Campus Policies

Bulletin Board Posting Policy
The following rules and regulations apply to fliers, posters, brochures, notices, etc. from on-campus and off-campus populations. These rules do not apply to class project displays.

1. All items to be posted must be approved and stamped by the Student Activities Office. Items which are not stamped will be taken down.
2. Postings are confined to bulletin boards and �hang-it� spaces only. There is absolutely no posting on glass surfaces (including classroom/ building doors and windows), stairwells, classrooms, or interior/exterior walls. Please note the limit of one poster per event per bulletin board.
3. The typical time limit for postings is two weeks. Special arrangements may be made through the Student Activities Office for extended time. All postings must be dated, and will be removed once the date has expired. Advertisements for special events should be removed immediately following the event.

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the Student Activities Office at 743-2251.

Distribution of Materials on Campus
Adirondack Community College encourages expressions of free speech and permits the distribution of printed material for non-commercial purposes by the general community in a manner which does not compete with the ongoing programs or regular business of the College and is in accordance with College policy. Individuals, organizations, or groups must comply with the College Code of Conduct, found in this handbook. Individuals, organizations, or groups who interfere in or compete with ongoing programs or regular business of the College while distributing such material may be charged with an infraction of the appropriate section of the Code of Conduct.
Any individual, organization, or group desiring to distribute such printed material at the College must obtain advance approval from the Coordinator of Student Life in the Office of Student Activities. Approval to distribute printed material will not be based on the content of the printed material. Approval is required only to assure non-interference with the ongoing programs or regular business of the College. The College does not assume any obligation or responsibility for the content of materials distributed. Any denial of the distribution of printed material may be appealed to the Dean for Student Affairs within fifteen (15) days of the denial.

The College reminds any individual, organization, or group so distributing materials to be aware of current laws regarding libel, defamation, obscenity, fair labor relations, and other applicable laws. Acceptance of monetary donations for such material is prohibited.

Equal Opportunity Policy
Adirondack Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for students, faculty, and staff. The College complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the College that no person, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in admission, employment, or in any program or activity to which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Inquiries regarding this policy and/or the application of Title IV, Title IX, Section 504 or the ADA, may be referred to the Human Resources Office, Warren Hall Room 112 on the main campus or by calling 518-743-2257.

Hazing
ACC welcomes and encourages all students to become involved in the many clubs, organizations, and sports that are offered. One�s development is enhanced not only in the classroom, but outside as well. Mutual respect of others is part of this process.

As defined by New York State Law, any individual(s) who harass and thereby endanger the mental and physical health of another, and/or force consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation, shall be in violation of the ACC Student Code of Conduct. This rule includes all clubs, athletic teams, and any groups recognized by the College. Further, any student who knowingly withholds such information will likewise be subject to a violation of the ACC Student Code.

HIPAA Compliance
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released new privacy standards which prohibit the release of individually identifiable health information. These standards, which are part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), legally require entities to safeguard any protected health information that they hold. To be in compliance with these standards, each entity that holds medical information must provide each individual on whom they have such documentation with a Notice of Privacy Practices. This notice describes to you how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, as well as how you may gain access to your medical information that the College has on file. In addition, this notice also describes the rights that you have with regard to your protected health information. You may view the Notice of Privacy Practices by visiting ACC�s web page at www.sunyacc.edu and/or requesting a copy from the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services and Treasurer in Warren Hall.

Parking Regulations and Enforcement
The parking rules benefit all, and we ask your cooperation in complying with the regulations.

Step 1: Register any vehicle you will be parking on campus with the college. Registration forms are available online at https://www.sunyacc.edu/page5474 You may also pick-up and return your parking registration forms from the Facilities Office, located on the lower level of Warren Hall.
Step 2: Vehicles must be registered every semester.

ENFORCEMENT
Failure to register, with the College, any vehicle parked on campus is a violation and carries a $5.00 fine. Any unregistered vehicle which is in violation will be identified through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

STUDENT PARKING
Only in the North and South Parking Lots

EVENING PARKING
After 5:00 p.m. - Visitor and reserved spots are open for general parking.

