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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP)

DAAPP Contents

Compliance with Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)

The college adheres to the DFSCA requirements. Every year, we distribute a written notification that includes the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP) guide to all employees and students in our technical education programs, including high school dual-enrollment students.

To ensure that everyone is informed, we provide clear instructions on how to access this information online. New students learn to find this guide during their orientation, while employees receive this information during their onboarding process. For ongoing reference, the DAAPP guide is accessible on the Orange Technical College Campus Safety Hub.

The following areas will be addressed within this Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) guide:

  1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees;
  2. A list of applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, or local law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol;
  3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
  4. A list of any drug and alcohol programs (counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry) that are available to employees or students;
  5. A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state, and federal law), a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violation of the standards of conduct.

Introduction to Orange Technical College

Orange Technical College (OTC) is an Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) institution with several campuses in Central Florida: Apopka, Avalon, Eatonville, East, Main, South, and West Campuses. OTC is part of the eighth-largest school district in the nation and the fourth-largest in Florida.

As a public education leader, OTC adheres to the Department of Education requirements for the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) Amendments of 1989 (34 CFR § 86.100). The Clery Act and DFSCA laws are enforced, and administered by the Federal Student Aid, an office of the United States Department of Education. DFSCA, like the Clery Act, requires institutions that accept Title IV funding (financial aid) to provide drug and alcohol prevention and education to new students and employees of the college.

I. Our Commitment to a Drug-Free Environment: Standards of Conduct

All OCPS employees, including those affiliated with OTC and its students, are required to follow strict rules against the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol on school property or during school activities. Manufacturing, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances or alcohol is prohibited within OCPS, on its premises, or at any OCPS events.

Violating these rules can lead to serious consequences, including expulsion or termination. It may also result in legal action in accordance with local, state, and federal laws (Code of Student Conduct, 2025).

The Board believes the use and promotion of commercial tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, on Board property or at off-campus school-sponsored events, is harmful to the health of students and staff. This belief aligns with the Board's policy (ADC, 2020), which designates all OCPS campuses, including technical colleges, as tobacco-free zones.

A. Students

The School Board of Orange County, Florida policies, including the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, OTC Disciplinary Response Code, and the OTC Catalog, apply to dual enrollment and adult students.

Students must follow local, state, and federal laws, as outlined in the OCPS Student Code of Conduct. This code explicitly states that unlawfully concealing stolen or illegal property, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs is prohibited.

Attendance at classes or school activities while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol is not allowed, and any violation of this rule will lead to disciplinary action.

However, an exception is noted in School Board Policy JICH (2009) regarding felonies, drug use, and alcohol violations by students. This policy states that students who are in possession of, using, or under the influence of a controlled substance that has been prescribed to them by a licensed physician will not be subject to this rule.

B. Employees

All OCPS employees, including those associated with OTC, must adhere to Orange County School Board Policy GBEC—Drug-Free Workplace (2016).

This policy states that “no employee is permitted to use, possess, manufacture, distribute, or be under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol while on duty or on property owned or operated by the Board.”

The only exception is if an employee is using a controlled substance in accordance with a physician's instructions. Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, including termination and/or referral for criminal prosecution.

II. Facing the Law: Understanding the Legal Consequences of Drugs and Alcohol

A student or employee's violation of any of these policies may result in disciplinary action, may lead to a termination or expulsion including referral for prosecution in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

It is important for all students, faculty, and staff to understand that the illegal use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of drugs or alcohol is treated as a serious crime by federal, state, and local laws. Such violations may lead to imprisonment, fines, and/or community service.

Additionally, felony convictions and certain other offenses can hinder your ability to enter many fields of employment or professions. These convictions may also need to be disclosed on applications for jobs or admission to graduate or professional schools.

Alcohol Law Penalties

The legal drinking age in all 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia is 21. The legal drinking age in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam is 18.

Persons under the legal drinking age who purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages may face fines or imprisonment depending on state law (World Population Review, 2024). Persons who knowingly furnish alcohol to persons under the age of 21 are also subject to fines or imprisonment (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2023).

Federal Drug Laws

According to the Trade Commission (n.d.), in the U.S, some states may have limited exceptions for lawful employment, religious activities, parental, guardian, or spousal.

For more information about the laws in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, visit the Alcohol Policy Information System, a project of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

The federal legal sanctions for illegal drug possession, use, or distribution are prohibited by federal law. Strict drug penalties, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. Prison sentences can significantly increase in cases involving death or serious bodily injury.

