Campus Codes and Policies

Academic Integrity

Students at Grays Harbor College are expected to exhibit honesty and integrity in their academic endeavors. As members of the college community we all benefit from an open, honest education environment and therefore, we all bear a responsibility to encourage and promote academic integrity.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the passing off as one’s own the words or ideas of another writer or thinker. Further, the act of plagiarism involves putting forth as original work the ideas or words of another.

Whenever a student submits work that includes the words, ideas or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references. Verbatim statements must be enclosed in quotation marks. In academically honest writing or speaking, the student acknowledges the source whenever:

• another person’s actual words are quoted
• another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if paraphrased
• facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed

Finally, whenever you’re in doubt about whether the work you’re about to turn in might be considered plagiarism, be especially cautious:

• acknowledge all sources, according to the method of citation preferred by the discipline or instructor
• write as much as possible from your own understanding of the materials and in your own voice
• ask an authority on the subject – such as the instructor who assigned the work

Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which as student misrepresents that he or she has mastered information on an academic exercise which in fact has not been mastered. Examples include:

• copying work from another student, or allowing another student to copy, or collaborating during a test without instructor permission
• using a textbook or other course materials, including prepared materials (i.e. notes) during a test without instructor permission
• selling, buying or otherwise obtaining all or part of a test before it is administered, or bribing someone to obtain an unadministered test, including answers
• taking a test for someone else or permitting someone to take a test for you
• changing, altering, or being an accessory to the changing and/or altering of a grade in a grade book or on a test, assignment, change of grade form, or any other academic record

Fabrication
Fabrication is the intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive. Examples include:

• submitting as the student’s own work any academic exercise prepared totally or in part by another
• inventing data or source information for research or other academic exercises
• citing of information not taken from the source indicated
• listing sources in a bibliography (or works cited page) not actually used in the academic exercise

Alcohol & Drugs

The possession, use, sale or distribution of any intoxicant or illegal drug on the college campus is prohibited. The use of illegal drugs by any Grays Harbor student attending a college-sponsored event is also prohibited, even though the event does not take place at the college. The use of alcohol by students attending such events shall conform to State law. Violation or abuse of the above rules will subject the wrongdoer to college disciplinary procedures.

Alcohol/Substance Abuse Prevention Information and Referral
It is the policy of Grays Harbor College to provide an alcohol/substance abuse prevention information and referral for students. This service is free and confidential. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the Counseling Center where trained professionals are available to assist individuals in their efforts to cope with the pressures of college life. Counselors can provide referrals to convenient and accessible services in the community for the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol/substance abuse problems.

The college will also offer from time to time an academic course dealing with alcohol and substance abuse designed to give students a basic understanding of all classifications of drugs. Other courses may be available from time to time and are listed in the catalog under Alcohol/Substance Abuse (ALSA).

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statement - Purpose
GHC is very concerned about the welfare of its students and employees. College programs for prevention are free and confidential. Both students and staff are highly encouraged to seek assistance from the counseling center where trained professionals are available to assist both students and employees of the college. Trained counselors are available to intervene when alcohol/substance abuse, crisis situations, anxiety, depression, marital stress and other self-defeating behaviors result in one's ability to cope. We pride ourselves on those programs which are successful and our concern is always an important portion of our policy.

The college offers numerous academic courses dealing with alcohol and substance abuse. Drugs and Society ( 5 credits) is an example of such a course that provides basic understanding of the classifications of drugs. Other courses include counseling the alcoholic and drug abuser and the pharmacology of alcohol and drugs. As the need arises for both students and employees, new courses designed to aid the alcohol and drug abuser will be offered. The college personnel office is also a resource on available services of the State Employees Advisory Services. This program offers help to any state employee who has a personal problem that may have and adverse impact on job performance.

It has been our experience that the following agencies are also very supportive of students and employees:

Alcohol & Drug 24 Hour HELP line: 1-800-562-1240
HarborCrest: 537-6241 or 877-346-8253
Evergreen Counseling Chemical Dependency Unit: 538-9200
Alcoholics Anonymous: 532-2691
Narcotics Anonymous: 532-0663
Rape Response Line: 538-2292
or………………1-800-986-1202

For more information, contact the Grays Harbor College Counseling/Career Information Center located in the Hillier Union Building, 538-4049.

Relevant State/Local Laws and Policies
The State of Washington and Grays Harbor College have adopted laws and policies governing the use of alcohol and controlled substances. The following is a summary listing of some of the laws and policies most relevant to Grays Harbor College students and employees.