PARKING IS NEVER ALLOWED IN RESERVED/VISITOR AREAS OR 10 MINUTE PARKING AREAS PRIOR TO 5:00P.M.

Parking is NEVER allowed in these areas:

1. In fire lanes
2. On the grass
3. In the driveways of the parking lots
4. In any roadway
5. Before 5:00p.m. in any space, including those marked visitor, in the circle in front of Warren Hall.
6. In the walkways and sidewalks
7. Over painted parking controls
8. If otherwise restricted by signs and/or notices
9. Overnight. If emergency or battery failure, contact the Office of Director of Facilities for assistance.

Please note that students are not allowed to park in any reserved/visitor space even if only visiting briefly to pay a bill, register for a class, drop off a paper, see a counselor, get a transcript, etc.

FINES IN VISITORS AND RESERVED AREAS:
$10.00 First Violation
$15.00 Second Violation
$25.00 Third Violation
$50.00 Fourth Violation
$50.00 Each Violation Thereafter

FINES IN HANDICAP, ROADWAYS, DRIVEWAYS, SIDEWALKS, FIRE LANES, NO PARKING ZONES, GRASS, WALKWAYS, AND OVER PAINTED PARKING CONTROLS:
$25.00 First Violation
$50.00 Each Violation Thereafter

PAYMENT IS DUE IMMEDIATELY.
IMPOUNDMENT OF RECORDS IS IMMEDIATE.

Policy on Maintaining the Security, Confidentiality, and Integrity of Student Information
The College is required to have a written Information Security Program to protect non-public personal information retained on students as mandated by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. All paper and electronic student records are controlled and secured by the relevant campus offices and are routinely assessed for risks and safeguards. A complete copy of this program is available in the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services and Treasurer in Warren Hall.

POLICY ON MAINTAINING STUDENT RECORDS
Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly referred to as FERPA, the following is a summary of the types of educational records that are maintained by Adirondack Community College and information relevant to those records. Questions that students may have follow:

What types of records are maintained by ACC about students?
1. Transcript of grades for courses completed at Adirondack Community College and credits transferred in from other colleges, as well as academic honors.
2. Immunization history.
3. Evaluated transcripts from previously attended colleges.
4. Graduation applications (when appropriate).
5. Veterans Administration forms for education benefits (when appropriate).
6. Results of special tests, i.e. Comparative Guidance and Placement Survey, Advanced Placement Tests, and other examinations for credit.
7. Application for admission to full-time study.
What types of records are maintained by ACC about students? (continued)
8. Financial records of students and/or parents (for only those persons who have applied for aid).
9. Letters of recommendation sent to the College or copies of such letters sent by the College to other institutions.

Who has access to a student�s records?
Any student or former student shall have access to his or her own record while in the presence of an employee of the College named by the Director of Registration and Records. All materials, with the exception of letters of recommendation written prior to January 1, 1975 and the confidential income information submitted by the parents or guardians of students requesting financial aid, may be inspected by the student. Review of one�s record must be by appointment and only during regularly scheduled office hours. No other person or agency, other than those listed below, shall have the right to inspect a student�s records without written consent of the student.

Who are the persons responsible for maintaining student records?
Sarah Levin, Director of Registration and Records Management Officer

What is the policy for issuing, preserving, and destroying student records?
1. For special high school students, grades will be mailed to the respective high school.
2. Education records are destroyed according to the guidelines set forth by the New York State Commissioner of Education.
3. The academic record of a student is permanently maintained by Adirondack Community College.

Who may have access to a student�s records without consent of the student?
1. All Adirondack Community College administrative officials and their staff members for the performance of their duties.
2. All faculty members either full- or part-time for the performance of their duties.
3. Members of accrediting agencies for the purpose of accreditation.
4. Administrative officers of SUNY Central, New York State Education Department, and Federal Education Agencies for the purpose of evaluating federally funded programs.
5. Officials of N.Y.S.H.E.S.C., financial aid agencies, or employers processing student grades for the purpose of reimbursement.
6. Research organizations that are conducting studies for the College.
7. Parents of students who are listed as dependents for income tax purposes.
8. Officials of other schools in which the student seeks, or intends, to enroll upon the condition that the student is notified of the transfer, receives a copy of the record if desired, and has the opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record.
9. Officials of law enforcement agencies where such an emergency exists that the release of records is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.

