Substance & Alcohol Abuse

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Oak Valley College provides extensive education and information programs to prevent substance (drug) and alcohol abuse. No alcohol is allowed on campus or at any College sanctioned event. If you are made aware of substance (drug) or alcohol use on campus, please notify the President’s Office or Dean immediately.

Getting Help: Substance (drug) or alcohol abuse may be an affliction, similar to many other types of disease or illness. Individuals struggling with substance or alcohol abuse are encouraged to seek help, and the campus community will treat such individuals with compassion, understanding, and a degree of confidentiality. There are many free or low cost programs available to students and staff. If you are battling a substance or alcohol abuse problem, seek help. You may find support here - https://www.freerehabcenters.org/ or you may talk with your advisor, the Dean, request services or advice from the President’s office.

The College recognizes that substance or alcohol abuse may be indicative of other problems including anxiety, depression, and isolation.  Counseling and off-campus referrals for students in need are available through the President’s office. For employees, the Employee and Faculty manual includes a “Drug-Free Workplace Policy.” 

The College is governed by and supports local, state, and federal laws regarding the use, possession and sales/furnishing of alcohol and/or controlled substances. Any person found responsible for illegal possession, distribution and/or consumption of any controlled substance, including alcohol, will be subject to disciplinary action by the University. In addition, violators may be subject to criminal prosecution, fines and/or imprisonment by civil authorities. The legal drinking age in California is 21. State law deals strongly with underage alcohol possession and drinking. It is a crime to furnish alcohol to underage individuals, consume or possess an open alcohol beverage in public.  Students located in an area open to the public who are determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance or intoxicated to the extent that they cannot care for their safety will be turned over to the Rialto Police Department.

RESOURCES

Students, at any time, may talk with any Professor of Theology, Dean, or President’s Office regarding substance (drug) or alcohol abuse concerns. These individuals are trained to provide support and are able to refer students to professional counseling, church (e.g. Celebrate Recovery), or other related resources. You may also call 909-554-3814 or email info@oakvalleycollege.org to request more information. Every effort will be made to maintain strict confidentiality about your specific concerns.

Additionally, Oak Valley maintains a list of Christian counseling services in the local area.

Genesis Counseling (San Bernardino and High Desert) - (909) 890-2299

Nichoel Kimmerle (Redlands) - (951) 858-8416

Valente (Ontario) - (909) 771-8023

Finally, the government maintains a 24/7 hotline and other resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or 800-662-HELP (4357)

NOTIFICATION GUIDELINES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information about this policy is circulated to students at New Student Orientation and is distributed to employees during employee orientation and at the time of New Student Orientation each year. The policy is reviewed, annually, on or before August 1.

As stated above, Oak Valley maintains an alcohol free campus, and all campus related activities must be alcohol free. Alcohol is strictly forbidden on the campus.

While Oak Valley policies do not dictate that moderate consumption of alcohol is a sin, the Bible is very clear that the excessive use and abuse of alcohol is sinful (Ephesians 5:18, I Corinthians 6:10). Additionally, alcohol and the college community can be a destructive combination; in fact, the majority of crimes on college campuses are alcohol or drug related.

As an educational institution, the college strives to foster a healthy and responsible view of alcohol. If students who are of legal age decide to drink off-campus, they must drink responsibly. Responsible drinking includes:

  • Limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels and holding each other accountable for responsible drinking

  • Arranging transportation or a designated driver to ensure safety of all involved

  • Being sensitive to those in our community who have convictions about alcohol use (I Corinthians 10:31-32)

Irresponsible drinking includes:

  • Drinking to Excess (Drunkenness)*

  • Providing or offering alcohol to underage individuals

  • Creating a tempting environment where underage students or others feel pressured to drink**

  • Driving after Drinking***

*While drunkenness varies for each person and each situation, a few indicators of intoxication include: dulled senses, spinning vision, impaired coordination, memory lapses, altered perceptions, and a lack of inhibitions. If you are experiencing any of these indicators after drinking alcohol, then you have had too much. **Students who feel like alcohol is a personal area of weakness should speak with a member of the Student Life staff to establish a plan of accountability and assistance. ***While a blood alcohol level exceeding .08% is illegal, driving after having only one drink may be irresponsible.