According to the United States Sentencing Commission (2024), recent federal drug trafficking cases in the U.S. often involve a variety of substances, with a significant focus on fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Other Commonly Trafficked Drugs

Drug Overview
Cocaine Remains a popular drug, particularly in urban areas.
Heroin While less prevalent than in the past, heroin continues to be a concern, especially in some communities.
Marijuana Although legal in some states, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level and is still subject to trafficking.
Synthetic drugs These include substances like synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) and synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., “spice”), which pose significant health risks.

It's important to note that drug trafficking trends can change rapidly, and new substances may emerge. Law enforcement agencies continuously monitor these trends and work to disrupt drug trafficking organizations.

Federal Penalties

The federal penalties for drug trafficking vary depending on the specific drug, the quantity involved, and whether the offense results in death or serious bodily injury.

Drug Penalty Summary
Cocaine Range from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the quantity.
Heroin Range from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the quantity.
Marijuana Range from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the quantity and whether the offense involves trafficking across state lines.
Fentanyl Range from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the quantity.
Methamphetamine Penalties range from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the quantity.

The specific penalties for a case can vary based on factors such as the defendant's criminal history, their level of involvement in the crime, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

For more comprehensive information regarding federal drug trafficking penalties, refer to the DEA Federal Trafficking Penalties resource.

State of Florida

Federal law sets stricter prison sentences for the manufacture and distribution of drugs if death or serious injury results from substance use.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means.

  • A violation of Florida law for the possession, use and/or sale of narcotics and/or other illicit drugs includes imprisonment in the county jail or state prison for up to thirty years, plus fines up to $10,000.
  • A violation of Florida law for the unlawful sale or furnishing of alcohol may include imprisonment for up to one year, plus fines and penalties.
  • A violation of Florida law for the use of alcohol by obviously intoxicated individuals will vary with the particular circumstances, but may include substantial fines and penalties. Additionally, minors (those less than 18 years of age) arrested for violations concerning the use of alcohol run the risk of having their driving privileges suspended or revoked.
  • Florida laws (directed to discourage persons from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) have severe penalties, including mandatory minimum incarceration sentences.
  • Other sanctions include: Suspension or revocation of driver's license; Suspension of a vehicle registration and the return of license plates, for a multiple offender; Mandatory blood testing to determine alcohol or drugs levels; mandated assessment and counseling; and fines.

Under Florida State law, it is illegal to sell, manufacture, deliver, or possess a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of schools and colleges. This law is known as the “Drug-Free Zone laws. There are severe penalties for violating the Florida Drug-Free Zone laws due to this statute. Depending on the jurisdiction, these violations are subject to additional penalties in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., (Florida Senate, 2012).

Local

Orange County has specific ordinances regarding alcohol and illegal drugs, primarily focusing on public consumption, underage drinking, and the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21. These ordinances aim to maintain public safety and order.

Penalties for violations can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, Orange County has implemented stricter regulations on after-hours clubs and bars, increasing penalties for illegal alcohol to curb related criminal activity. The Orange County Code of Ordinances (n.d.) provides detailed information on specific ordinances and penalties.

III. The Hidden Dangers: Understanding the Health Risks of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Illicit drug and alcohol use can pose both short and long-term health risks. Short-term effects include impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can lead to accidents, injuries, and risky behaviors.

The long-term consequences can be even more severe, potentially damaging vital organs and increasing the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, liver disease, and cancer.

Furthermore, substance abuse can contribute to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. For more information on the specific risks related to different drugs and alcohol, please visit the following resources (National Institute on Drug Abuse, et. al., 2023).

The following informational YouTube videos are from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its departments: the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

IV. Support and Recovery: A Path Forward, Prevention and Continuous Education

Drug and Alcohol Program: Did You Know? Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Training

In partnership with the OCPS District Police, and in collaboration with the Orange County Drug-Free Coalition of Central Florida, the college developed an engaging online training program narrated by one of our talented alumni.

The self-paced course, titled “Did You Know? Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Training,” is based on research and clearly covers a variety of topics, divided into four modules.

  • Module One (1): Drug Classification Overview of Schedule One Drugs
  • Module Two (2): Alcohol and Tobacco
  • Module Three (3): Drug Classification and Associated Drugs; and
  • Module Four (4): Awareness and Response

Additional references are available within the training, along with a short pre-test and an end-of-course survey to capture participants' experiences.

The online training meets DFSCA's primary prevention requirements for alcohol and other drugs. It is accessible to OTC students, including dual-enrolled students and employees.

Available Training for New and Continuing OTC Students

To access the training materials, scan the QR code below during the student sign-up process. Participants will receive a message indicating that they will not earn credit for their participation.