What are the procedures for challenging educational records?
1. This section does not refer to the criteria used for assigning grades, but to any errors that may be involved in the recording of grades.
2. Should a student, or the parents upon whom a student is dependent, wish to challenge the content of such student�s education records, he/she may request an informal hearing with the Director of Records and Research or the Director of Financial Aid, depending on the nature of the documents involved.
3. If such an informal hearing between the aforementioned parties does not result in a satisfactory solution, any of these parties may request a formal hearing with the President of the College who will render a final decision, in writing, within two weeks of such hearing.

The College is required to have a written Information Security Program to protect non-public personal information retained on students as mandated by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. All paper and electronic student records are controlled and secured by the relevant campus offices and are routinely assessed for risks and safeguards. A complete copy of this program is available in the Office of the Vice-President for Administrative Services and Treasurer in Warren Hall.

Policy on Sexual Misconduct
WHAT IS A SEXUAL CRIME?
The New York State Penal Law-Article 130 defines sexual offenses by listing the sections and degree of sex crimes. Article 130 is the enforcement segment for sexual crimes committed in New York State. A copy of this article is available in the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs. If the College is notified by the Division of Criminal Justice Services that a level II or level III registered sex offender is enrolled at or employed by the College, the campus community will be notified by a newsletter and/or notice in �This Week at ACC�.

FORCIBLE TOUCHING
This offense involves the forcible touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of another person for the purpose of degrading or abusing such person; or for the purpose of gratifying the actor�s sexual desire. Forcible touching includes the squeezing, grabbing, or pinching of such other�s person�s sexual or other intimate parts. The penalty for violation of this section includes imprisonment for a period of up to one year in jail.

RAPE
If a person engages in nonconsensual sexual intercourse due to physical force, coercion or threat - actual or implied - the act is considered rape in New York State. Sexual intercourse is defined as vaginal penetration. A person who is mentally incapacitated, asleep, physically helpless due to drug or alcohol consumption, or unconscious is considered unable to consent. If intercourse takes place without consent, it is considered rape.
If a person says �no,� regardless of the circumstances, it is not a matter for interpretation. �No� means no.
Sexual intercourse following a spoken �no,� or any other expression of refusal or demurral, even without further resistance of any kind by the victim, is rape, a felony crime in New York State.

SEXUAL ABUSE
If a person is forced to engage in any form of sexual contact without his or her consent, that act is considered sexual abuse.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and, as such, is specifically prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual�s performance or which creates a hostile or intimidating environment. Examples of sexual harassment range from remarks and joking to actual sexual relations. Rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and sexual harassment are against the law and against ACC rules and policy, as stated in its Sexual Harassment Policy and Student Code of Conduct.

SODOMY
If a person engages in nonconsensual deviate sexual intercourse due to physical force, coercion or threat, actual or implied, that act is considered sodomy in New York State.

Solicitation
1. College building or campus spaces may not be used to raise money for any individual or organization other than (a) an officially recognized campus organization whether it be faculty, staff, or student, or (b) a not-for-profit, charitable off-campus organization.

2. Organizations intending to use College building or campus spaces to benefit an off-campus effort must satisfactorily prove the tax-exempt status of the benefiting cause.

3. Student organizations shall seek written approval to solicit funds on the College�s campus from the Coordinator of Student Life in the Office of Student Activities. Faculty, staff, or non-profit organizations desiring to solicit funds on the College�s campus must seek written approval for such solicitations from the Director of Facilities. The Offices of Student Activities and the Facilities Office will establish uniform procedures relating to the location, duration, and set-up arrangements for such solicitation activities.

