Drugs

Violations of College drug policies are grounds for College conduct action. Cornell will observe, and expects students to adhere to, federal and state statutes regarding drug use, possession, and distribution. The College also stresses the importance of education and counseling to prevent drug abuse by instituting education programs which will provide students with information on the legal, psychological, social, and medical aspects of drug use and abuse. Students should be aware of confidential medical, psychological, and counseling assistance available through the Health Center, Counseling, and the Chaplain.

1. Cornell College prohibits the possession or use of drugs classified by the federal government as narcotics or as dangerous drugs, with the exception of prescription medications taken as directed by licensed medical professionals.
2. The College will refer to those agencies charged with law enforcement, information and evidence that it acquires regarding individuals or groups engaged, on or off campus, in dispensing narcotics or dangerous drugs to students of the College. The term dispensing is defined as the transfer from one person to another of such drugs, with or without remuneration. Furthermore, the College may act separately from civil authorities in such cases and through conduct processes may suspend or expel any student who dispenses drugs.
3. The abuse of narcotics, dangerous drugs, alcohol, and some other drugs which are neither prescription drugs or classified as dangerous is viewed as detrimental to the physical and/or mental health of individuals. When it is judged to be in the interest of the physical or mental health of the individual, a student may be suspended without prejudice or may withdraw from Cornell to obtain assistance. Suspensions for reasons of personal health are the prerogative of the Dean of Students.
4. The decision to readmit a student who has withdrawn or been suspended for the reasons stated above will be made by the Dean of Students within five business days upon receipt a written request for readmission. This request shall include a statement by a mental health agency or other health professional. The decision to readmit will be at the discretion of the Dean of Students with consultation from others, as appropriate, and based on the criteria of whether the student is:
   1. Abusing drugs.
   2. A threat to himself/herself or others.
   3. Capable of satisfactory academic performance and is appropriately motivated to do so.
   4. Capable of coping with the social demands of life in the campus community.
5. Cornell College is not a law enforcement agency, but is committed to a respect for law and its authority and, therefore, will not shelter drug users from the governmental agencies charged with the enforcement of applicable civil drug laws. Thus, subject to the constraints of civil law involving the rights and civil liberties of individuals, representatives of enforcement agencies will have access to the campus, buildings and grounds.