It is the policy of Hesston College to maintain for students an environment that is free from illegal drugs and alcohol. The possession or the use of alcohol or the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of any illegal drugs or unlawfully obtained controlled substances by students, in whatever setting owned or operated by Hesston College (including personal vehicles used in the conduct of official business) is prohibited. Violation of the spirit and/or substance of this policy may result in discharge.

Students shall receive annual distribution in writing of:

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on Hesston College’s property or as part of any of its activities;
• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol;
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or reentry program that is available; and
• A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students (consistent with local, state and federal laws) and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for violations of the standards of conduct outlined in the first item of this section. A disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials and may be subject to the following sanctions:

1. Placement on Community Accountability and Support (CAS) status;
2. Temporary suspension from classes and activities;
3. Suspension for a semester from classes and activities;
4. Expulsion;
5. Fine.

Students subject to these penalties will be afforded all due process rights to which they are entitled by law or under current policies affecting student discipline. In addition to the above sanctions, a student may be required to meet with a counselor or complete an evaluation. In lieu of suspension or expulsion, a student may be required to complete a drug or alcohol abuse education or treatment program as a condition of continued enrollment. The cost of completing such a program will be the responsibility of the student.

This program will be reviewed biennially by the vice president of student life to determine the program’s effectiveness, to implement changes where necessary and to ensure that the required disciplinary sanctions are being enforced consistently.

Handbook 2024-25