Our campus is alcohol-free, largely because most students who attend and live in our residence halls are not 21 years old. The Student Activities and Residential Life areas of the campus create and promote alcohol free events and activities throughout the year. The 25+ clubs on campus promote student service learning and student leadership opportunities. We have a very active intramural program and Event Center with aerobic and fitness center facilities that are heavily used by students and employees. The Event Center offers extended hours, and residence halls have student-gathering areas after hours. Competitive athletic events are attended by many students as well as theatrical and musical productions, and other campus activities.

The college promotes a healthy, alcohol-free image to new students with expectations set out as part of all orientation programs. The academic schedule offers core classes on Mondays through Fridays; very few on Saturdays.

All residence halls are substance free and enforce a zero tolerance for under-age drinking or illegal drug use. The campus encourages high academic standards, and faculty and staff engage in high levels of contact with students. Programming efforts are conducted throughout the year by RA’s that address education about misperceptions of drinking norms. Student leadership on our campus promotes positive, healthy norms. Any student in a leadership role is required to adhere to a leadership code of conduct. Pro health messages are a part of ongoing programming by Student Life and Student Success staff..

Alcohol and marijuana are banned on campus. Marijuana is legal for use in the State of Colorado for persons over the age of 21. However, because NJC is covered under federal law, alcohol and marijuana possession and use is banned on campus. The number and concentration of alcohol outlets near campus are limited. 

Alcohol/marijuana advertising on campus is prohibited and non-existent. No advertising is allowed on campus bulletin boards. 

We believe the AOD prevention program in conjunction with consistent enforcement of AOD policies on campus have been very good. Local law enforcement departments are partners in enforcement of underage drinking violations on campus. This has resulted in very few second violations. The community police respond to campus calls about MIP and DUI incidents. Periodic undercover operations are used at retail alcohol outlets. All first-year residence hall and commuter students are required to participate in the on-line Alcohol-Wise alcohol awareness and prevention program prior to arriving to NJC in the fall. Alcohol-Wise addresses consequences of under-aged and abusive drinking in college. Students are also required to complete Cannabis-Wise.

The residence halls conduct orientation programs and also invite community and campus presenters into their hall for presentations and educational programs. Sanctions for AOD violations may include completing various self-assessments that are used in a required session with the Student Guidance Coordinator. These assessments include Check-Up to Go, Alcohol Pop Quiz, and others.

The Athletic department holds athletes accountable to alcohol/drug free living. There is a set policy that the Athletic department follows regarding AOD issues.

Statement of Compliance

Northeastern Junior College recognizes the social and personal consequences of drinking alcohol. We also recognize the college's responsibility to enforce the state law, which limits legal consumption of alcohol to persons over twenty-one years of age, and the Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus Federal Law, which restricts any alcohol or drugs on campus or associated with a college activity. As a local, state and federally funded college we must abide by all legal regulations and then realistically deal with the student behaviors related to alcohol/marijuana use/abuse.

The College may notify parents/guardians when their student violates the substance abuse policy after the first violation. This notification is allowed to all parents/guardians of students under the age of 21 years. The college reserves the right to withhold notification on the first violation. The college may notify parents for any violation after level one, as well.

Although possession and use of marijuana for certain medical conditions consistent with the requirements of the Colorado constitution is no longer a crime in the State of Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana continues to be prohibited while a student is on campus, including in campus housing.

All individuals present at the time/location of the violation may be subject to sanctions.

The College will notify police when students are in possession of alcohol, marijuana, and/or other drugs in a residence hall room or any other location on campus. This procedure applies to all discipline levels including level one.

Philosophy of Enforcement

Northeastern Junior College will respond to all known incidents of alcohol possession on campus property or any college activity and any other violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Strictly punitive measures as required by law do not serve the needs of our students. Violations of the alcohol policy will be dealt with at the educational and behavioral change level first. The goal of the Alcohol/Drug Education Procedure is to inform, educate, and seek behavior change. The college assumes each student is developmentally normal and will respond to reasonable educational sanctions regarding alcohol use. The four-level education/intervention strategy provides appropriate assistance from the experimental user through the difficult chemical dependent level of addiction. Northeastern Junior College will abide by all laws while providing alcohol/drug education and will enforce appropriate disciplinary consequences of all alcohol and/or marijuana use.