4. Any person aggrieved by any act, decision, or directive of either the Coordinator of Student Life in the Office of Student Activities or the Director of Facilities may appeal such act, decision, or directive to the College�s Vice President for Administrative Services and Treasurer within fifteen (15) days of such act, decision, or directive. The College�s Vice President for Administrative Services and Treasurer may affirm, reverse, or modify such act, decision, or directive as he/she deems appropriate within the limitations imposed by this Policy.

5. Any request for the use of campus facilities must follow the Facilities Use Policy and may result in the assessment of rental and/or maintenance fee(s).

Student Trip Policy
Policies are in place for academic and student association (SA) sponsored college trips. SA sponsored trips are defined as such if student activity fees or club fund raised monies are approved for use toward the travel. During SA sponsored and academic trips, students are expected to abide by the regulations described in this handbook as well as the Student Organization Handbook.

Refer to the ACC Student Organization Handbook available in the Student Activities Office for specific trip guidelines.

Tobacco Use
Smoking and smokeless tobacco are prohibited in all College buildings. The effectiveness of this policy relies on the thoughtfulness and cooperation of all smokers and non-smokers. Violations of the policy may result in disciplinary action.

Under the current policy, smokers are requested to use the gazebos placed around campus, rather than smoking near building entrances.

Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any building entrance. There is absolutely no smoking allowed in ANY college facility.

Note: As of July 1, 2007, this policy is currently under review and may be subject to change.

Drug-Free Campus Policy (Alcohol and Controlled Substances)
II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Adirondack Community College has a vital interest in insuring safe, healthful, and efficient conditions for all students, faculty, and staff and in helping each to become optimally contributing members of society. In addition, as a federal contractor (or grantee), it has a duty to safely and efficiently provide the public with quality education. The unlawful presence of controlled substances on the campus conflicts with these vital interests and constitutes a violation of the public trust. For these reasons, the College has established, as a condition of one�s enrollment and continued enrollment, the following drug-free campus policy.

II. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT PROHIBITING ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

A. Prohibition Against Unlawful Presence of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol On-Campus
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on College premises or while engaged in College activities is strictly prohibited.

B. College Sanctions for Violation of Drug-Free Campus Policy
Any student who violates the foregoing drug-free campus policy shall, subject to provisions of the College�s Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook, be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations. These sanctions may include expulsion, termination of on-campus employment, referral for prosecution, or participation in an approved drug or alcohol assistance program.

C. College�s Code of Conduct
A student enrolling at Adirondack Community College assumes an obligation to conduct oneself in a manner compatible with the functions of the College as an educational institution.

All conduct which adversely affects the student�s suitability as a member of the academic community shall result in appropriate disciplinary action. (See Code of Conduct)

D. Statement on Public Order
The College is a public institution operated for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to students and to support cultural and intellectual aspects of the area. College students, faculty, staff, employees and visitors to the campus are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and with College rules and regulations at all times.

The College rules and regulations prohibit, among other things, any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. Such rules and regulations shall be deemed to be part of the by-laws of all organizations operated on campus which shall review annually such by-laws with individuals affiliated with such organizations. In addition to the penalties outlined below for individuals, an organization which authorizes such conduct will be subject to the revision of permission for the organization to operate on campus property and to continue as a sanctioned organization.

E. Statement on College�s Cooperation with Law Enforcement Officials
The College will cooperate fully and completely with local or state authorities on any case of suspected use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. In the event that any student is apprehended by local, state or federal authorities for the offense of use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, that student will not be in any way protected by the College. A student convicted of violating civil law may be subject to separation from the College.

III. HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

In order to be informed citizens, we all need to be aware of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse. The following is a brief summary of some of the health hazards caused by the use of:

Alcohol
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses can significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spousal and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person�s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Controlled Substances
There is overwhelming evidence that illegal drug use leads to academic failure, failure to get a job, failure to keep a job and maintenance of good health, as well as creating other problems.

