Ocean County College (OCC) is committed to promoting the well-being, health and safety of the campus community and to maintaining an environment that promotes the full educational learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OCC encourages responsible choices and behaviors by all members of the campus community, and the respectful and courteous interaction between and among those members. One of the responsible behaviors and choices relates to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs; the use of alcohol and drugs has serious impact on that well-being and interferes with academic success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OCC is providing this information to students in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (EDGAR Part 86).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have any questions about the OCC policies, procedures, or want support, information, and\/or linkages with resources, contact the Counseling Center:\u00a0732-255-0386<\/a>\u00a0\u2022\u00a0counselingservices@ocean.edu<\/a>\u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Library Building (#3), Suite 010<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n There are two policies that refer to alcohol and illicit drug use: Code of Conduct Manual #5247<\/a>, and Security and Safety Policy # 8600<\/a>. Ocean County College has zero tolerance for the violation of these policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OCC enforces all policies and applicable laws concerning illegal drugs and alcohol in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendments of 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: there is a provision for this policy to be waived, in select instances of on or off-campus events. Formal approval is given by the Board of Trustees upon completion of an application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Responsibility is determined by college investigators and sanctions are determined by the Executive Director of Student Services or designee. These sanctions include verbal or written reprimand, restitution of costs, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. The following behaviors regarding illicit alcohol and drug use, as defined and\/or qualified by current statutes and case law, will result in the imposition of disciplinary action:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There may also be legal sanctions for state and federal laws. In addition to sanctions imposed by the College, students violating alcohol and\/or illicit drug policies are subject to all applicable local, state, and federal sanctions, which may include, but are not limited to fines and\/or imprisonment. The College will refer violations to legal authorities when deemed appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In New Jersey, a person must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Underage drinking is illegal and can have severe consequences for young people who drink and for adults who provide the alcohol to those under age 21. An underage person can lose their driver\u2019s license for 6 months. If they do not have their license, the suspension starts when they are first eligible to receive a license. They may also be required to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs are numerous; physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual processes are affected and impaired. There are devastating effects on family and friends. The abilities to learn and remember are impacted. Low doses can significantly impair judgment, reduce inhibitions, and seriously impact the ability to drive a car or operate machinery safely. The use of alcohol is linked to increases in aggression, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other kinds of violence. Dependence and addiction can result from repeated use of alcohol, and breaking that dependence can be difficult. Withdrawal effects include severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, convulsions, and can be life-threatening. Long-term use of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Persistent abuse can result in a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To assess whether an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is present, here are some questions to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past year, have you:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/niaaa.nih.gov\/alcohol-health\/overview-alcohol-consumption\/alcohol-use-disorders<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have answered yes to any of these questions, reach out to the helping resources identified on this web page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following is a partial list of the common health effects of alcohol and drug use and abuse:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Those who are aware of crimes or misconduct are encouraged to report them as quickly as possible:\n\n
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