Drug-Free Schools and Communities

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, public law 101-226, requires that as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that they have adopted and implemented a program that prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on campus, or as a part of the institution's activities.

In compliance with the requirements of this law and in keeping with our conviction that the use of these substances within the context of this community is inappropriate and counter-productive to the educational, moral, and developmental objectives of this institution, North Idaho College has established a drug-free awareness program to inform students and employees about the:

  1. Potential dangers and health risks associated with the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.
  2. The institution's drug abuse prevention/intervention policy;
  3. Availability of school and community resources for alcohol and drug counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation; and
  4. Penalties that may be imposed on students or employees for misconduct in this area.

This booklet fulfills the requirements noted above. Further information, verification, or questions should be directed to Student Services. We welcome your comments.

Drug-Free Program Objectives

N.I.C.'s primary approach against the abuse of drugs is to prevent abuse by educating the values of wellness. It is realized however, that prevention cannot by itself resolve all issues of drug abuse. To provide support for existing problems, a plan of intervention shall be based upon the following objectives:

  1. To improve the college community's well being and health education.
  2. To increase awareness about drugs, including their effects, and the laws and college policies regulating their use.
  3. To promote interesting activities and alternative outlets that reinforce the positive drug-free aspects of college life.
  4. To provide instructional and/or advising and counseling services and help individuals develop self worth, personal strengths, critical thinking skills, and decision making skills.
  5. To help people learn to deal constructively with some of their feelings of grief, anger, frustration, disappointments, etc.
  6. To provide a system of referral to the support resources available on campusand within the community.