I. Alcohol Policy
Section A: Cuesta College Expectations of Behavior
Cuesta College recognizes that alcohol can be consumed in a responsible and legal manner and has identified expectations of behavior that support the safe and legal consumption of alcohol. Any student who consumes alcohol retains responsibility for any violation of the College’s Code of Student Conduct. The Vice President of Student Services Office is responsible for the clarification, interpretation and implementation of the alcohol policy.
Section B: California State Alcoholic Beverage Laws and Penalties
All colleges must abide by state and local laws and all campus policies reflect the application of law to college life. The laws of the State of California specify that people under the age of 21 may not consume, possess or distribute alcohol. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to sell, furnish or give any alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21. Minors who use false identification in order to obtain alcoholic beverages are guilty of a misdemeanor. In compliance with state and local laws, Cuesta College prohibits the illegal use of alcohol on College property and as part of any College-sponsored activity.
Cuesta College does not shield its students from the law or from the consequences of their own behavior. Violations of California law, even within regularly scheduled College facilities, occur at the risk of the individuals and are not the responsibility of the College. The College does not, cannot, and should not serve as a haven from law enforcement agencies.
California laws regarding the use of alcoholic beverages are highlighted here. The laws are abbreviated for general use and may not cover all situations. It is the responsibility of the server or consumer of alcoholic beverages to be aware of, and abide by, all state and local ordinances.
Most common offenses and penalties are:
II. Drug Policy
Federal and state statutes specify that persons involved in the use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs* are liable to criminal action, including arrest, fine, and imprisonment. Cuesta College fully supports these laws by prohibiting the possession, use, sale, and/or distribution of illegal drugs on campus.
* "Illegal Drugs" refers to "Controlled Substances" as defined in Schedules I through V, section 22 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 812) and also found in the Health and Safety Code Section 11054-11058.
Section A: General Guidelines
Section B: Cuesta College Expectations of Behavior
Section C: Drug Offenses and Penalties
The Federal Controlled Substances Act provides penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000 for unlawful distribution or possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs. For the unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a person is subject to up to one year of imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. Any person who unlawfully distributes a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one years of age may be punished by up to twice the term of imprisonment and fined otherwise authorized by law.
The unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacturing, or dispensing of illegal drugs is prohibited by Cuesta College. Criminal Sanctions under California Law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol include the following:
August 7, 2024
August 12, 2024
September 2, 2024