sanctions  

Students 

For students, a violation of any federal or state law regarding alcohol/drug use is also a violation of Shoreline College’s Student Conduct Code and is treated as a separate incident from any off-campus investigations or proceedings. Disciplinary sanctions may include warning, reprimand, probation, loss of privileges, restitution or compensation (e.g., for loss, damage or injury), education, assessment by a certified professional, suspension or dismissal. More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation (WAC 132G-121-020).  

Employees  

In accordance with federal law, the College requires that an employee who is convicted under criminal drug statute for any violation occurring in the workplace, or while conducting College business, must report such conviction to their supervisor, no later than five days after the conviction. If the person is employed under a federally sponsored grant or contract, the College shall notify the sponsoring agency within ten days of receiving notice that the employee has been convicted of a drug statute violation in the workplace.  

For any employee who is convicted of violation of a criminal drug statute in the workplace, the College will require satisfactory participation in a state-certified drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program or will take disciplinary action. Disciplinary action, in accordance with Higher Education Personnel Board rules, collective bargaining agreements, tenure laws, or other policies of the institution, may result in suspension or termination of employment or other appropriate personnel actions.  

Disciplinary action may be taken for a violation of any provision of related College policies. All employees shall:  

  • Not report to work while their ability to perform job duties is impaired due to on- or off-duty controlled substance use.  
  • Not possess or use controlled substances during working hours or at any time while on College property or using College vehicles or equipment.   
  • Not directly or through a third party sell or provide controlled substances to any person, while on- or off-duty.  
  • Provide as soon as practical, but no later than 72 hours after request, a bona fide verification of a current valid prescription for any potentially impairing drug or medication. The prescription must be in the employee’s name.  

Annual Notification of the DAAPP 

Annual Student Notification  

All students are notified annually of information regarding the student code of conduct, penalties for drug violations, legal sanctions, health effects, and available resources.  

Shoreline College makes this information available online and in-person for new student orientations, and the information is distributed electronically annually to faculty and staff to share with students.  

Annual Employee Notification 

All employees are notified annually as part of the Consumer Information/Right to Know electronic messaging. Information is provided on policies, penalties for drug violations, legal sanctions, health effects, and available resources.