Situations where excessive quantities of alcohol/marijuana are found may result in the disciplinary level/sanction being enforced at a higher level. A resident hall student who is in possession of a large amount of marijuana may face eviction from the residence halls.

A combination of alcohol, marijuana, and/or other drug offenses in a single incident will result in an increase in the sanction levels of any/all procedures.

Level One - Educational Sanctions

A student who has been reported for a first violation of the alcohol/marijuana policy will be required to complete the following educational sanctions (Note: Presence of paraphernalia or devices used to smoke marijuana is also considered a level one violation.)

1. Explanation of Procedure

A Residence Hall Director, Director of Residence Life, Student Guidance Coordinator, or Vice President of Student Services will review the procedure and will give the student the appropriate assessment to complete and turn into the Student Success Center staff. The student will be required to schedule an appointment with the Student Guidance Coordinator within 14 days of the report of the offense. The student has five days to complete an appeal through appropriate due process if deemed necessary.

2. Assessment of Need/Educational Sanctions

The student will be required to participate in an appointment with the Student Guidance Coordinator to determine if counseling assistance is needed and to discuss the results of the assessment. If the student lives on campus, they are required to meet with a Residence Hall Director (or an Assistant Hall Director, Director of Residence Life, or the Vice President of Student Services) to be assigned appropriate Educational Sanctions. Completion of all sanctions is required before any future enrollment at the college. The Vice President of Student Services or the Director of Residential Life will monitor the completion of all educational sanctions. A hold will be placed on the student account until the student has met with the Student Guidance Coordinator and completed the educational sanction. This hold will prevent the student from adding/dropping/withdrawing from classes. 

3. Disciplinary Probation

A student who has been reported for a first violation of the alcohol/marijuana procedure will be placed on Disciplinary Probation for thirty (30) days, beginning at the time the offense is reported. Additional violations during the warning period will cause the probation to increase two levels.

4. Community Service

The student will be required to complete supervised community service hours. The number of community service hours assigned will be determined by a Hall Director (or an Assistant Hall Director, Director of Residence Life, or the Vice President of Student Services).

Level Two - Alcohol/Drug Education Class

1. Assessment of Need

The student will be required to schedule an appointment with the NJC Student Guidance Coordinator. This needs to be scheduled within 14 days of the report of the offense. The student will be required to attend an Assessment appointment with NJC Student Success Services to determine if counseling assistance is needed and to complete an assessment. This assessment will take into consideration information regarding prior violation. Based on the assessment, the student may be required to complete additional counseling and assigned appropriate educational sanctions.

2. Alcohol/Drug Education Class

A student who has been reported for a second violation of the alcohol/marijuana procedure within four (4) enrolled semesters will be required to enroll in an Alcohol/Drug Education Class. This class addresses participant’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning alcohol and other drugs; encourages low risk decision making, positive life style changes and provides appropriate referral for those in need of further services. The student will be required to show proof of completion of this class prior to the next enrollment period. The student will pay the cost of the class. A hold will be placed on the student account until the student has met with the Student Guidance Coordinator and completed the educational sanction. This hold will prevent the student from adding/dropping/withdrawing from classes. 

3. Disciplinary Probation

A student who has been reported for a second violation of the alcohol/marijuana policy within four (4) enrolled semesters will be placed on Disciplinary Probation for sixty (60) days. Violations during the warning period will cause the probation to increase two levels.
Note: Disciplinary Probation may cause loss of NJC Scholarship support and/or loss of participation in any activity representing the college for the duration of the probation status.

4. Community Service

The student will be required to complete supervised community service hours. The number of community service hours assigned will be determined by a Hall Director (or an Assistant Hall Director, Director of Residence Life, or the Vice President of Student Services).

