Health
Drug or alcohol abuse can contribute to serious health problems affecting major body systems.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
Biennial Review
Section I
Introduction
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act
In 1989, amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act required institutions of higher education to design and implement campus-wide programs to curb the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
The Blinn College District has adopted written policies prohibiting alcohol and illicit drugs on campus. These policies are distributed to students and employees each year and include information regarding federal, state, and local sanctions; health risks associated with controlled substances; and programs available to students and employees.
The law also requires institutions of higher education to conduct a biennial review of their Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP). This report reviews the Blinn College District's DAAPP for fiscal years 2024–25 and 2025–26.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, the College District also produces an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
The biennial review occurred between May 18, 2026, and July 20, 2026. During the review, the College District evaluated program elements to determine whether the DAAPP was meeting student needs and conforming to federal guidelines.
Biennial Review Committee
- Dr. Kenneth Masenda, Dean of Student Engagement
- John Chancellor, Chief of Police
- Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor of Student Services
- Dr. Adrienne Mccain, Dean of Title IX, Student Conduct
- George Guajardo, Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness
- Jessica Brisco, Coordinator of Student Conduct and Title IX Investigator
- Tiffany Jenkins, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Services
- Jennifer Taylor, Assistant Police Chief and Director of Emergency Management
- Leigha Schubert, Acting Senior Director, Human Resources
- Ryan Miller, Director of Student Leadership and Activities
- Peter Rivera, Director of Student Leadership and Activities
- Ashley Youngs, Director of Housing
- Samantha Johnson, Director of Disability Services and Counseling
- Sophia Polk, Director of Disability Services
Section II
Program Elements
The Blinn College District is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, employees, and visitors and to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment.
Students and employees are encouraged to understand the College District's drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs and its compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989.
Elements of the DAAPP
- College District policies
- Communicating policies and consequences to students and employees
- Awareness activities
- Resources and support
- Offices responsible
- Review of violations and penalties
A. College District Policies
The Blinn College District complies with local, state, and federal laws and penalties regarding the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol. College District policies prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances on College District premises.
Policies related to illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco include DH(LOCAL), DI(LOCAL), FLBE(LOCAL), and GDA(LOCAL).
Complete current versions of these policies are provided in the Supporting Policies section rather than reproduced as screenshots.
Employee Standards of Conduct
College District employees are prohibited from using, possessing, controlling, manufacturing, transmitting, distributing, dispensing, selling, or being under the influence of prohibited controlled substances, dangerous drugs, alcohol, inhalants, performance-enhancing substances, designer drugs, or other intoxicating or behavior-altering substances while conducting College District business or while on College District property or at College District-related activities.
Drug-Free Awareness Program
The College District maintains a drug-free environment and provides employees information about the dangers of drug use and abuse, College District policy, counseling and rehabilitation programs, and penalties for violations.
Student Conduct
Students may not possess, use, control, manufacture, transmit, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of prohibited substances on College District property, in College District vehicles, or at College District-related activities.
Disciplinary action may include counseling or rehabilitation referrals, suspension, expulsion, student assistance programs, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials.
Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Environment
The College District maintains a smoke- and tobacco-free environment across College District facilities, buildings, grounds, and vehicles.
B. Communicating Policies and Consequences
The drug-free workplace notice is provided to employees when they begin employment and once per year thereafter. Students receive information about College District policies related to alcohol and illicit drugs during new student orientation and through email notification.
Students and employees also receive information about health, social, financial, legal, academic, and workplace consequences associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
Social
Excessive alcohol or drug use may cause tension, embarrassment, and other social consequences.
Finances
Drug or alcohol abuse may lead to financial problems through overspending and neglect of personal finances.
Relationships
Families and personal relationships may experience emotional and economic disruption.
Class Performance
Academic performance may become erratic and may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Work Performance
Abuse may contribute to deterioration in work performance and workplace relationships.
Program Activities
C. Awareness Activities
The College District uses a variety of programs, partnerships, communications, and student activities to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
Athletics
Student-athletes receive information on drug and alcohol policies, resources, penalties, and drug testing.
Community Partners
BVCASA and other community organizations share information and resources with students.
CASAP
The Community Alcohol & Substance Awareness Partnership meets regularly to evaluate programming and plan activities.
Community Resource Fairs
Community organizations connect students with available services at the beginning of semesters.
Disability Services and Counseling
Counseling staff provide mental-health resources, presentations, and event support.
Drug and Alcohol Resource Website
The College District maintains an online drug and alcohol abuse prevention resource site.
Human Resources
Employees receive annual communication concerning College District policy and the dangers of alcohol and illicit drugs.