III. LEGAL SANCTIONS IMPOSED FOR ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Preventing the spread of unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is everyone�s responsibility. If you wish to report illegal drug activity, you can make a toll-free call to: 1-800-GIVE-TIP. Calls will be received in complete confidence and will be referred to the appropriate Federal, State, or local authority. Considerations regarding a few of the state legal sanctions follow:

Articles 220 and 221 of the Penal Law are directly aimed at unlawful traffic in mind-affecting drugs. They are compatible with the Public Health Law and the provisions of the latter are often cross-referenced in the Penal Law sections that deal with the different drugs. Articles 220 and 221 set criminal penalties for possession or sale of drugs considered harmful or subject to abuse. The seriousness of the offense and penalty imposed upon conviction depend upon the individual drug and amount held or sold. Marijuana has been placed in Article 221 and separately dealt with in the Penal Law, as a result of the Marijuana Reform Act of 1977. That statute made the penalties upon conviction of use of small amounts of marijuana less severe than formerly. Specific sections of interest in Article 220 not included in the table follow:

Section 220.44 makes a sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds, to a person less than 19 years of age, a Class B felony. 220.45 makes criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument a Class A misdemeanor. 220.46 makes criminal injection of another person with a narcotic drug, with consent of that person, a Class E felony. 220.50 bans possession or sale of drug paraphernalia; deals with things that dilute drugs, like dextrose or mannite; and gelatin capsules, plastic envelopes, etc., considered commercial preparation materials (Class E felony).

220.60 makes criminal possession of certain �precursors� of controlled substances used in their preparation or manufacture but not the drugs themselves, a Class E felony (for example, ergot or diethylamide).

It is important to be aware, that under the Penal Law, a gift of drugs, including marijuana, is treated as a sale. New York State Penal Law defines a misdemeanor as a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 15 days but not more than one year. A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

V. ASSISTANCE IN MATTERS RELATED TO DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Adirondack Community College has a commitment to help students succeed academically, vocationally and socially. We can assist you with drug or alcohol related problems or can refer you to someone who can. Please see your advisor, a counselor or the Dean for Student Affairs if you wish to discuss a problem with drugs or alcohol. We can help you find assistance off-campus through individuals or agencies. Also, to help in maintaining an environment that does not permit the possession or use of illicit drugs and alcohol, Adirondack Community College has established an awareness program to provide education for students, faculty and staff regarding the following aspects of the use of illicit drugs and alcohol: standards of conduct, disciplinary sanctions by the College, health risks, legal sanctions by local, state and federal laws and rehabilitation, counseling and re-entry. Such education may include (1) inclusion of this statement in the Student Handbook; (2) video tape and print materials made available to students in class, the Student Center and the Counseling Offices; (3) the distribution of lists of those agencies and individuals who can assist students in coping with drug and alcohol abuse problems.

This policy and program will be reviewed at least biennially by a representative committee of students and staff selected and chaired by the Dean for Student Affairs. The committee�s purpose will be to determine the program�s effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Adirondack Community College has a vital interest in insuring safe, healthful, and efficient conditions for all students, faculty, and staff and in helping each to become optimally contributing members of society. In addition, as a federal contractor (or grantee), it has a duty to safely and efficiently provide the public with quality education. The unlawful presence of controlled substances on the campus conflicts with these vital interests and constitutes a violation of the public trust. For these reasons, the College has established, as a condition of one�s enrollment and continued enrollment, the following drug-free campus policy.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT PROHIBITING ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Prohibition Against Unlawful Presence of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol On-Campus
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation,possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on College premises or while engaged in College activities is strictly prohibited.

College Sanctions for Violation of Drug-Free Campus Policy
Any student who violates the foregoing drug-free campus policy shall, subject to provisions of the College�s Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook, be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations. These sanctions may include expulsion, termination of on-campus employment, referral for prosecution, or participation in an approved drug or alcohol assistance program.

