It is one of the goals at California College of the Arts to maintain a safe and healthful environment where the arts can flourish and grow. The college strives to provide this environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The policies detailed in the following pages apply to all members of the college community unless otherwise specifically stated.

The college, as an employer and educator, is concerned about the use and effects of alcohol and illicit drugs. In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) Amendment of 1989, the college is required to:

• establish a drug-free campus policy and awareness program
• publish and distribute information about the dangers of alcohol and drug (substance) abuse
• promote available counseling, rehabilitation, and assistance
• make known the penalties associated with substance abuse

The college's goal of maintaining an academic environment free from the use and influence of alcohol and unlawful drugs requires that the following standards of conduct be in force at all times.
It is expected that all members of the college community will conduct themselves in a manner that will help ensure a drug- and alcohol-free learning and working experience.

Being under the influence of any drug or alcoholic beverage while on the job or in school poses serious risks to individuals' health and safety.

The college absolutely prohibits the use, sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of any illegal or nonprescribed drug by any individual at any time.

In addition, it strictly prohibits individuals from being under the influence of alcohol or any drug while on duty, in classes, living in college housing, or performing college business, including driving college-owned or -leased vehicles.

The possession or use of marijuana on campus is prohibited under federal law and the college's current policies. Staff, faculty, and students who violate these policies will continue to be subject to disciplinary action.

With the exception of marijuana, legally prescribed medications that do not adversely affect the work ability, job performance, or safety of that individual or others, are an exception to this policy.

It is also expected that all students, faculty, and staff will be considered “fit for duty” while on college premises or conducting college business. Inability to perform work safely and efficiently or absences considered excessive shall be cause for concern and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination and dismissal depending on the frequency and seriousness of the occurrences.

It is the individual’s responsibility to seek assistance or intervention for alcohol or drug abuse or dependency. Personal concerns may be discussed confidentially with the director of counseling services, but will not be expected to preclude discipline for prior acts.

Consultation, assessment, and referral are also available for students through the college’s counseling services. These services are confidential and free of charge to the limits of the service protocols.

Appointments may be made by contacting the administrative assistants in either Student Affairs Office or with the director of counseling services. A comprehensive list of off-campus resources is also available from Counseling Services or the Student Affairs offices.

Students who require time away from their studies for purposes of rehabilitation may apply for a leave of absence by following the procedures outlined in Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, and Reinstatement in the Student Handbook.