River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is committed to maintaining a drug-free learning and workplace. The illegal use of drugs or alcohol for consumption within the RPCC campuses, offices or college activities interferes with the accomplishment of this mission. 

It is understood that alcohol may be used in laboratory situations and should not be misused for other purposes. Various federal and state laws and regulations apply to students and employees of RPCC, including the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Acts Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), and Revised Statutes of the State of Louisiana.  

Annually, employees and students are made aware of the RPCC Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program and associated policies. 

RPCC has established a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program to inform its faculty, staff, and students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, penalties that may be imposed for drug and alcohol abuse violations, and available resources to combat drug and alcohol-related issues.  

The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program provides the following: 

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the school’s property or as part of any of the school’s activities 
• Descriptions of applicable legal sanctions under state, local, and federal law 
• Description of health risks 
• Description of available counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs 
• Clear statement that the school will impose sanctions for violation of standards of conduct and a description of sanctions 
• New staff and faculty members are informed of the policy and program at the New Employee Orientation provided by the Human Resources Department. 
• All employees are informed of the policy and program annually via electronic mail. 
• Students are informed of the policy and program each semester via electronic mail. 
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention materials are also available within the College’s Student Services Center and College Counseling Center.  

On a biennial basis, a committee comprised of representatives from the police department, human resources, financial aid, and student affairs will conduct a review of the program to assess the following: 

• Determine the effectiveness of the program and implement necessary changes 
• Determine the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occur on RPCC campuses 
• Determine the number and type of sanctions that are imposed 
• Ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced