Lone Star College (LSC) is committed to providing its students and employees a drug and alcohol free workplace and learning environment. Toward that end, LSC prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of unauthorized drugs and alcohol in the workplace, on the campuses, or at any LSC activities. LSC, including each of its colleges and centers, shall provide a safe, responsive environment for all students and employees.
There are many people whose job, academic performance, and productivity are adversely affected by their dependence on drugs and alcohol. To address this issue, LSC strives to:

• Educate students and employees about alcohol and drug abuse in an effort to encourage responsible decisions around their use,
• Intervene on behalf of students and employees who have experienced negative consequences around alcohol and drugs so as to reduce the harm and manage the risks associated with their use,
• Support students and employees who are in recovery from substance abuse and addiction,
• Promote constructive lifestyles and norms that discourage alcohol & drug abuse, and
• Develop social and physical environments that facilitate alcohol and drug abuse-free lifestyles.

As part of the commitment to the provision of high quality and effective service to our students, employees and the public, LSC has a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program in operation. The program is accessible to all members of the college community. LSC is committed to the dissemination of drug and alcohol awareness information to students, faculty, and all employees.

Operation of the Program

LSC has established a drug-free and alcohol abuse awareness program to inform its faculty, staff, and students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and the penalties that may be imposed for drug and alcohol abuse violations. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program is available to all faculty, staff, and students of LSC. As part of this program, LSC has implemented several measures:

• Annually, employees and students are made aware of the LSC Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program and Policy by means of electronic mail.
  • Additionally, employees are provided a copy of the policy at the beginning of each academic year in the required reading section of the online policy manual as well.
  • New staff and faculty members are informed of the policy at New Employee Orientation.
  • Students are sent the policy (through electronic mail) each new semester to ensure the content is conveyed to all students attending LSC.
• In addition to the annual notification, students and employees are offered written material including pamphlets and literature on drug and alcohol abuse. Such material is available at the Offices of Student Services and Human Resources as well as online at the LSC website.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse prevention materials are distributed to all new students attending orientation sessions, also.
• At least once each academic year, LSC provides a risk management program for members and advisors of registered student organizations at LSC. As part of the program, LSC addresses topics such as: possession and use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, and penalties that may be imposed for the illegal possession or use. Each advisor or student representative reports the program’s contents at a meeting of full membership of the student organization.
• Multiple events are held annually discussing the dangers and impact of drug and alcohol abuse at LSC. Such events include, but are not limited to, wellness fairs, training sessions, and counseling workshops. These programs are open to LSC students and employees free of charge. These platforms develop the strengths and skills related to the effective management of drug and alcohol related problem areas.
• LSC offers alcohol and drug-free activities such as art shows, women’s conferences, and theatrical performances. Such events offer alternatives to activities which may offer alcohol or illicit drugs. Additionally, LSC provides students the opportunity to participate in campus clubs and organizations. These LSC events and organizations promote a constructive lifestyle and encourage healthy behavior in an environment absent drugs and alcohol.
• All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Wellness Program, which encourages LSC employees to engage in fitness activity. This program promotes a healthy lifestyle, away from the pressures or risks of drug and alcohol.

In an effort to maintain a safe environment, students and faculty participating in the health occupations and emergency services or child development programs may be required to undergo drug testing if there is reason to believe they may be impaired by a chemical or alcohol.