Southeast Technical Policies and Procedures
Section 700 - Health and Safety
Legal References: OSHA Blood-Borne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFP 1910.1030
Universal precautions will be observed at the College to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious agents/materials. All blood or potentially infectious materials will be treated as infectious regardless of the perceived status of the individual/circumstance.
Appropriate work practices, as described in the Implementation Procedures, will be used by those employees who potentially may be exposed to blood-borne or other infectious pathogens in the routine execution of their assignments. Exposure determination is found in the Blood-Borne Pathogens Procedures.
Employees and students are to contact a Building Maintenance Supervisor should an emergency situation require immediate containment and prevention measures. All Maintenance employees should know where the necessary protective equipment is stored, and Personal Protection Equipment Procedures to be used, in the event that a Building Maintenance Supervisor is not available.
Approved: April 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004
702 - Communicable Disease (Prevention of Exposure)
The College encourages employees and students suffering with an airborne communicable disease (other than the common cold) to take preventive measures to limit exposure of others. Until such time as overt symptoms have subsided or appropriate prophylaxis has been administered, students should not attend classes and employees should not report to work.
Approved: April 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004
703 - Drug-Free Campus
Legal References:
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812); Schedules I – V of Section 202
Regulation 21 CFR 1300.11 through 1300.15
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226)
MnSCU Board Policy 5.18 and Procedure 5.18.1
Southeast Technical College is committed to the maintenance of drug-free campuses. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), Southeast Technical College prohibits its students and staff from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, giving out, possession or use of any narcotic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcohol or any controlled substance while on campus or in any work place that is under the jurisdiction of the College as well as in conjunction with any college-sponsored activity or event, whether on- or off-campus. In accordance with federal regulations, this policy in included in the College’s Student Handbook, which is distributed to all new students and is also available on the College web site, and is included with the annual Campus Crime and Security Report, which is distributed to every student and employee. The College conducts a biennial review of this policy to determine the effectiveness of this policy and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions for violating standards of conduct are enforced consistently.
Standards of conduct
- No student or employee shall manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute; or possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, give away, barter, deliver, exchange, or distribute a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off-campus.
- No student or employee shall possess a controlled substance, except when the possession is for that person’s own use, and is authorized by law, while involved in a college-sponsored activity or event, on- or off-campus.
- No student shall report to campus, and no employee shall report to work while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, except as prescribed by a physician, which affects alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision-making, or safety.
- Except as allowed by the system Board Policy 5.18, the possession, use, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages and 3.2% malt liquor at Southeast Technical College and at Southeast Technical College sponsored events is prohibited.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Students or employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. The severity of the sanctions will be appropriate to the violation. Sanctions including, but not limited to: official reprimand, restitution, completion of a rehabilitation program, community service, suspension, expulsion and/or reporting to local law enforcement will be imposed on students who violate the preceding standards of conduct. Sanctions, consistent with existing contracts, up to and including termination of employment, will be imposed on employees who violate the preceding standards of conduct.
Legal Sanctions
Federal and state sanctions for illegal possession of controlled substances range from up to one year imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines for a first offense, to three years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines for repeat offenders. Additional penalties include forfeiture of personal property and the denial of federal student aid benefits. Under federal laws, trafficking in drugs such as heroin or cocaine may result in sanctions up to and including life imprisonment for a first offense involving 100 gm or more. Fines for such an offense can reach $8 million. First offenses involving lesser amounts, 10-99 gm, may result in sanctions up to and including 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $4 million. A first offense for trafficking in marijuana may result in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 for an offense involving less than 50 kg, and up to life imprisonment and fines up to $8 million for an offense involving 1,000 kg or more. The State of Minnesota may impose a wide range of sanctions for alcohol-related violations. For example, driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content of .10 or more) may result in a $700 fine, 90 days in jail, and/or revocation of driver’s license for 30 days. Possession of alcohol under age 21 or use of false identification to purchase alcohol results in $100 fine. Furnishing alcohol to persons under 21 is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment.
Health Risks
Alcohol- Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior and physiology. Even low doses significantly impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning. Statistics show that alcohol use is involved in a majority of violent behaviors on college campuses, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, fights, and incidents of drinking and driving. Continued abuse may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and deterioration of a healthy lifestyle.
Amphetamines- Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, depression, damage to the brain and lungs, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and death. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.
Cocaine/Crack- Cocaine users often have a stuffy, runny nose and may have a perforated nasal septum. The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, paranoia and depression. Cocaine is extremely addictive and can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, psychosis, convulsions, stroke and even death.
