Standards of Conduct
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the school’s property or as part of any of the school’s activities
- Descriptions of applicable legal sanctions under state, local, and federal law
- Description of health risks
- Description of available counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs
- Clear statement that the school will impose sanctions for violation of standards of conduct and a description of sanctions
- New staff and faculty members are informed of the policy and program at the New Employee Orientation provided by the Human Resources Department.
- All employees are informed of the policy and program annually via electronic mail.
- Students are informed of the policy and program each semester via electronic mail.
- Drug and alcohol abuse prevention materials are also available within the college counseling centers.
- On a biennial basis, a committee chaired by the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success and comprised of representatives from the police department, human resources, counseling, financial aid, and student life will conduct a review of the program to assess the following:
- Determine the effectiveness of the program and implement necessary changes
- Determine the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occur on the HCC campuses
- Determine the number and type of sanctions that are imposed
- Ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced
We are a 100% smoke-free college
As a recipient of a Truth Initiative grant, HCC is now a 100 percent tobacco/vape-free college environment consistent with more than 2,500 higher education campus sites across the nation participating in the Truth’s smoke-free grant program.
Under this policy, tobacco use in any form, including e-cigarettes, flavored cigars and hookah, is prohibited on campus at all times. The policy applies to all indoor and outdoor facilities and grounds, including parking lots and athletic facilities.
A college with a comprehensive smoke-free policy helps to ensure our campuses are healthier for our students, faculty, staff, tenants and visitors promoting a culture of health and well-being on campus by:
- preventing young adults from starting tobacco use
- making it easier for smokers to quit, and
- reducing cigarette litter, maintenance costs and the risk of fire
Among other benefits, a tobacco-free policy eliminates secondhand smoke exposure, which research shows has a potential negative impact on academic performance. Meanwhile, the policy also better prepares students for the workforce as an increasing number of worksites prohibit tobacco use.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment-SBIRT TOOL (SBIRT)
SBIRT by SAMHSA.gov is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those who are at risk of developing these disorders.
Primary care centers, hospital emergency rooms, trauma centers, and other community settings provide opportunities for early intervention with at-risk substance users before more severe consequences occur.
- Screening quickly assesses the severity of substance use and identifies the appropriate level of treatment.
- Brief intervention focuses on increasing insight and awareness regarding substance use and motivation toward behavioral change.
- Referral to treatment provides those identified as needing more extensive treatment with access to specialty care.