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In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 (Public Law 101-226, 20 U.S.C. § 1011), Madison College prohibits the unlawful or unauthorized possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students in the workplace, on college property, or as part of any campus activity. It is the intent of Madison College to uphold all local, state and federal laws concerning the possession, use and sale of alcohol and controlled substances, and will support campus community efforts to reduce or eliminate violations of such laws. Student violators are subject to disciplinary action.
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
Madison College’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) is intended to support student and employee health, safety and security by increasing awareness, preventing abuse, and decreasing potential drug and alcohol related crime. The program consists of online resources for self-assessment, treatment referrals and AODA prevention information.
We also have a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor available for assessment, referral, and brief treatment. This person coordinates education and collaborative efforts among instructors and other staff to promote moderation and abstinence among students and to intervene as needed.
The campus community, including all employees and all students enrolled in any course(s) for which academic credit may be earned, must receive written notification regarding the DAAPP. Information to be shared includes:
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
- A list of applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, or local laws for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
- A description of the health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol or use of illicit drugs
- A list of available drug and alcohol programs (counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry)
- A clear statement that the institution of higher education will impose disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion.
Annual Notification
As a requirement of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Regulations [EDGAR Part 86], Madison College is required to annually distribute its drug abuse and alcohol prevention program to students and employees. This annual notification is typically sent out by a college email broadcast in the spring.
Biennial Review
An additional DFSCA requirement is the completion of a biennial review of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) programs and policies to determine program effectiveness and consistency of policy enforcement and to identify and implement any necessary changes. Each review covers the previous two academic years. Contact John Boyne at jboyne@madisoncollege.edu to see the most recent Biennial Review.
- Health Risks
Madison College recognizes drug and alcohol dependency and/or abuse as a major health issue, as well as a problem of safety and security. Some of these issues include:
- Diseases of the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and every other organ and/or system in the body.
- Depression, moodiness, disorientation, and lack of inhibitions, which can lead to increased risk of accident, suicide and violent behavior including homicide.
- Difficulties with memory, concentration, attention span, abstract reasoning, and the ability to process perceptual information in a manner consistent with reality.
- Spontaneous miscarriage and fetal malformations including physical, cognitive, and emotional problems which can be permanent.
- The risk of dependency and its related physical, mental, emotional, social, legal, family, and financial problems.
A student in need of assistance in dealing with such problems is encouraged to contact an AOD Counselor in the Counseling and College Success Department at the department’s main number: (608) 246-6076. Counselors in the department can assist students in working through alcohol or drug-related problems. Assistance is available to Madison College students at no cost.
Conscientious efforts to seek such help shall not in themselves jeopardize any student’s enrollment and will not be noted in the student’s educational record. Any assistance provided can be done anonymously and is kept completely confidential within legal guidelines. If needed, this could include referral to agencies providing AODA treatment.
- On and Off Campus Resources
On-Campus
Our Counseling Services provides access to a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor for substance abuse assessments and can assist in referral to local treatment centers.
By law, the college cannot provide legally mandated AODA assessments. However, you can receive personalized, confidential feedback about substance abuse online.
There are also peer support groups that happen on campus as well for people in recovery. To learn more about peer support groups, call 608.246.6076.
To speak with a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, call 608.246.6076 or set up an appointment through the Navigate app.
Off-Campus
There are several resources in the Madison area including online resources:
- College Policies
From Student Rights and Responsibilities
#9: Students are responsible to refrain from the unauthorized or illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances, associated paraphernalia and/or alcohol on property owned or leased by Madison College or at a Madison College-sponsored activity. This includes presence under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
From Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy (PDF)
Madison Area Technical College ("Madison College" / "District") is committed to upholding all local, state, and federal laws concerning the use and abuse of controlled substances and the abuse of alcohol and will support the campus community’s efforts to reduce or eliminate violations of such laws and the abuse of alcohol. Madison College will also comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
From Alcohol on Campus Policy (PDF)
Generally, Madison Area Technical College (“Madison College”) does not allow the use of alcohol or other intoxicants on college facilities. Students, employees, and visitors are prohibited from bringing alcohol or other intoxicants on campus or to college functions or events.