New Student Registration
Required orientation modules include information about Title IX, suicide prevention, and drug and alcohol resources.
Residential Life
Residents receive information about alcohol and drug policies, resources, and penalties during required floor meetings and programming.
Safe Spring Break
Brenham, Bryan, and RELLIS host activities focused on risk awareness and the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
Schulenburg and Sealy
Because of smaller and largely part-time student populations, drug and alcohol information is provided through classroom-based outreach.
Sexual Assault Awareness
Title IX and Student Conduct programming includes education regarding the role alcohol and drug use can play in sexual assault.
Exhibit 1: Alcohol & Drug Survey, 2025
In Spring 2025, the College District surveyed 13,728 students. Twenty-four students responded, for a response rate of 0.17%.
- 12.5% of respondents reported drinking five or more alcoholic beverages during the prior two weeks.
- 75% reported no alcohol use during the previous 30 days.
- 87.5% reported no tobacco use.
- 87.5% reported no marijuana use.
- 100% reported no stimulant use.
- 100% reported no sedative use.
- 100% reported no opioid pain medication use.
- 100% reported no other illegal drug use.
Recommendation
Additional survey responses are needed to provide clear recommendations. The College District plans to work with Institutional Research & Effectiveness to identify ways to increase participation.
Exhibit 2: Alcohol & Drug Survey, 2026
In Spring 2026, the College District surveyed 14,014 students. A total of 115 students responded, producing a response rate of 0.82%.
- Almost 75% of respondents had not consumed alcohol during the two weeks before taking the survey.
- Nearly 30% reported never having alcohol.
- Nearly 60% reported never having tobacco.
- Nearly 65% reported never having marijuana.
- Students perceived peer use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana to be higher than reported usage.
- Approximately 37% reported a family history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Recommendations
Most participants knew that the College District has policies concerning alcohol and drugs. Continued promotion and enforcement of these policies is recommended.
A larger survey response rate would provide stronger information for future recommendations.
New and Continuing Activities
- Alcohol awareness bulletin boards in residence halls
- Alcohol awareness programs in each residence hall
- Title IX and Student Conduct awareness exhibits
- Annual employee communications
- Annual student notification campaigns
- Semester student discipline reviews
- Residential Life presentations
- Athletic presentations
- Mental-health resources and counseling promotion
- Drug and alcohol policy reviews with organization advisors
- Alcohol awareness and prescription drug misuse programs
- National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
- Community Resource Fairs
- Safe Spring Break activities
Support
D. Resources and Support
Resources and support are available to students and employees who may be struggling with chemical dependency.
The College District provides counseling information and additional resources for students and employees at:
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Resources
Employee Resources
Full-time employees enrolled in the Health Select insurance plan have access to resources addressing issues that include:
- Alcohol abuse
- Anger management
- Anxiety and stress
- Compulsive spending or gambling
- Coping with grief and loss
- Depression
- Domestic violence
- Drug abuse
- Eating disorders
- Medication management
E. Offices Responsible
- Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services
- Student Engagement
- Academic Advising and Testing
- Disability Services and Counseling
- Title IX and Student Conduct
- Health Clinic
- Student Leadership and Activities
- Housing and Residence Life
- College District Police
- Human Resources
Compliance Review
F. Review of Violations and Penalties
Employees
The College District reviewed employee drug and alcohol policies, procedures, and sanctions for FY2024–25 and FY2025–26 and determined that they meet institutional needs.
Students
The College District reviewed student drug and alcohol policies, procedures, and sanctions for FY2024–25 and FY2025–26.
106
Alcohol-related incidents during the biennium.
80
Drug-related incidents during the biennium.
Alcohol- and drug-related incidents decreased in FY2025–26 compared with the previous year. Students found responsible were assigned sanctions that could include disciplinary points, prevention education, counseling referrals, written assignments, removal from housing, or other disciplinary action.
| Violation Type |
Level 1 Up to 2 points |
Level 2 Up to 4 points |
Level 3 Up to 6 points |
Level 4 Expulsion / Removal from Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Violations |
|
|
|
|
| Drug Violations |
|
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|
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Appendix
Supporting Policies and Employee Information
Supporting College District Policies
The following current College District policies support the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program. These authoritative online versions replace the policy screenshots that appeared in the original PDF appendix.
A Drug Free College
Information for Employees Regarding Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
Blinn College District Policy Statement on Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse
The institution is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment. Compliance with College District Board Policy and Administrative Regulations is a condition of employment and enrollment. Individuals are responsible for understanding and adhering to all applicable policies, regulations, and laws.
In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Drug Prevention Program Certification, the Blinn College District has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees on school premises or as part of College activities.
Board Policies
The College District prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances as defined in state and federal law, either in the workplace or at any school-related event.