5. Parental Notification of Enrolled Students Under 21 years of age

The parents of a student, under 21 years of age that is reported for a Second Level Alcohol/Marijuana Violation may be notified within seven (7) days of the violation. This notification will include the report for the Level One or the first alcohol/marijuana violation. The parents of a student, under 21 years of age that is reported for a Third or Fourth Level Alcohol/Marijuana Violation may be notified within seven (7) days of the violation. This notification will include the report for all prior alcohol and drug violations.

Level Three - Professional Assessment and Alcohol/Drug Education Class

1. Chemical Assessment

A student who has been reported for a third alcohol/marijuana violation within four (4) enrolled semesters will be required to receive an individual alcohol/drug assessment by a certified chemical dependency counselor. The student will pay for the cost of this assessment. The assessment may include a series of chemical dependency tests that would direct personal strategies to avoid chronic alcohol/drug use. The chemical dependency counselor could recommend continued treatment and personal/social changes that would become a requirement to continue as a student. Should the counselor deem an Alcohol/Drug Education class as appropriate, the student will assume costs of assessment and continued treatment.

2. Extended Disciplinary Probation

A student who has been reported for a third violation of the alcohol/marijuana procedure within four (4) enrolled semesters will be placed on Disciplinary Probation for ninety (90) days. Violations during the warning period will cause the probation to increase two levels, which would cause suspension. See Level Four.

3. Community Service

The student will be required to complete supervised community service hours. The number of community service hours assigned will be determined by a Hall Director (or an Assistant Hall Director, Director of Residence Life, or the Vice President of Student Services).

Level Four - Chemical Dependency Treatment

1. Suspension for Further Assessment/Treatment Recommended

A student who has been reported for a fourth violation of the alcohol/marijuana procedure within four (4) enrolled semesters will be suspended from the report date until all required conditions are met for re-admittance. This suspension will be for the balance of the current enrolled semester and the following semester. 

2. Treatment Certification

The chemically dependent student will be required to receive a professional chemical assessment, encouraged to pursue substance abuse counseling and/or treatment, and submit an appeal for re-admission to be reviewed by the Vice President of Student Services. The student will be required to show proof of treatment

Northeastern Junior College will enforce the Alcohol and Drug Educational Sanctions for all enrolled students as written and we presume each student is developmentally normal and capable of responding to all reasonable sanctions. Northeastern Junior College is not a treatment facility for alcohol/drug abuse; we are an educational institution promoting responsible personal behaviors and understanding of alcohol/drug use through an effective and reasonable Alcohol/Drug Education Procedure.

Northeastern Junior College strives to educate students as well as preserve a positive educational environment for all learners and active participants in the learning process. In order to provide a consistent and fair judicial process for all students, the following policy is based upon four main criteria: 1. Repeat violations by the student; 2. By type of controlled substance (i.e. cocaine, heroin, meth.); 3. The amount of controlled substance present; 4. The possible intent of the violator to use or distribute.

Evidence of abuse of over the counter and prescription medications and herbal substances will be considered Substance Abuse violations and may result in eviction, suspension, or expulsion.

Controlled Substance/Other Drugs Violation: Judicial Levels

Level One - Private or Group Possession/Use

Level One is possession only with no intent to sell or distribute. With possession there may be other people present—either students or non-students. There may be intent to use the substance, or it may simply be in the presence of others. All persons present may be subject to the sanction. Amount and type of illegal substance in possession does not exceed a misdemeanor legal summons. An amount of controlled-illegal substance that is excessive beyond a misdemeanor level will cause Level Two or Level Three sanctions. Many substances are considered felony regardless of amount. In these instances, the sanctions will be those of Level Two or Level Three. Eviction may occur, as defined in Level Two.

Sanctions for Level One

An illegal possession will result in a police call for summons – always. This will require educational sanctions to be assigned and referral to NJC Student Guidance Coordinator for assessment of need. The student must schedule an appointment with the NJC Student Guidance Coordinator within 14 days of the report of the offense. The student will also be referred to an off-campus chemical counselor for an assessment at their own expense. Disciplinary Probation is for sixty (60) days. A repeat offense involving substance abuse within a four (4) semester time frame will result in a Level Three College Sanction of interim action.

