NTC adheres to goals and policies geared toward providing an alcohol/drug-free educational environment. In order to further NTC’s commitment to provide a healthy and productive educational environment, and in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the College has adopted rules for both students and staff that promote such an environment.
Northcentral Technical College annually publishes its Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) document.
Rules Regarding Use
- The manufacture, possession, use, sale or delivery of alcohol and other drugs upon College premises or while participating in any College-related activities off campus by an employee or student in violation of any applicable federal, state or local alcohol and other drug-free law is prohibited.
- Any employee or student violating this policy, or seeking to promote, encourage, aid, or abet any other employee or student in the violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline and/or discharge. The administration and the District Board may invoke such discipline and/or discharge whether or not the employee or student may also be prosecuted under criminal law.
- Any employee or student who is convicted of violating any criminal alcohol or other drug statute on District premises or while participating in any employee duties while off campus must, in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act, notify the Human Resources Office no later than five days after the conviction. The Human Resource Office will then notify the agency within 10 days after the report of this conviction is received, and within 90 days take appropriate disciplinary action against the employee as outlined in the employee handbook.
As a condition of employment and course enrollment at NTC, employees and students must abide by the terms of this policy. Support services are available for any student or staff that need assistance with a drug or alcohol problem. This policy is not intended to preclude the approved use of alcohol and other drugs for instructional purposes or as part of technical assistance.
Sanctions for Unlawful Possession, Use, or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Local Sanctions
The NTC Wausau campus has Campus Security Officers on duty during campus operating hours. NTC Campus Security will investigate all criminal and non-criminal incidents on campus. Activities involving underage drinking, public intoxication, and other alcohol and drug related violations will be referred to the City of Wausau Police Department. NTC adheres to goals and policies geared toward providing an alcohol/drug-free educational environment.
State of Wisconsin and Federal Legal Sanctions
The Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 961 of the Wisconsin Statutes, regulates controlled substances and outlines specific penalties for the violation of regulations. A first-time conviction for possession of a controlled substance can result in a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Sec. 961.41, Stats. A person convicted of manufacturing a controlled substance, delivering a controlled substance, or possessing a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture or deliver, can be imprisoned for up to 30 years and fined up to $1,000,000. Sec. 961.41, Stats. Penalties vary according to the type of drug involved, the amount of drug confiscated, the number of previous convictions, and the presence of any aggravating factors. The distribution of a controlled substance to a minor can lead to the doubling of an authorized sentence term. Section 961.46(1), Stats.
Wisconsin has legal sanctions that restrict the use of alcohol in various situations. It is illegal to procure for, sell, dispense or give away alcohol to anyone who has not reached the legal drinking age of 21 years. Sec. 125.07(1)(a)(1), Stats. Every adult has a legal obligation to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on premises owned by the adult or under the adult's control. Section 125.07(1)(a)(3), Stats. A first-time violator of either of the above subsections can be fined up to $500. It is against the law for an underage person to procure or attempt to procure an alcoholic beverage, to falsely represent his or her age for the purpose of obtaining alcohol, to enter premises licensed to sell alcohol, or to consume or possess alcohol on licensed premises. Sec. 125.07(4), Stats. A first-time underage violator of section 125.07(4) can be fined up to $500, ordered to participate in a supervised work program, and have their driver's license suspended.
The federal government has recently revised the penalties against drug possession and trafficking through its Federal Sentencing Guidelines that reduce the discretion that federal judges may use in sentencing offenders of federal drug statutes. Under these guidelines, courts can sentence a person for up to 6 years for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, including the distribution of a small amount (less than 250 grams) of marijuana. A sentence of life imprisonment can result from a conviction of possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury. Possession of more than 5 grams of cocaine can trigger an intent to distribute penalty of 10-16 years in prison, U.S.S.G. s. 2D2(b)(1).
Health Risks Associated With Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
There are dangerous health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Health hazards include profound alterations in sensation, mood and consciousness that may involve the senses of hearing, touch, smell or taste, as well as experiences that depart from reality. Because the effects are highly unpredictable, including bizarre behavior and disorientation, there is a significant risk of accidental injuries. Extreme hazards include suicide and homicide.
Drug and alcohol consumption can affect the brain’s ability to learn, remember, recall, integrate, and evaluate outside data and sensory experiences. For pregnant women, drug and alcohol usage can result in malformation of the fetus. Drugs and alcohol are highly addictive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that excessive alcohol use, including underage drinking and binge drinking (drinking 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women), can lead to increased risk of health problems such as injuries, violence, liver diseases, and cancer.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides additional information and resources on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction. To learn more about visit their website at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida
Counseling Resources for Students
NTC has a contracted partnership with Virtual Care Group who provides assessments and effective treatment and counseling for adults and teens abusing or addicted to chemical substances at no cost for your personal and mental health.
Counseling Resources for Faculty and Staff
Employees are encouraged to seek immediate help through any of the following resources.
North Central Health Care Crisis Hotline
715.845.4326 or 800.799.0122
National Institution on Drug Abuse
Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
800.662.HELP
National Alcohol & Drug Abuse Hotline
800.234.0420
Cocaine Helpline
800.COCAINE
Reach-Out Hotline (Alcohol, drug-crisis, intervention, mental health referral)
800.522.9054