POLICY OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Adopted: Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Revision Number: 6
Revision Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Reference: Student Affairs
Policy:
Pearl River Community College has a controlled substance testing program for all students in Barbering, Early Childhood Education Technology, Cosmetology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Health Related programs. The College will adhere to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, as revised by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). The College will support the laws of the State of Mississippi as set forth in Sections 41-29-101 to 41-29-185, 61-1-37 to 61-1-81, 71-7-1 to 71-7-33, 81, 97-29-7 to 87-29-47, 142 of the Mississippi Code and abide by the Uniform Controlled Substances Law of the State of Mississippi.
Procedure:
All students enrolled in Barbering, Early Childhood Education Technology, Cosmetology, and Health Related programs must sign the “Substance Screen Consent” form agreeing to be tested for controlled substances. At some time, during the school semester, a percentage of all students enrolled in these programs may be chosen at random to undergo substance testing; this will be determined by the Office of Student Services. Pearl River Community College will bear the expense of random testing.
Required substance testing of students is at the discretion of the program’s director. In addition, any student enrolled in Barbering, Early Childhood Education Technology, Cosmetology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Health Related programs at Pearl River Community College will be required to have a substance test performed immediately if at any time sensory or behavioral symptoms suggest the use of a substance. Confirmation of sensory or behavioral symptoms is determined by the student’s instructor or other supervising professional and by the opinion of another professional. In those clinical facilities where substance testing is not available, the student will obtain a designated driver, leave the facility, and report to the Office of Student Services immediately. The student is responsible for all expenses associated with this testing and/or treatment.
If the substance screen is positive or if a student refuses to be tested for any reason, the student will obtain a designated driver and leave the facility. The student will be dismissed from the program and advised to seek rehabilitation. The student will be considered for readmission following documented counseling and appropriate treatment by an accredited agency and the student must sign and be in compliance with the Pearl River Community College “Probation Agreement” form. Refer to individual program’s policies for specifications.
Pearl River Community College affords due process to all students in accordance with the law.
Substance screenings will be conducted throughout the academic year. Positive results are kept confidential and maintained by the director.
