Great Lakes Boat Building School

Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Campus and Workplace Policy

As a GLBBS Employee and/or Student:  All employees and students must be aware of (and comply with) the following standards of conduct regarding drugs and alcohol. GLBBS does not tolerate:

  • The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any federally banned drug;
  • Prescribed medical drugs that were unlawfully obtained or are being unlawfully or abusively used;
  • Drug-related paraphernalia;
  • Being under-the-influence of controlled substances in the workplace, on campus, while engaging in school business, or at any activities sponsored by GLBBS.

Prescription Medications
Any student who is taking a drug or medication prescribed by the student’s physician, which may adversely affect that student’s ability to perform work in a safe or productive manner, is required to report such use of medication to his/her instructor and the Admissions Advisor. This includes all medications which may possibly affect judgment, coordination, or any of the senses, including those which may cause drowsiness or dizziness. A doctor or dentist will determine whether the student can remain at school, and whether any work restrictions are necessary. The instructor may request such assistance as he/she desires in making the determination.

Health Risks
Short-term and long-term effects of drug use vary based on the specific drug type used. Therefore, the following acknowledgment of health risks associated with the illicit use of drugs and alcohol is a general list and not an extensive list of health risks:

  • Drugs that are injected into veins may be damaging to heart valves and can cause gangrene. There is also a serious risk for the transmission of AIDS and hepatitis.
  • Amphetamines (speed) can cause brain hemorrhages and lead to cardiac irregularities and seizures.
  • Cocaine (via snorting) leads to deterioration of nasal passages and dental decay. Furthermore, free-basing cocaine or smoking crack can cause epileptic seizures, paralysis and cardiac arrest.
  • Although many believe that marijuana has no harmful physical effects, it can, in fact, cause bronchitis and chronic lung disease. There are more cancer- causing agents in marijuana than in tobacco cigarettes. Marijuana use decreases sperm count and testosterone production. Chronic use can cause brain damage.
  • Studies have shown that women who smoke marijuana during pregnancy may give birth to babies with defects like those seen in infants born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. A loss of motivation is often observed in marijuana Users.
  • Hallucinogens such as PCP (angel dust) and LSD alter brain chemistry and may lead to permanent changes in thinking ability, memory and fine motor function.
  • Alcohol is a depressant and affects every system in the body. Alcohol abuse can lead to serious physical problems such as:
    • Damage to the brain, pancreas, and kidneys;
    • High blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes;
    • Alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver;
    • Stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis and irritable colon;
    • Impotence and infertility;
    • Birth defects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and
    • Premature aging.

School Sanctions and Penalties- Violations
A student found guilty of being under the influence of drugs, or possessing, or selling drugs or narcotics will be subject to immediate dismissal from the school. Any student who disregards the laws of the state regarding drinking as a minor is subject to disciplinary action including fines, or dismissal for repeated offenses.  Depending on the severity of the violation, the student may be subject to the following sanctions for violation of school regulations:

  • Being reprimanded;
  • Pay restitution;
  • Mandated counseling or participation in an alcohol/drug education program;
  • Pay monetary fines or work penalties;
  • Loss of school privileges;
  • Loss of financial aid or school scholarship;
  • Probation; or
  • Dismissal.

Minors
A student of 21 years of age who purchases alcoholic beverages for minors, or who participates in any way, faces not only legal action from the state, but additional penalty from the school. The laws of the State of Michigan prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages on any unlicensed premise. No alcohol may be offered for sale on any unlicensed portion of the campus, and no hidden fee (such as admissions charges, charges for food, etc.) may be used to hide or conceal a charge for alcoholic beverages.

Employee
An employee violating school rules will be subject to disciplinary action. Depending on the severity or frequency of violations, disciplinary action may include any one or more of the following:

  • Verbal warning documented in supervisor’s notes;
  • Written warning;
  • Written warning with disciplinary layoff;
  • Written notification and suspension; or
  • Written notification and discharge.

Criminal Conviction
Any student or employee convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring while enrolled at GLBBS, during or after school hours, during or after work, or while engaged in the school’s business, must notify the President no later than (5) five days after such conviction.

Legal Sanctions
In addition to sanctions imposed by the school, drug and/or alcohol violations may be referred to the appropriate external authorities. This may result in arrest and conviction under applicable criminal laws of the United States, the State of Michigan, or local municipalities. Violations as those specified above may result in penalties ranging from fines through imprisonment.

Exceptions
GLBBS special events for annual fund raising or donor dinner/luncheons are exempt from the alcohol-free policy:

  • Events require guests to be at least 21 years of age to attend; and
  • Require Board approval.

Available assistance treatment programs- Alcoholism and Drug Dependency 
Alcoholism and Drug Dependency are defined as illnesses that may interfere with a student’s ability to perform assigned work satisfactorily, or that may adversely affect classroom behavior.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

  • Be firm about saying no.  You do not have to explain your reasons. People who care about you will respect and support your decision. You never know when your decision will persuade someone else to change his/her behavior. 
  • Surround yourself with people who think like you do. Give yourself the opportunity to find common interests with people who live healthy, active lifestyles. 
  • Avoid temptation. Remove substances from your home. Stay away from places where they are used or sold. Find recreational activities that allow you to maintain your commitment to living a drug-free life. Take up a new hobby or sport, volunteer, spend more time with your children, do those projects you have been meaning to do around the house.
  • Take seriously the responsibility all adults have to set a good example for children. 
  • Take the money you spend on unhealthy activities and save toward something special you and/or your family has been anticipating. 
  • Find productive ways to manage the stress in your life.

Students are encouraged to voluntarily seek expert assistance for alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or drug dependency. Assistance is available through a variety of professional resources in the community such as:

Drug Abuse Prevention Information 

  • Abuse Counseling & Treatment Center (ACT) 
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • National Family Partnership – Lock Up Your Meds
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 
  • Coalition Against Drug Abuse 

Help is only a phone call away: 

  • State of Michigan, Mackinac County: 1-800-305-6564
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 1-800-839-1686
  • Substance Abuse Outpatient Program, 1-906-635-2110
  • MyMichigan Community Care, 1-906-635-4450
  • Alcohol Abuse Crisis Line, 1-800-562-9753

Annual Notification
The school will annually provide a copy of this policy to all students and employees associated with the school.

Biennial Review
The school will conduct a biennial review of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program to determine its effectiveness, implement changes to the program if they are needed, and will ensure that any disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. The review must determine the effectiveness of the sanctions on students and employees for violations of the standards of conduct (consistent with local, state, and federal law).