Drug Free Environment and Prevention Program

In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (20 U.S.C. § 1145g), the Board of Trustees of the Ventura County Community College District prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, faculty, or staff on the premises of any of the colleges, the District Administration Center, or at any VCCCD-sponsored or sanctioned event (Board Policy 3550).

Any student or employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action (consistent with local, state, or federal law), which may include referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension, demotion, expulsion, or dismissal.

Alcohol Abuse and Violations

The possession, sale, consumption, or the furnishing of alcohol on college campuses is governed by state law and the procedures set forth in VCCCD Administrative Procedure 3560.  The possession, sale, consumption, or furnishing of alcohol is controlled by the California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control.  However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on-campus and District property is the primary responsibility of the VCCCD Police Department.  The colleges have been designated “drug free” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted.

The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws.  Such laws are strictly enforced by the VCCCD Police Department.  Violators are subject to disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.

It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years.  The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal.  It is also a violation for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of a college without prior approval from the District.  Organizations or groups violating alcohol or substance policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the VCCCD.

Alcoholic beverages on campus are permitted under the following circumstances:

1. The alcoholic beverage is for use during a fundraiser held to benefit college foundations, or by groups or organizations that rent college facilities, that has/have obtained a license under the provisions of the California Business and Professions Code to do so provided that no alcoholic beverage can be acquired, possessed, or used at a football game or other athletic contest sponsored by the District or its colleges.  Any fundraising event requesting to serve alcoholic beverages requires advance approval of the Chancellor or designee.
2. The alcoholic beverage is acquired, possessed, or used in connection with a college academic program, a course of instruction, or sponsored dinner. 

Smoking on District Property

The VCCCD is a smoke and tobacco-free environment. Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products is always prohibited on all District property. This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, administrators, visitors, and general members of the public.

This prohibition includes the use of all tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, hookahs, and an electronic device that delivers nicotine or other vaporized liquids to a person inhaling from the device (e.g., e-cigarettes and vaporizers).

District property includes both indoor and outdoor areas of property that is owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the District, including but not limited to, classrooms, offices, lobbies, lounges, waiting areas, stairwells, restrooms, walkways, sidewalks, lawns, athletic fields and viewing stands, parking lots, warehouses, storage yards, and District-owned or leased vehicles.

The District offers the following resources for students, faculty, and staff interested in quitting smoking or using tobacco. Each campus will provide resources on the Student Health Center webpages. Additionally, students, faculty, and staff who are interested in smoking cessation are encouraged to explore the free services offered by the California Smokers Helpline at 1-800-NOBUTTS and www.nobutts.org.