Drug and Alcohol Conduct Guidelines

Mitchell Tech is a Drug-Free Workplace. It is the goal of Mitchell Tech to provide a drug and alcohol-free environment. Mitchell Tech students shall not be involved with the use, possession, or sale of drugs, alcohol, or any controlled substances including THC infused, food, drinks, or other substances and cannabis used or possessed for medical purposes in any manner that may impair any person’s ability to perform assigned tasks or otherwise adversely impact their behavior. Furthermore, no student shall possess the previously mentioned substances in the workplace, classroom, laboratory, vehicle, or at any intramural sports event, class trip, or campus function or consume alcoholic beverages in association with said places during working, classroom, laboratory, or vehicle operating hours or at any time prior to performing safety-sensitive functions which may impair that person’s ability to perform their duties.

It is the policy of the Mitchell Tech that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use, or being under the influence of a controlled or prohibited substance on property of Mitchell Tech or while a student of Mitchell Tech is engaged in an activity assigned as part of his/her involvement with Mitchell Tech is prohibited unless said controlled substance is used as prescribed by a doctor. A description of applicable legal sanctions is listed in Policy MTC 1035. For purposes of this section, a prescription does not include a written certification for use of medical marijuana, pursuant to SDCL 34-20G-1(23). Students who use medical marijuana pursuant to a validly issued written certification when not on property controlled by the College may subsequently report to class or participate in activities as long as such use does not cause impairment or disrupt academic or campus activities.

Financial aid may be affected if violations occur. Students convicted of the possession of illegal drugs while receiving Title IV financial aid may have their financial aid suspended for one year. If a student is convicted of selling drugs, they may have their financial aid eligibility suspended for two years. Additional convictions will add at least two years to the above suspensions.

These guidelines will be interpreted, administered, and amended by Mitchell Tech as necessary within its discretion.

Consequences of Possessing or Consuming Alcohol on Campus or at Off-campus Mitchell Tech Sponsored Events:

Alcohol offenses at Mitchell Tech are cumulative during a student’s enrollment.

First offense:

The student will successfully complete the first available Choices Diversion Training at their own expense to help the student evaluate current choices surrounding alcohol use.
The student will pay for the training or complete ten hours of on-campus service.
The student’s afterhours access to the Student Lounge and attendance at Mitchell Tech sponsored events will be suspended until the course and payment/campus service are completed.
If the student refuses to complete the program, pay for the course, or complete ten hours of on-campus service, additional penalties will be enforced.

Second Offense:

The student will complete AlcoholEdu for Sanctions to help the student evaluate his or her current choices related to alcohol by the assigned deadline with a score of 90% or greater. Mitchell Tech may choose to administer an online evaluation similar to AlcoholEdu for Sanctions with similar deadline and score requirements.
The student will successfully complete the first available Choices Diversion Training at their own expense to help the student evaluate current choices surrounding alcohol use.
The student will pay for the online course and the diversion program or complete twenty hours of on-campus service.
The student’s afterhours access to the Student Lounge and attendance at Mitchell Tech SRB sponsored events will be suspended indefinitely. Participation in school sponsored organizations (including Rodeo) will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
If the student refuses to complete the online program, pay for the online course, or complete twenty hours of on campus service, additional penalties will be enforced.

Third offense:

The student will be withdrawn from Mitchell Tech and placed on non-academic suspension indefinitely.