Level Two – Private Group Possession/Use

Level Two is the second offense of what is stated above, in Level One.

Sanctions for Level Two

An illegal possession/use of a controlled substance will result in a police call for a summons – always. The college judicial action is immediate eviction (within 2 to 24 hours) and complete restriction from any residence hall and cafeteria. Disciplinary Probation is assigned for one (1) semester or ninety (90) days. A repeat offense involving a violation of substance abuse within a four (4) semester time frame will result in a Level Three College Sanction of interim action.

Level Three - Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute

Possession of an excessive amount is interpreted as intent to sell or distribute. There may have been observed behavior of selling or distributing of an illegal-controlled substance. This activity may be confined to one room or expanded to more than one area on campus. Amount and type of controlled substance exceeds the misdemeanor level.

Sanctions for Level Three

An illegal possession/use and distribution of a controlled substance will result in a police call for summons – always. The college judicial action is immediate eviction (within 2 hours) and an interim action from college, which may result in suspension following an investigation. As part of the interim action, complete removal from campus property will take place within two (2 hours) with police escort and total restriction from returning to campus until further notice.

Psychological Risks:

Some of the leading psychological risks of alcohol/drug use are:

• Lateness to work or class
• Temper tantrums
• Attendance problems
• Domestic violence
• Inattentive-short attention
• False confidence
• Sluggish physically
• Safety hazard
• Criminal activity to support abuse
• Distortion of reality
• Hallucinations
• Memory blackouts
• Hyperactive to depression
• Addiction
• Medical Risks

Some of the leading medical risks are:

• Damage to lungs
• Addiction
• Damage to reproductive system
• Malnutrition
• Damage to immune system
• Brain seizure
• Permanent loss of brain function
• Overdose-death
• Serious kidney/liver damage

Drug/Alcohol Treatment:

Northeastern Junior College encourages all students who have identified drug or alcohol problems to seek rehabilitation treatment before disciplinary sanctions must be implemented as outlined in the student procedures. Most treatment programs which are supervised by professional doctors and psychologists are covered under most student health insurance programs. Students may receive on-campus assistance from the NJC Student Success Office, phone 521-6663.

Local Resources:

Northeastern Junior Student Success Center and the NJC Student Guidance Coordinator – 970-521-6663
NJC has a professional Student Guidance Coordinator trained in drug/alcohol and behavior intervention. This center is a first step in determining the needed support and resources for an individual’s problem with alcohol or drug education. Consultation and referrals to other agencies and treatment programs are made.

Centennial Mental Health
General treatment and alcohol/drug treatment programs.
211 West Main Street
Sterling, CO 80751
970-522-4392 (24 hours)

CMH provides comprehensive community based mental health services consisting of outpatient clinic, partial care, residential, inpatient, consultation, and education. Centennial also provides crisis and emergency intervention services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They also provide Level II and III Alcohol Education Therapy groups to DUI offenders and court referrals. In addition, they offer volunteer outpatient services and referrals for individuals seeking treatment for alcohol and drug related problems.

Centennial Mental Health

General treatment and alcohol/drug treatment programs

211 West Main Street
Sterling, CO  80751

970-522-4392 (24 hours)

CMH provides comprehensive community based mental health services consisting of outpatient clinic, partial care, residential, inpatient, consultation, and education.  Centennial also provides crisis and emergency intervention services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They also provide Level II and III Alcohol Education Therapy groups to DUI drivers and court referrals. In addition, they offer volunteer outpatient services and referrals for persons seeking treatment for alcohol and drug related problems.

Alcoholics Anonymous Groups

Alcoholic Anonymous Groups

1325 North 7^th Street

Sterling, CO 80751

www.aa.org

970-522-4538

AA and AI Anon meetings are held several times a week. These serve as support groups for people desiring to stop drinking as well as for family and friends.

