Alcohol or Drug use/Possession Disclosure Policy

Pursuant to the Warner Amendment to the Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 1998 [Section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C 1232g)],  institutions of higher education may disclose, "to a parent or legal guardian of a student, information regarding any violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use of possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, regardless of whether that information is contained in the student's education records, if (A) the student is under the age of 21; and (B) the institution determines that the student had committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession."

Therefore, the Vice President for Student Affairs, in consultation with the Conduct Officer and the Director of Counseling will conduct a review of the following types of cases to determine if parents or legal guardians of students who are under the age of 21 should be informed about a drug or alcohol related incident:

1. Any case where a student is separated from the College for reasons related to alcohol or controlled substance. A separation from the College, for the purposes of this policy, shall include an interim suspension, expulsion, or involuntary medical leave.
2. Any case where a student is transported from the College by ambulance for reasons related to alcohol or controlled substances.
3. Upon the recommendation of a Hearing Officer or the Conduct Officer in cases related to alcohol or controlled substances where a student was found responsible, when that officer believes that the student's behavior may be harmful to him/herself.
4. Any case where a student is placed on disciplinary probation related to alcohol or a controlled substance and a second offense could lead to suspension.

NOTE:  Please see the Purchase College Parental Notification Policy for additional parental notification information.