Madison College allows for limited, responsible use of alcohol on college facilities only under the following exceptions: 1) alcohol is used for instructional purposes, including use in the preparation and cooking of foods in the culinary arts program or for use in law enforcement training; and 2) alcohol is being served for special events where Madison College has granted a Special Event Permit to serve beer and/or wine on college district facilities. A written request must be submitted to the Vice President for Administration to be considered for obtaining a Special Event Permit.
- Disciplinary Sanctions
Employees and students violating the applicable policies may be subject to disciplinary action by the college and involvement by the local policing jurisdiction if necessary.
College Sanctions
Students are subject to disciplinary sanctions (PDF) for violations of the Alcohol and Drug Policies of the college.
The Dean of Students office handles these violations and will attempt to address them with a focus on education, treatment, and recovery, but may also resort to other sanctions including expulsion for repeated violations of the code of conduct. A range of potential sanctions based on the severity and chronicity of the violation:
- Fair Warning
- Behavioral Requirements
- Restitution
- Educational Program Requirements
- Community/College Service Requirements
- Disciplinary Probation
- Loss of Privileges
- Probated Suspension
- Confiscation of Prohibited Property
- Eligibility Restriction Suspension more than one (1) year
- Expulsion
Federal Laws
Possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. Penalties increase significantly where the use of the illicit drugs results in death or serious bodily injury. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions.
Distribution or manufacturing in or near schools and colleges (21 U.S. Code § 860)
Penalties for simple possession (21 U.S. Code § 844)
Denial of Federal benefits to drug traffickers and possessors (21 U.S. Code § 862)
State Laws
Wisconsin sanctions applicable to the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol include, but are not limited to:
- Marijuana | 1st offense (misdemeanor) | maximum penalty of 6 months in jail/$1,000 fine
- Marijuana | 2nd offense (felony) | maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in jail/$10,000 fine
- Cocaine | 1st offense (misdemeanor) | maximum penalty of 1 year in jail/$5,000 fine
- Cocaine | 2nd offense (felony) | maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in jail/$10,000 fine
- Methamphetamine | 1st offense (misdemeanor) | maximum penalty of 1 year in jail/$5,000 fine
- Methamphetamine | 2nd offense (felony) | maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in jail/$10,000 fine
- LSD (Acid) | 1st offense (misdemeanor) | maximum penalty of 1 year in jail/$5,000 fine
- LSD (Acid) | 2nd offense (felony) | maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in jail/$10,000 fine
- Heroin | any offense (felony) | maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in jail/$10,000 fine
Wisconsin Drug Charge Penalties – Conditional Discharge
If this is your first offense, you may be eligible for conditional discharge under Wisconsin law. This means that before a judgment is entered you will have the opportunity to serve a term of probation. If the probationary term is completed successfully, you will be discharged from the court and the drug charges dismissed. Your probation will likely include random drug testing/urinalysis, meetings with a probation officer, possible curfews, employment requirements, drug/alcohol evaluation or addiction treatment programs, and other terms determined by the court and your supervising officer.
Drug Possession – Sentence Enhancements
There are certain situations that may enhance or increase your sentence. Things like your criminal history and the location in which you were caught in possession are all details that will affect your potential sentence. For instance, if you are charged with possession and you were on state, county or city property at the time of the offense, you will face an additional community service requirement of 100 hours.
More Resources
Assess Your Mental Health
No matter how you are feeling, self-care is the first step on the journey to better mental health.
Whether you are looking to help yourself, or if you are looking to help the ones you care about, this anonymous assessment only takes a few minutes.
This assessment can be used as a self-guidance tool to help understand recent thoughts and behavioral patterns and to help determine the next steps on your journey to a happier and healthier mind.
211 Wisconsin
211 Wisconsin is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government agencies in your area. Search for a variety of up-to-date service listings to help you with:
- Assessment Services
- Crisis Services
- Support Services
- Treatment Options
- and more
Access 211 Wisconsin
211 staff are available 24/7, 365 days to connect you with the services you need.
- Call 2-1-1 from your cell phone or landline
- Text your zip code to 898211
- Search their website at https://211wisconsin.communityos.org
- Visit a 211 kiosk at any Madison College campus
- Download the 211 App from Google Play or the Apple Store to access services right from your mobile device
Resources are free, confidential and available in over three hundred languages, including services for deaf and hard of hearing.
There is always someone that is willing to listen.
Call 988 for Suicide Prevention.