The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989, also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The DFSCA also requires the establishment of a drug and alcohol prevention program, notification and a biennial review.

Students, faculty, staff and visitors may request information about the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses biennial review by contacting Student Services or by reviewing online. All members of the Hill College community are encouraged to review information regarding DFSCA.

Standards of Conduct

The use, possession, control, manufacture, transmission, sale or being under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcoholic beverages by College students, faculty, staff, or guests, is prohibited on or in College owned property and at all College sponsored activities.

The legal age for the consumption of alcohol is 21 years of age. Any underage student consuming alcohol is violating student conduct. Additionally, excessive alcohol use can lead to additional violations, such as driving while intoxicated or public intoxication.

Students living on the Hill Count Campus within residence halls should note that the Residence Life Handbook indicates a zero tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drug use or possession.

Health Risks

Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Student Services and Campus Safety distribute materials to all students explaining state and federal laws on use, possession, and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs on and off campus, at college activities and present educational programs on alcohol and drug abuse. Human Resources and Campus Safety distribute materials to all employees explaining state and federal laws on use, possession, and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs on and off campus, at college activities and present educational programs on alcohol and drug abuse. Student Services, Campus Safety and Human Resources refer students and employees to the Health and Wellness Services web page for additional resources and information.

Major Risks

Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
Impair short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.
Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.
Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High does can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.
Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.

Programs/Treatment Options

A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from Hill College, students may contact Student Services or refer to the Health and Wellness Services web page.

Faculty and staff members may contact Human Resources and/or utilize the resources provided through Alliance Work Partners (AWP) - Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Campus Safety Department - Presentations on legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use and related issues.
  • Dean of Students - Address Student Conduct, enforces policies and procedures, and provides students with resources necessary to resolve personal disputes.
  • Student Services Department – Services, referrals, guidance, education and training for students.
  • Human Resources Department - Services, guidance, education, and training (faculty and staff), mandatory referrals, enforces policies and procedures for staff; assistance with disciplinary action for staff.
Presentations on legal aspects of alcohol and other drug use and related issues.
Address Student Conduct, enforces policies and procedures, and provides students with resources necessary to resolve personal disputes.
Services, guidance, education, and training (faculty and staff), mandatory referrals, enforces policies and procedures for staff; assistance with disciplinary action for staff.

Disciplinary Sanctions for Violations

Individuals violating Hill College policies for illegal drugs and/or alcoholic beverages shall be subject to discipline for violations, including suspension, in accordance with policy. The penalties for misconduct range from reprimand to expulsion. Typically, students who have violated Student Conduct will be referred to the Dean of Students to complete an individualized education plan. A Dean of Students will meet with the student and complete training.

  • Student Conduct, Alcohol and Drug Use, Policy, FLBE (LEGAL)
  • Student Conduct, Alcohol and Drug Use, Policy, FLBE (LOCAL)

Faculty and staff sanctions are listed under the employee welfare and employee standards of conduct policies.

  • Employee Standards of Conduct, Policy, DH (LEGAL)
  • Employee Standards of Conduct, Policy, DH (LOCAL)

Penalties under Local, Texas and Federal Law

Penalties may be enhanced for prior offenses and/or offenses within 1,000 feet of a school.

  • Manufacture or delivery of controlled substances (drugs) – Jail term up to 2 years and a fine up to $10,000/Imprisonment for life and a fine up to $250,000
  • Possession of controlled substances (drugs) – Jail term not more than 180 days, a fine up to $2,000, or both/Imprisonment for life and fine up to $250,000
  • Delivery of marijuana – Jail term not more than 180 days, a fine up to $2,000, or both/Imprisonment for life and fine up to $100,000
  • Possession of marijuana – Jail term not more than 180 days, a fine up to $2,000, or both/Imprisonment for life and fine up to $50,000
  • Driving while intoxicated (includes intoxication from alcohol, drugs, or both) – Driver’s License suspension of at least 60 days/Jail term not more than 180 days and fine up to $2,000/Imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine up to $10,000
  • Public Intoxication – a fine not to exceed $500/Varies with age and number of offenses
  • Purchase of alcohol by a minor – A fine not to exceed $500/At least 8 hours of community service, 30-day license suspension/Varies with number of offenses
  • Consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor – A fine not to exceed $500/At least 8 hours of community services, 30-day license suspension, mandatory alcohol-awareness classes/Varies with number of offenses
  • Furnishing alcohol to a minor – A fine not to exceed $4,000 or confinement in jail for not more than one year, or both/Driver’s License suspension for 180 days

Safety