All students have the right to pursue their individual and collective goals in a safe and healthy educational and work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) misuse. Students have a personal responsibility to adhere to all the applicable laws, policies, and regulations governing the use of alcohol or other drugs. The Bakersfield College adheres to the Drug-Free Workplace Policy (KCCD Board Policy 7H) to inform students and employees about the dangers of substance misuse

Students who violate these policies will be held accountable for their behavior and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions. The Student Code of Conduct sets the standard for individual and civic responsibilities, as well as the College process for dealing with violations.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 - also known as the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act - requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. All members of the BC Community are encouraged to review the information within the KCCD Board Policy and the DFSCA Biennial Report, which is distributed on a bi-annual basis to become familiar with their provisions.

Read the full 2020 Biennial Report

Standards of Conduct: The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance by any student or employee is prohibited. It is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct for a student to unlawfully possess or consume alcoholic beverages on campus or at College-sponsored events, or violate laws or policies regarding alcohol use or possession.

Disciplinary Sanctions: Violation of these policies shall result in the prompt imposition of sanctions (KCCD Board Policy 4F7E). These sanctions depend on the nature and severity of the offense and may include a warning, a loss of privileges, disciplinary probation, community service, restitution, participation in counseling and/or rehabilitation program, suspension, expulsion, termination of student employment, and/or referral to proper law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Sanctions taken against students will be carried out in accordance with policies and procedures published in the Student Code of Conduct up to and including, for very serious violations, dismissal from the District. Typically, students who have violated the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to the Office of Student Life to complete an individualized outcome plan. The Director of Student Life will meet and then advise the student to meet with a Student Health and Wellness Clinician to complete an assessment covering alcohol and other drug use history, the reason for referral, family and personal history, health concerns, safety issues, and the consequences associated with use. The Clinician will also assess the student's readiness for change and establish behavior change goals.

Education and Assistance Programs: The BC Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) offers assessment, short-term counseling, crisis intervention, medical care, prevention education and prevention-oriented initiatives, and referral services for students with a variety of presenting concerns. The Students of Concern Team provides both group education targeted to substance use/misuse and individual mentoring and behavioral agreements for success. The Office of Student Life has established an on-campus restorative justice model for violations of the Student Code of Conduct to address the needs of those students impacted by substance misuse and is intended to engage the student holistically for the purpose of student wellbeing and academic success. 

Health Risks and Legal Sanctions: Substance misuse can create serious health risks and result in the imposition of a range of criminal penalties, including large fines and imprisonment. In addition, students who have a drug offense for selling or possessing illegal drugs that leads to a conviction while they are receiving federal financial assistance may no longer be eligible to receive additional federal aid (see Notice of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations). Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Some of the major risks are listed below. Visit the BC Student Health and Wellness Center for more information.

• Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers): Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart, and liver damage.

• Marijuana: Impair short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause a panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune system.

• Cocaine: Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.

• Nicotine: Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production, and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.

• Inhalants: Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. The use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High doses can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.

• Prescription Drug Abuse: Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.

Treatment Options: A variety of resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling, and referral. For detailed information concerning these resources available from the college and community agencies, students may contact the BC Student Health and Wellness Center for more information.

Individual assessment and counseling for students:

• Early intervention, assessment, education, and referral
• Educational sessions for those concerned about alcohol or other drug use
• Judicial (Mandatory) referrals
• Harm reduction training
• Support Groups

Educational Programs:

• Speakers on a wide variety of topics related to drug and alcohol use
• Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS)
• Alcohol, drug, and marijuana use programs available by appointment
• Alcohol and drug-free events
• Make Tailgating Yours (Football games)
• Mocktail Parties
• Drunk Driving Simulator Activity
• Drunk Driving Awareness & Driver Safety Activities
• Student Health and Wellness Center events