1. Student Use/Abuse of Alcohol and Controlled Substances: Students are prohibited from using, possessing, being demonstrably under the influence of or selling any narcotic or controlled substance, except when the use or possession of a drug is specifically prescribed as medication by an authorized medical doctor or dentist. Students are further prohibited from being demonstrably under the influence of any form of alcoholic beverage on college property with the exception of sanctioned events approved by the president or his designated representative and in compliance with state law. These prohibitions apply to every student whenever said student is present at or engaged in any college-sponsored activity which is held on or in non-college facilities. (WAC 120-1-030 (1) and 050 (3) (f) and (g).)
   
2. Employee Use/Abuse of Alcohol and Controlled Substances: Employees are prohibited from being under the influence of or participating in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance in and on college owned or controlled property or while conducting college business. In addition, intoxicating beverages are not permitted in or around the work site, and employees under the influence of alcohol are not permitted on the work site. (WAC 296-024-073 (6) (3) ).
   
3. Prohibited Conduct at College Facilities: State law relative to public institutions governs the use or possession of intoxicants on campus or at college functions. The use or possession of unlawful drugs or narcotics, not medically prescribed, on college property or at college functions, is prohibited. Students obviously under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful drugs or narcotics while in college facilities shall be subject to disciplinary action. (WAC 123-140-070)
   
4. Drinking Age Laws: It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to acquire, possess or consume any alcoholic beverage. It is also unlawful for any person other than a parent or guardian (and then only in specific situations) to provide alcoholic beverages to someone under 21. (RCW 66.44.270)
   
5. College Functions That Provide or Allow Alcoholic Beverages Without Cost (Banquet Permits): No functions that involve the service or consumption of alcoholic beverages may take place on college grounds without a state banquet permit. (RCW 676.20.010) Any person acting without a required permit shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (RCW 66.44.090)
   
6. Sale of Alcoholic Beverages on Campus: Alcoholic beverages may not be sold on college property without obtaining an appropriate state liquor license. (RCW 66.20) Liquor licenses must be displayed in plain sight at the location of the event. (RCW 66.24.100)
   
7. Opening or Consuming Liquor in Public Places: It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol or to consume alcohol in a public place, which includes college hallways and lounges, athletic fields, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. (RCW 66.04.010 (23) and 66.44.100)
   
8. Promotion of Liquor at Grays Harbor College: No activities by liquor manufacturers or importers or their representatives which promote the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, either by brand name or in general, are allowed on college property. (RCW 66.23.160)
   
9. Serving Alcohol to an Intoxicated Person: It is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated. (RCW 66.44.200)

Education
The college will need to provide accurate education information on the health risks and symptoms of alcohol and drug use for students, faculty and staff. For example:

Health Risks
The following health risks have been associated with the use or abuse of alcohol or controlled substances:

Alcohol: The use of alcohol, especially over the long term, can result in skin diseases, cancer of the throat, gastritis, pancreatitis, permanent nerve damage, high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, enlarged and other liver damage, loss of energy and malnutrition. Alcohol also can kill brain cells which do not have the ability to regenerate themselves. This can result in irreversible brain damage.

Marijuana: Use of marijuana affects the brain by inhibiting short-term memory, slowing reaction time and impairing visual tracking (the ability to follow moving objects accurately). Frequent use is also linked to cognitive impairments (an inability to abstract and understand concepts). Marijuana speeds a user's heartbeat as much as 50 per cent while high, an increased risk for anyone with heart disease. Frequent use affects reproduction and is linked to a decreased sperm count and sperm movement (mobility) in men and irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles in women. THC also travels through the placenta and has caused complications during pregnancy.

Marijuana smoke irritates the throat and lungs and has twice as much "tar" as cigarette smoke. Frequent use is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema. Heavy use also depresses the immune system, which makes it hard to fight off colds, flus and other viruses. Chemical traces of marijuana (THC metabolites) can be stored in the brain, testes, ovaries and other fatty organs and are detectable by urine tests for a month or more

Cocaine: Chronic use can produce cocaine dependency, behavior change and weight loss. Cocaine also interferes with sleep, causing moodiness and irritability. To counteract these effects, many people compound the cocaine habit by abusing alcohol or other sedatives. Chemically, chronic cocaine use can lower the threshold for brain seizures and alter the brain's pleasure centers so that the user may need cocaine just to feel normal. Those who smoke crack can also suffer sore throats and lung damage.

