U.S. Truck Driver Training School, Inc. (USTDTS) has developed and implemented a comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse prevention program (DAAPP) for its students and employees. The DAAPP has four elements: standards of conduct, treatment, education, and a biennial program review. Together, these program components are intended to deter students and employees from using illicit drugs and abusingalcohol on USTDTS property and in connection with USTDTS-sponsored activities.
USTDTS is committed to a drug-free environment for its faculty, staff, and students. USTDTS prohibits the “unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensation, sale or manufacture of drugs or alcohol on USTDTS premises, at USTDTS activities and at USTDTS worksites.” Any employee or student who is convicted of a criminal drug offense occurring at the workplace or is convicted of the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensation, sale or manufacture of drugs or alcohol on USTDTS premises or at any USTDTS activity is subject to disciplinary action.
The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is expressly prohibited on USTDTS property.
These rules are enforced by the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct prohibits the illegal use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of drugs and requires compliance with USTDTS regulations relating to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Sanctions for violations range from a reprimand to expulsion and convictions from the possession and sale of controlled substances can result in the ineligibility for federal financial aid. Intoxicated individuals are subject to sanctions. Illegal drugs, their possession, use, sale, manufacture, distribution, and paraphernalia are banned. Sanctions for a violation of the USTDTS regulations include a verbal warning, suspension of privileges and removal from the program.
Disciplinary action that may be taken against employees who violated USTDTS drug and alcohol policies are governed by the Employee Policy and Procedures Manual.
Students who need assistance with drug or alcohol problems may contact the Director of Educational Services. In addition to providing individual counseling, USTDTS operates a Substance Use Committee, composed of staff members with expertise in assessment and treatment of substance use disorders. The committee runs a substance use support group for students, conducts specialized assessments when necessary to determine disposition of cases with substance use concerns, and advises outreach efforts regarding prevention. The Director of Educational Services also maintains a list of referrals for substance abuse treatment. Students may be referred to an outside agency for treatment. Employees may obtain assistance from the Employee Assistance Program. It provides short-term counseling and crisis intervention for a wide variety of personal issues, including drug and alcohol abuse. The Employee Assistance Program is a free benefit offered to eligible employees. Additional information about treatment options provided by these resources may be found in hard copy at their respective offices.
USTDTS conveys information about its DAAPP to both students and employees. A description of the DAAPP and other related information is included in the USTDTS Annual Security Report is emailed with each application and employees are emailed with an update each October. As a part of the admissions procedure, the admissions office verbally notifies all prospective students about resources that are offered by USTDTS.The Director of Educational Services provides presentations on substance abuse to departments uponrequest. Leadership and/or the Director of Educational Services also provides information to students and employees during orientation along with a variety of useful information related to drug and alcohol abuse.
The DAAPP will be included on the USTDTS website as a part of the Consumer Information Disclosures. Additionally, the information required under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) will also be included in the Annual Security Report which will be provided to all students and employees via paper copy or email on or before October 1st. Additional information about the DAAPP will be available in hard copy as described above.
Every even numbered year, USTDTS reviews the DAAPP. The review is undertaken to determine the following:
The review shall be conducted by a committee composed of the Director of Educational Services, Vice President & Director of Financial Aid, and the President. The committee shall begin its work in April and finalize its report by the end of July. Relevant data, including the information described above, shall be provided to the President upon the committee’s request. The committee will then identify any recommendations for improvingthe effectiveness of the DAAPP. The final report will be available to all students and employees via the USTDTS Consumer Information Disclosures webpage.
The President and Vice President will review to ensure that the institution complies with the regulatory requirements of this program including, but not limited to, the distribution of information, the accuratecollection of data, the consistent enforcement of sanctions, the timely completion of the biennialreview, and the implementation of recommendations.
For improving the effectiveness of the DAAPP. The final report will be available to all students and employees via the USTDTS Consumer Information Disclosures webpage.
The President will review to ensure that the institution complies with the regulatory requirements of this program including, but not limited to, the distribution of information, the accurate collection of data, the consistent enforcement of sanctions, the timely completion of the biennial review, and the implementation of recommendations.
USTDTS is a drug- free and alcohol-free institution. It does not consider the use of drugs or alcoholic beverages as necessary or conducive to the process of higher education. USTDTS students and employees are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws. The use of alcohol on USTDTS owned or leased property or during an institution sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. Violations will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Alcohol and drug use present numerous health, behavioral, and social problems. These include acute health problems related to intoxication or overdose, physical and psychological dependence, interference with memory sensation and perception, potential permanent brain damage or death, additional long-term health problems, contraction of diseases, pregnancy problems, psychological problems, diminished behavior, risk taking, violent behavior, accidents, negative side effects on academic or work performance, and conduct problems.
The following laws are strictly enforced by USTDTS Campus Authority and local law enforcement agencies.
Federal Law provides criminal and civil penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of a controlled substance. Under the Controlled Substance Act, as well as other related federal laws, the penalties for controlled substance violations include, but are not limited to, incarceration, fines, potential for the forfeiture of property used in possession or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance (which may include homes, vehicles, boats, aircraft, and any other personal or real property), ineligibility to possess a firearm, and potential ineligibility to receive federal educational benefits (such as student loans and grants).
The State of Michigan has numerous laws regulating the possession and use of controlled substances and alcohol. As an example, under current Michigan state law, “a person shall not knowingly or intentionally possess or distribute a controlled substance.” If an individual is found guilty of a violation of the state law, he or she may be subject to large fines and imprisonment. A minor (defined as a person under the age of 21) may not “purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor, consume or attempt to consume alcoholic liquor, possess or attempt to possess alcoholic liquor, or have any bodily alcohol content.” Violations of the law may subject the individual to fines, participation in a substance abuse program, imprisonment, community service hours, and/or out-of-pocket expenses related to required substance abuse screenings.
Although local laws and ordinances may vary by county, they typically consider the following as violations: consumption in public places, possession, and use of alcohol by minors, uncapped liquor in passenger compartments of vehicles, and all substance abuse ordinances. Sanctions could range from a civil infraction with attached fines to probation, rehabilitation, or even imprisonment.
The use of illegal drugs or alcohol on any USTDTS owned or leased property, or during an institution sponsored activity is strictly prohibited.
For employees, a violation of either the drug or alcohol policy will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including transportation changes/restrictions, changes in work assignment/location, suspension or termination of employment.