Hallucinogens- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) causes illusions and hallucinations. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even when use has ceased. Phencyclidine (PCP) affects the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Hallucinogens can cause liver damage, convulsion, coma and even death.
Marijuana- Marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce coordination and energy level. Users often have a lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer. Users also experience interference with psychological maturation and temporary loss of fertility. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is stored in the fatty tissues of the brain and reproductive system for a minimum of 28 to 30 days.
Methamphetamine- Methamphetamines, known as speed, meth, ice, glass, etc., have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Taking even small amounts may produce irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Over time, methamphetamine users may experience symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.
Narcotics- Narcotics such as codeine, heroin or other opiate drugs cause the body to have diminished pain reactions. The use of heroin can result in coma or death due to a reduction in heart rate.
Steroids- Steroid users experience a sudden increase in muscle and weight and an increase in aggression and combativeness. Steroids can cause high blood pressure, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, sterility and prostate cancer. Additional information can be found at: www.nida.nih.gov .
Drug and Alcohol Educational and Treatment Programs
Southeast Technical College counselors are available to assist students deal with personal concerns and can also refer students to community counseling and alcohol/drug treatment programs. Appointments with a college counselor can be arranged through the college reception desks.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all MnSCU employees. EAP can assist employees by providing a professional assessment of a possible alcohol or drug problem. The mission of EAP is to provide confidential, accessible services to individual employees and state agencies in order to restore and strengthen the health and productivity of employees and the workplace. For additional information, contact the College’s Human Resource Department.
Community area alcohol and substance abuse treatment center resources include:
Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon (For The Family/Friends Of An Alcoholic)
P.O. Box 846, Winona, MN 55987, 507-452-2348
306 West 4th Street, Red Wing, MN 55066, 651-388-5800
Winona Health Psychiatric and Counseling Services
Winona Clinic
855 Mankato Avenue
Winona, MN 55987
507-454-2606
Fairview Red Wing Health Services
Fairview Red Wing Medical Center
701 Fairview Boulevard, Red Wing, MN 55066
651-267-5450
Great Rivers 2-1-1 Information & Referral Crisis Hotline
A 24-hour Crisis Referral Service
Local phone number, dial 211
Toll-free 800-362-8255
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Substance Abuse Services
166 Main Street
Winona, MN 55987
507-453-7933 ext. 222; Hotline: 800-657-6777
Goodhue County Citizens Center-Mental Health
509 West 5th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066
651-385-6180
For additional treatment programs and centers, contact a Southeast Technical College counselor.
Approved: August 15, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; October 9, 2007; September 29, 2008; November 2009
Download the Drug Free Campus Brochure (102KB PDF)
704 - Emergency Evacuation
Each Campus has an emergency evacuation plan located by the door in main offices and classrooms. The evacuation plan addresses fire and weather-related emergencies. Each Campus Administrator or his/her designee shall be responsible for initiating actions in accordance with the evacuation plan. Campus Administrators are the VP for Academic Affairs for Winona, and the Dean of Academics for Red Wing.
Approved: April 28, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
705 - Ergonomics: Prevention of Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
The College will implement a preventative program on the identification and reduction of risk factors that can contribute to the probability of Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (MSD's) of employees and students. Specific prevention methodologies, data collection requirements and responsibilities of supervisors and employees are outlined in the Ergonomics Procedures.
Approved: February 20, 2003
Revised: June 30, 2004
706 - Tobacco-Free Campuses
The College provides a tobacco-free environment in all buildings and college vehicles. Use of tobacco products is not permitted within 75 feet of buildings except in designated areas. Violators of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action. (Students: see Policy No. 113 Student Code of Conduct)
Approved: August 15, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
707 - Weapons Prohibited
Legal References: MnSCU Board Policy 5.21
The use of any dangerous weapon, including firearms, in any building or other grounds/yard under the jurisdiction of the College, is prohibited. College personnel are prohibited to possess any dangerous weapon, including any firearm, while on official duty. Knives that are to be used as a teaching instrument may be exempted from this policy upon the approval of the President or the Vice-President of Academic Affairs.
Approved: August 15, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
707 - Weather/Emergency Conditions
Legal Reference: MnSCU Policy 4.4
The College, due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions may close or delay the opening of one or all of its Campuses; or it may cancel classes and other activities. The President or his/her designee is responsible for this decision.
Definitions, Procedures and Responsibilities
Approved: April 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; December 10, 2008