Cocaine fatalities are on the rise, even among first-time users. The drug is known to cause toxic reactions, brain seizures, heart attacks and cardiorespiratory collapse, leading to sudden death for some normal healthy people. Users with heart conditions, epilepsy or high blood pressure are especially at risk. Also, many chronic users develop
multiple drug dependency and severe mental disorders that can require psychiatric care. With people who inject the drug, needle sharing among users has become a major factor in spreading AIDS.

Valium: The use of Valium and other minor tranquilizers can cause drowsiness, lethargy, skin rashes, nausea, diminished libido, blood cell abnormalities and increased sensitivity to alcohol. Other possible side effects from the use of Valium may be delayed or impaired ejaculation, menstrual irregularities, failure to ovulate, gynecomastia and galactorrhea. High doses may depress respiration, induce coma and even cause death. There is clear evidence of permanent, irreversible damage to neurological or other physiological processes, even with long-term use. Prolonged use of hypnotic doses may cause rebound increases in REM sleep and insomnia when the drug is stopped.

Amphetamines: Use of amphetamines or diet pills may cause teeth grinding, sleeplessness, weight loss, sores and non-healing ulcers, liver disease, hypertensive disorders, cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) and kidney damage. Methamphetamine is capable of producing direct injury to arteries and veins, which can cause severe brain damage. A rebound effect, after long term use, is characterized by general lethargy and depression of mood and physiological function.

Barbiturates: Use of barbiturates can depress the activity of the nerves, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Barbiturate use can cause liver damage with long term use to hypersensitive persons. Depressed breathing and blood pressure, amnesia, coma and brain damage can result from its use. Barbiturates can also cause adverse drug interactions and hormone imbalances. Loss of REM sleep which can result in reduction of essential well-being results from barbiturate use.

Hallucinogens: Phencyclidine (PCP) produces behavioral alterations that are multiple and dramatic. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries. The effects of PCP may vary, but users generally report a sense of distance and space estrangement. Time and body movement are slowed. Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled. Speech is blocked and incoherent.

Chronic users of PCP report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Mood disorders - depression, anxiety and violent behavior - also occur. In later stages, chronic users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations. Large doses of PCP may produce convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure or ruptured blood vessels in the brain.

Lysergic acid (LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin) cause illusions and hallucinations. The physical effects may include dizziness, weakness, tremor, nausea and drowsiness. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, may occur even after the use has ceased.

Inhalants: A variety of psychoactive substances have been inhaled as gases or volatile liquids. Many popular commercial preparations such as paint thinners and cleaning fluids are mixtures of volatile substances making it difficult to be specific about their various effects.

Immediate negative effects of inhalants may include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose bleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays may also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgement. Amyl and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse and headaches. Long term use may cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance and muscle weakness and may ultimately result in hepatitis or brain damage. Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can lead to permanent damage to the central nervous system.

Other Stimulants: Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite. In addition, users may perspire, experience headache, blurred vision, dizziness, insomnia and anxiety.

Extremely high doses can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever or heart failure.

Enforcement
Grays Harbor College enforcement should consistently enforce alcohol and drug policies including disciplinary policy violations and minimum sanctions.

Sanctions
Grays Harbor College will impose sanctions on students and employees consistent with local, state and Federal laws. These sanctions include possible expulsion or termination from enrollment at the college on students or employees who violate these laws. Faculty members, other college employees and students who breach or aid or abet another in the breach of any of these provisions shall be subject to (a) possible prosecution under the state criminal law, (b) any other civil or criminal remedies available to the public or (c) appropriate disciplinary action pursuant to the state of Washington higher education personnel board rules or the college's policies and regulations. (WAC 132-120-050 (2) and college policy # 411 and 630).

The board may extend legal protection against liability only to the extent that staff comply with Grays Harbor College policies. In other words, staff incur the risk of liability by not complying with the policies.

Student Assistance
Students are encouraged to voluntarily seek expert assistance for alcoholism or drug dependency. Students who voluntarily reveal to a college staff member that they have been or are currently involved in the abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs shall have the confidentiality and anonymity of their communication respected and limited to referral to the Grays Harbor College counseling office. Confidentiality will be maintained.

Any student receiving approved professional treatment for an alcohol or drug problem will be considered for emergency medical leave for the purpose of tuition refund according to the Grays Harbor College Tuition/Fees/ Refunds policy.

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