Student Handbook and Code of Conduct 2022-2023

Students, faculty, staff, and contractors are hereby advised that Keystone College, as a recipient of federal funds, supports and complies with the provisions of the Drug Free Work Place Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs or other legal mind-altering synthetics drugs including, but not limited to, “Spice,” “K2,” “Salvia,” or “Bath Salts” by employees or students on the College campus are prohibited, and violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Keystone College has a zero tolerance for drug policy violations. A student’s presence where any aspect of the drug policy is being violated, even if he/she is not directly involved in the specific act constitutes a violation of the Drug Policy. A student who actively, or passively, supports another’s violation of College policy is in violation of their duty to uphold community standards, including the Student Code of Conduct.

The College recognizes that there are serious health risks, behavioral problems, and legal consequences associated with the abuse, irresponsible use, and/or illegal use of illicit drugs. Therefore, all members of the campus community are expected to understand that the illegal use is inconsistent with the mission of the College. All students are expected to abide by local, state and federal laws along with the Student Drug Policy of Keystone College.

All alleged violations of the Student Drug Policy will be referred to a formal meeting with the Coordinator of Student Conduct or to an All-College Student Conduct hearing. Violations of this policy are cumulative in nature.  If a student is found to be in violation of the Student Drug Policy, minimum sanctions include, but are not limited to:

1st offense

• $300 Fine (to be reduced to $50 upon completion of all other sanctions within the specified period of time. Paying the $300 fine is not a substitution for completing all sanctions)
• Meeting with a College Counselor for two sessions of a drug awareness program
• Parental Notification
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

2nd offense

• $150 Fine
• Completion of Marijuana 101
• Disciplinary Probation
• Residence Hall Warning (if a resident student)
• Parental Notification
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

3rd offense

• $300 Fine
• Suspension for a minimum of the balance of the current semester
• Residence Hall Suspension (if a resident student)
• Third-Party evaluation at student’s expense (at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct)
• Parental Notification
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

4th offense (after re-admittance)

• Expulsion from the College
• Parental Notification

Please note that all sanctions must be completed within thirty (30) calendar days or a violation of noncompliance will be filed.

A. Suspicion of Illegal Substances

If a College Official smells illegal substances emanating from a student’s personal belongings, any residence hall room, or any other location on the College campus, or finds drug paraphernalia, the student will be found in violation of the Drug Policy. This also provides the College with sufficient probable cause to search the student’s room (or area involved) for illegal or controlled substances.

B. Suspicion of Dealing, Distributing or Selling Illegal Substances

If a College Official searches a residence hall room or other student property on Keystone College premises (automobile, etc.) and sees indications of possible dealing, distribution or selling of illegal substances on Keystone College property, the student could face immediate suspension and/or expulsion from the College along with other legal consequences including, but not limited to, being reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Indications of dealing, distribution or selling of illegal substances can include, but are not limited to, the possession of several baggies and/or scales and/or a significant amount of an illegal drug or substance.