Advocates for Recovery

Advocates for Recovery

216 N 3^rd Street

Sterling, CO 80751

970-425-2258

www.advocatesforrecovery.org

Advocates for Recovery is a non-profit organization that supports all avenues of recovery. It focuses on peer support and provides weekly peer-guided recovery meetings and sober events to the community.

State of Colorado Resources:

Colorado Mental Health Line (formerly Colorado Crisis Line)

1-844-493-TALK

Call or text 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support

Live chat available online at www.988Colorado.com (English and Spanish)

The college conducts biennial reviews to determine program effectiveness, to show if procedures implemented need changes, and to ensure disciplinary sanctions are enforced fairly and consistently.

Strengths

The high level of involvement in student activities on an alcohol-free campus. Enforcement of AOD policies as well as educational follow up efforts as part of the disciplinary process. Educational programs are delivered to the campus throughout the year.  

In response to the Opioid crisis, units of Narcan have been placed in all instructional buildings and residence halls. RA’s have been trained in the use of Narcan.

Northeastern Junior College now receives bulk shipments of Naloxone HCL from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDHPE). Narcan is placed strategically across campus and is free of charge to all patrons while supplies remain.

Northeastern Junior College displays informational posters across campus to inform students about the dangers of opioid drugs, counterfeit medications, and drug abuse. 

In 2024, Northeastern Junior College conducted a tabletop exercise about student deaths as a result of opioid abuse. This exercise included first responders from the City of Sterling and Logan County communities. 

Student leaders, Resident Assistants, and Associated Student Government officers, routinely plan and execute student programming centered around AOD behavior changes. These programs include programs around student drinking habits, drinking and driving education, and safe alternatives to college party trends. NJC is part of the Colorado Alcohol and Drug Educators (CADE) cohort and is actively promoting a social norming campaign around alcohol and illicit drug use.

We have a personal campus community where faculty and staff interact often with students. Second time disciplinary infractions are low. We offer many social events for residential and commuter students. These activities serve as a viable alternative to drinking events held elsewhere in the community.

We have also completed the installation of outdoor security cameras across campus, which serve as a deterrent to drug and alcohol illegal activity. Additionally, our campus lighting has been significantly improved in recent years, including the addition of some LED lights. NJC has a strong and active Safety and Security Committee, chaired by our Director of Safety and Emergency Management. Several local law enforcement agencies have active representation on this committee.

NJC now tracks our student activities using the eRezLife platform.

Challenges

There continues to be alcohol purchases made for minors by others in the community; there is a need to continue to offer more alternative social events for students on campus. We have no formal campus security, and we need to enhance security efforts in parking areas to assist with prohibition of alcohol/drug use. Some alcohol consumption and driving occur at parties off campus. Additionally, the college needs to increase hours of operations (evenings and weekends) for popular student spaces (Library, Pete's Retreat, Fitness Center).

Also, of concern are new "grey market" drugs - Kratom and 7-OH - that are reportedly seeing increased use on college campuses around the United States including Colorado. While Northeastern Junior College has not had any documented cases of Kratum or 7-OH use or abuse, we must take a proactive approach in educating the campus regarding the associated dangers.

1. Northeastern Junior College will continue utilizing work-study nighttime grounds and safety monitors to help deter AOD use among students at night.
2. Northeastern Junior College will work closely with State of Colorado partners such as CIAC to stay informed and educated on the implementation of effective substance abuse prevention efforts.
3. Northeastern Junior College will partner with Colorado School of Public Health at University of Northern Colorado as a research site to study the longitudinal respiratory health impacts of vaping and multi-inhalant use behaviors in young adults.
4. Northeastern Junior College will continue the pursuance and renewal of the CADE grant to conduct a multi-year social norming campaign specific to the student population of NJC.
5. Additional educational programming is always needed: pro-health messages/posters around campus; social media blitzes.
6. Northeastern Junior College will continue to work closely with the Sterling Police Department to monitor how alcohol and illicit drugs may pose a threat to the campus.

