Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) require institutions of higher education (IHE), including Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), to certify that they have implemented programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on College premises or as part of any College activities.

CGCC is committed to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free institution in order to provide a safe and healthful campus and work environment, and to support students and employees who may experience substance-related challenges.

In compliance with the DFSCA, CGCC provides the campus community with information covering the following areas:

  • Standards of conduct related to drugs and alcohol for students and employees
  • Disciplinary and legal sanctions for violations of policy
  • Description of the health risks associated with illicit drug use and alcohol abuse
  • Description of drug and alcohol programs and resources available to students and employees

College Policy/Standards of Conduct

The college prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances and alcohol by employees, students, and visitors on College premises or as part of any College activity. Prohibited areas include classrooms, offices, residence halls, parking lots, roadways, activity spaces, and all property considered College grounds.

For students residing in campus housing, additional rules apply. Even if legal to possess off campus, the use or possession of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, or firearms is strictly prohibited in residence halls. These expectations are detailed in the Residence Hall Policies and Expectations Guide.

Reference Documents

Administrative Rule

Board Policies

Handbooks

Workplace Policy

In compliance with federal regulations, CGCC maintains a drug-free workplace. Employees convicted of a workplace-related criminal drug offense must notify the College within five days of conviction. Employees who violate this policy may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Employees seeking help for drug or alcohol concerns are encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or coordinate benefits with Human Resources. Requests for help are encouraged and will not alone be considered grounds for dismissal; however, requests do not excuse violations of College policy.

Disciplinary Sanctions

College Sanctions

The College responds to alcohol abuse and illegal drug activity on a case-by-case basis. Outcomes may include referral for prosecution, participation in an approved treatment program, or disciplinary sanctions up to termination of employment or expulsion of students.

Sanctions are consistent with the CGCC Student Handbook/Code of Conduct, Employee Code of Conduct, and applicable local, state, and federal laws. Employees working on federal contracts or grants may also be subject to reporting requirements. 

Employees should review the DAAPP Information for Employees document  or request a copy from Human Resources.

State of Oregon Sanctions

Please note that while some substances may be legal for adults in Oregon to possess and use, CGCC is a drug-free, tobacco-free, and alcohol-free campus.

  • Alcohol: Persons under 21 may not purchase or possess alcohol (ORS 471.430). DUII laws apply to any driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, or any detectable alcohol for those under 21 (ORS 813.010).

  • Marijuana: While legal in Oregon for adults 21+, marijuana remains prohibited on all CGCC property. State penalties vary from violations to felonies depending on amount and intent (ORS 475C).

  • Controlled Substances: Oregon penalties vary by drug schedule:

    • Schedule I (e.g., heroin, LSD): Manufacture/distribution is a Class B felony; unlawful possession can be a Class A felony.

    • Schedule II (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, PCP): Manufacture/distribution is a Class B felony; unlawful possession is a Class C felony.

    • Schedule III–V (e.g., steroids, codeine, Valium): Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies.
      For details see: Oregon Revised Statutes 475.752–475.935.

Federal Sanctions

Under the federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. §§ 841–844), penalties for possession and distribution vary by substance, schedule, and quantity.

  • Simple possession: up to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of at least $1,000 for a first offense.
  • Trafficking: penalties range from 10 years to life imprisonment depending on substance and quantity.
  • Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, regardless of Oregon law.
  • Penalties increase if serious injury or death results or if prior convictions exist.
  • A full list of federal sanctions, as well as additional information, is available in the DAAPP Biennial Review document linked on this page.

Health Risks 

Substance misuse poses serious risks, including:

  • Alcohol: liver damage, neurological impairment, fetal alcohol syndrome, impaired judgment.

  • Stimulants (amphetamines, meth, cocaine): hypertension, stroke, paranoia, heart attack.

  • Depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates): overdose, dependence, impaired judgment.

  • Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone): high overdose risk, respiratory depression, physical dependence.

  • Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, PCP): psychosis, paranoia, flashbacks, behavioral risks.

For more health risks and additional information, see the following resources:

Drug and Alcohol Assistance and Resources

For Employees

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and referral services at no cost. OEBB Canopy EAP is one resource, but employees should check with Human Resources for additional resources.
  • UWill: 24/7 telehealth counseling for employees and students. While not substance-specific, UWill provides crisis response and mental health support addressing underlying issues related to substance misuse.

For Students

  • Student Support Services staff and Academic Advisors can assist with referrals.
  • UWill telehealth services provide 24/7 mental health counseling. While not substance-specific, UWill provides crisis response and mental health support addressing underlying issues related to substance misuse.

Local Resources

National Resources

Notification and Biennial Review

Annual Notification: Students and employees receive DAAPP information by October 1 each year via CGCC email. Employees also receive DAAPP information at onboarding through Paylocity, with time-stamped acknowledgement.

Biennial Review: CGCC conducts biennial reviews of its DAAPP to evaluate effectiveness, ensure consistent enforcement of sanctions, and recommend improvements.

Biennial Reviews

2023-2025 Biennial Review

17-19 Biennial Review

15-17 Biennial Review

13-15 Biennial Review