Employees who violate these prohibitions may be referred to counseling or rehabilitation programs or may be terminated from employment. Disciplinary action is imposed in accordance with College policies and procedures.
Standards of Conduct
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances and alcohol is strictly prohibited on College property or as part of any College activity.
Employees and students are required to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and College policies. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion and may also result in criminal prosecution.
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can impair judgment, coordination, reaction time, learning, memory, workplace safety, and health. Heavy or prolonged use may result in dependence, withdrawal symptoms, liver disease, brain impairment, respiratory depression, or death.
Tobacco and Nicotine
Tobacco use is a leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death and is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, pregnancy complications, and nicotine dependence.
Designer Drugs
Synthetic substances may have unknown potency and composition, increasing the risks of contamination, overdose, respiratory depression, hallucinations, confusion, neurological harm, and death.
Cocaine
Cocaine use can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and may cause cardiac arrest, stroke, respiratory failure, dependence, anxiety, paranoia, seizures, and other serious effects.
Other Stimulants
Stimulants may cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, sleeplessness, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, tremors, stroke, heart failure, hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia.
Anabolic Steroids
Misuse can affect the liver, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, mood, and behavior and may contribute to heart attack, stroke, infertility, or irreversible physical changes.
Narcotics / Opioids
Narcotics may cause euphoria followed by drowsiness, nausea, slowed breathing, dependence, overdose, coma, or death. Injection use also increases the risk of infectious disease.
Marijuana
Marijuana may affect memory, attention, judgment, coordination, learning, and concentration and may contribute to anxiety, paranoia, respiratory irritation, tolerance, and psychological dependence.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes and may cause hallucinations, panic, confusion, anxiety, flashbacks, memory impairment, seizures, or coma.
Depressants
Depressants can impair coordination and judgment. High doses may cause respiratory depression, coma, or death, especially when combined with alcohol.
Inhalants
Inhalants may cause impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, brain or nervous system damage, liver injury, respiratory failure, or death.
College Penalties for Prohibited Conduct Related to Drugs and Alcohol
Employees found in violation of local, state, or federal law regarding the use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or other drugs may receive the applicable legal penalty in addition to College disciplinary action.
Counseling Referrals
Blinn College Counseling Services maintains a referral list of treatment centers and healthcare providers. Confidentiality is maintained.
Area resources are available through the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Resources page .
For immediate assistance, individuals may contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Criminal Penalties Under State and Federal Law
Penalties vary based on circumstances, prior convictions, quantity and type of substance, and other aggravating factors.
Federal Law — General Penalty Guidelines
| Offense | General Penalty |
|---|---|
| Manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances | Mandatory minimum sentences may apply, with maximum penalties up to life imprisonment and fines of up to $10 million for individuals. |
| Simple possession of controlled substances | A first offense may result in up to one year of imprisonment and a minimum fine of $1,000. Subsequent offenses may result in increased penalties. |
| Operation of a common carrier under the influence | May result in imprisonment of up to 15 years, fines, or both. |
Texas Law — Controlled Substances
| Level of Offense | Imprisonment | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years | Up to $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years | Up to $10,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life | Up to $10,000 |
Marijuana Offenses
| Amount | Imprisonment | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Small amounts — 2 ounces or less | Up to 180 days | Up to $2,000 |
| Larger quantities — felony offenses | 180 days to life | Up to $10,000 |
Driving While Intoxicated
| Offense | Imprisonment | Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Up to 180 days | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year |
| Second | Up to 1 year | Up to $4,000 | Up to 2 years |
| Third | 2 to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Up to 2 years |
Other Alcohol-Related Offenses
- DUI — minors: fine up to $500, community service, and driver's license suspension.
- Public intoxication: fine up to $500.
- Alcohol violations by minors: fine up to $500, community service, and driver's license suspension.
- Furnishing alcohol to a minor: fine up to $4,000, jail up to one year, or both.
Annual Employee Communications
The following communications document the annual distribution of drug- and alcohol-related information to College District employees.
March 4, 2024
- To
- All Employees
- From
- Human Resources
- Subject
- Drug and Alcohol Free College
Employees were directed to information concerning the Drug Free Schools & College Prevention Program and the applicable College District policies.
March 3, 2025
- To
- All Employees
- From
- Human Resources
- Subject
- Drug and Alcohol Free College
Employees were directed to information concerning the Drug Free Schools & College Prevention Program and the applicable College District policies.
March 2, 2026
- To
- All Employees
- From
- Human Resources
- Subject
- Drug and Alcohol Free College
Employees were directed to information concerning the Drug Free Schools & College Prevention Program and the applicable College District policies.