College�s Code of Conduct
A student enrolling at Adirondack Community College assumes an obligation to conduct oneself in a manner compatible with the functions of the College as an educational institution. All conduct which adversely affects the student�s suitability as a member of the academic community shall result in appropriate disciplinary action. (See Code of Conduct)

Statement on Public Order
The College is a public institution operated for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to students and to support cultural and intellectual aspects of the area. College students, faculty, staff, employees and visitors to the campus are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and with College rules and regulations at all times. The College rules and regulations prohibit, among other things, any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. Such rules and regulations shall be deemed to be part of the by-laws of all organizations operated on campus which shall review annually such by-laws with individuals affiliated with such organizations. In addition to the penalties outlined below for individuals, an organization which authorizes such conduct will be subject to the recision of permission for the organization to operate on campus property and to continue as a sanctioned organization.

Statement on College�s Cooperation with Law Enforcement Officials
The College will cooperate fully and completely with local or state authorities on any case of suspected use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. In the event that any student is apprehended by local, state or federal authorities for the offense of use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, that student will not be in any way protected by the College. A student convicted of violating civil law may be subject to separation from the College.

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
In order to be informed citizens, we all need to be aware of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse. The following is a brief summary of some of the health hazards caused by the use of:
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses can significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person�s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
Controlled Substances
There is overwhelming evidence that illegal drug use leads to academic failure, failure to get a job, failure to keep a job and maintenance of good health, as well as creating other problems.

LEGAL SANCTIONS IMPOSED FOR ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
Preventing the spread of unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is everyone�s responsibility. If you wish to report illegal drug activity, you can make a toll-free call to: 1-800-GIVE-TIP. Calls will be received in complete confidence and will be referred to the appropriate Federal, State, or local authority. Considerations regarding a few of the state legal sanctions follow:
Articles 220 and 221 of the Penal Law are directly aimed at unlawful traffic in mind-affecting drugs. They are compatible with the Public Health Law and the provisions of the latter are often cross-referenced in the Penal Law sections that deal with the different drugs. Articles 220 and 221 set criminal penalties for possession or sale of drugs considered harmful or subject to abuse. The seriousness of the offense and penalty imposed upon conviction depend upon the individual drug and amount held or sold. Marijuana has been placed in Article 221 and separately dealt with in the Penal Law, as a result of the Marijuana Reform Act of 1977. That statute made the penalties upon conviction of use of small amounts of marijuana less severe than formerly. Specific sections of interest in Article 220 not included in the table follow:
Section 220.44 makes a sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds, to a person less than 19 years of age, a Class B felony. 220.45 makes criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument a Class A misdemeanor. 220.46 makes criminal injection of another person with a narcotic drug, with consent of that person, a Class E felony. 220.50 bans possession or sale of drug paraphernalia; deals with things that dilute drugs, like dextrose or mannite; and gelatin capsules, plastic envelopes, etc., considered commercial preparation materials (Class E felony). 220.60 makes criminal possession of certain �precursors� of controlled substances used in their preparation or manufacture but not the drugs themselves, a Class E felony (for example, ergot, or diethylamide). It is important to be aware, that under the Penal Law, a gift of drugs, including marijuana, is treated as a sale. New York State Penal Law defines a misdemeanor as a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 15 days but not more than one year. A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

ASSISTANCE IN MATTERS RELATED TO DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
Adirondack Community College has a commitment to help students succeed academically, vocationally and socially. We can assist you with drug or alcohol related problems or can refer you to someone who can. Please see your advisor, a counselor or the Dean for Student Affairs if you wish to discuss a problem with drugs or alcohol. We can help you find assistance off-campus through individuals or agencies. Also, to help in maintaining an environment that does not permit the possession or use of illicit drugs and alcohol, Adirondack Community College has established an awareness program to provide education for students, faculty and staff regarding the following aspects of the use of illicit drugs and alcohol: standards of conduct, disciplinary sanctions by the College, health risks, legal sanctions by local, state and federal laws and rehabilitation, counseling and re-entry. Such education may include (1) inclusion of this statement in the Student Handbook; (2) video tape and print materials made available to students in class, the Student Center and the Counseling Offices; (3) the distribution of lists of those agencies and individuals who can assist students in coping with drug and alcohol abuse problems. This policy and program will be reviewed at least biennially by a representative committee of students and staff selected and chaired by the Dean for Student Affairs. The committee�s purpose will be to determine the program�s effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.