NJC abides by a “zero tolerance” policy for drugs and alcohol. The NJC policy for Drug Free and Alcohol-Free Campus is included in the current Student Handbook and is made available to all students and staff on the NJC website or in hardcopy upon request. The college does not allow the possession, consumption, or sale of alcohol or drugs on campus or at any college sponsored events. “Under the Influence,” where a person has detectable signs of using alcohol or drugs, will be considered a college violation. Any student under the legal age will be subject to the educational sanctions required by the college. Do not bring drugs or alcohol onto the campus and do not come to the campus under the influence. For assistance call the Director of Safety and Security Management at (970) 521-6663.

The Student Services Division at NJC provides the alcohol and drug education program for the campus community. The philosophy behind the program is threefold: education, intervention, and prevention. The purpose is to educate the campus community about responsible behaviors regarding to alcohol and drugs, to intervene when alcohol and/or drug use interferes with a healthy lifestyle, and to offer lifestyle options that prevent the onset of problems that can result from irresponsible use of alcohol and use of drugs.

In addition, housing regulations at NJC prohibit the use and/or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs in college housing. The alcohol and drug education program incorporates a component that addresses this regulation and serves as part of the disciplinary and education procedure for students who violate this policy.

The Student Success Center and Student Life departments work closely to deliver education and prevention programs:

• The NJC Alcohol and Drug Policy is discussed during small group orientation sessions at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, and in freshman seminar classes.
• The Student Handbook, including the drug and alcohol policies and procedures, is posted on the NJC website. 
• Post-card sized documents with the alcohol and drug policy are distributed across campus (education buildings, residence halls, library, Student Center).
• The Alcohol-Wise and Cannabis-Wise on line programs are required for each new student. Alcohol-Wise is a brief alcohol abuse prevention program. Students are to complete it during the summer months before they arrive for New Student Orientation. In academic year 2024-2025, Alcohol-Wise had a 90% completion rate and Cannabis-Wise had an 87% completion rate. In academic year 2025-2026, Alcohol-Wise had a 92% completion rate and Cannabis-Wise had a 91% completion rate.
• Offered as a new student resource in the fall of 2026, 360Proof is a confidential and free personalized survey whereby students can learn about and obtain feedback about their alcohol drinking habits.
• During mandatory floor meetings, the RA’s and the Hall Directors explain the NJC Alcohol and Drug policy to residents.
• When students are referred for alcohol and/or drug violations, part of the sanction is a mandatory meeting with the NJC Student Guidance Coordinator. During this meeting, the Student Guidance Coordinator and the student discuss the incident, as well as the role and affect that alcohol and/or drugs have in the student’s life.
• With a Level I and a Level II Alcohol Sanction, students complete a written assessment of need. The results of this assessment are discussed with the student during the meeting with the Student Guidance Coordinator. If it is determined that additional counseling may be required, the student is referred to outside alcohol counseling service providers.
• With a Level I and a Level II Drug Sanction, students complete a written assessment of need. The results of this assessment are discussed with the student during the meeting with the Student Guidance Coordinator. If it is determined that additional counseling may be required, the student is referred to outside drug counseling service providers.
• NJC Residence Life staff make presentations in residence halls throughout the year. Impaired driving and Alcohol Poisoning are topics that are regularly covered and discussed with NJC residents, as well as cannabis programming, and presentations about social norming and healthy alternatives.
• Referral: Should a student, faculty, or staff member exhibit maladjusted behaviors involving the use of alcohol and/or other drugs that warrant more intensive therapy beyond our program, a recommendation is made to contact one of the local counseling agencies. Under circumstances where the policy has been violated, the college may require referral to an alcohol and/or drug rehabilitation program. Finally, under circumstances where an individual is perceived to be a danger to himself/herself or others because of alcohol and/or drug use, the college reserves the right to refer the individual to the appropriate treatment facility or agency.
• The NJC CARE Team reviews referrals on students who have been reported for having alcohol and/or drug concerns. The CARE Team follows the assessment protocols as taught by NABITA.