The college monitors all requests, and once approved, the materials will be shared accordingly. The training materials will be sent to their institutional email address and will also be available in their Canvas portal.

Once registered for the course, participants will have year-round access to the course content for ongoing reference.

Available Training for New and Current OTC Employees

Designed with the OTC community in mind, the college has made the Did You Know? AOD Training is available to all OCPS employees who are curious about this important content.

Employees have the option to self-register for the “Did You Know? AOD Training.” You can find this course available for ongoing registration in the PD Catalog on Canvas. Once enrolled, participants will have access to the course content throughout the year for continuous reference.

All OCPS administrators are required to complete the “Reasonable Suspicion Online Training for Managers.” This annual training is available on Canvas and lasts approximately two hours. It concludes with a brief assessment.

The interactive training covers various topics and presents scenarios that help employees recognize signs of substance abuse and addiction in the workplace. Additionally, the training includes information on institutional policies, reporting checklists, and valuable resources to support the reporting process.

The Did You Know? AOD Training is open to everyone in the OTC campus community. You can learn about this training through various marketing efforts and announcements made during events like Red Ribbon Week, National Substance Abuse Awareness Month, and on the OTC Campus Safety Hub.

AOD Available Resources

This section describes the services available to our campus community regarding substance abuse and alcohol abuse. We have included both on-campus and off-campus options, as well as national and local resources related to counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry support.

Additionally, we have listed other services that may be helpful in one's recovery journey. This collection of resources is intended to help students and employees access the support they need for their mental health and well-being.

Students

Currently, on-campus counseling for substance abuse is not available. However, we encourage any student in need of counseling, treatment, or recovery services to explore the resources and materials located within this publication. These resources are designed to support you on your journey to recovery.

Employees

Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services offered through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These services are free and confidential, providing professional support to benefit employees.

OCPS employees can also refer to the Wellness Program, which supervises the EAP. The EAP offers assistance with a variety of issues, including emotional and psychological concerns, family matters, and alcohol and drug abuse.

View on-campus contacts and support

View off-campus and community resources

V. Consequences of Violations: A Clear Outline of Disciplinary Actions

The policies of the Orange County, Florida School Board (“Board”), including the Student Code of Conduct, Handbook, Orange Technical College (“OTC”) Catalog, OTC Disciplinary Response Code, and OTC Handbook, apply to both dual enrollment students and adult learners.

OTC will enforce sanctions against students and employees who violate OCPS policies and the Code of Student Conduct. Any violations of these policies by a student may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, and/or referral for prosecution in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

The OCPS 2025-26 Code of Student Conduct applies to students in dual-enrollment Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This code addresses violations related to the use of alcohol and drugs, as detailed in the policy. Dual-enrolled students should be aware of these guidelines to avoid potential consequences for any violations.

A. Dual Enrolled Students

Violations of the Code of Student Conduct regarding drugs and/or alcohol are considered Level 4 offenses. Any Level 4 offense shall result in a 10-day suspension with a potential recommendation for expulsion.

School personnel must report major acts of misconduct immediately to the school administrator, which may lead to an investigation and the possibility of removing the student from the school. Students who commit a Level 4 offense involving drugs and/or alcohol must be reported to law enforcement.

B. Adult Students

Adult learners who violate the Student Code of Conduct may be dismissed.

C. Employees

The Orange County School Board's Drug-Free Workplace Policy (GBEC, 2016) outlines a comprehensive approach to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment free from drugs and alcohol.

The policy (GBEC, 2016) details expectations for employees, procedures for identifying and addressing drug use, and resources available to employees seeking assistance.

The Office of Professional Standards handles matters that require disciplinary action at OTC.

The Office of Professional Standards (sanctions) may impose the following corrective actions for a drug and alcohol violation:

  1. Reasonable suspicion testing is based upon a belief that an employee is using or has used alcohol or drugs in violation of the School Board's policy;
  2. Supervisors who have reasonable suspicion that an employee may be under the influence while on duty are required to immediately direct the employee to undergo testing as outlined in the School Board Policy GBEC.
  3. Except in extraordinary circumstances, the Superintendent shall consistently recommend termination for positive findings of controlled substances or alcohol, except when an employee is using a controlled substance under, and in accordance with, the direction of a physician. A test result for alcohol at or above 0.02 will be considered a positive finding discipline; however, a negative result for alcohol will not be the sole determinant of whether or not alcohol was present.
  4. Post-Employment Offer Testing. Upon being offered employment, individuals are required to take and pass a screening for controlled substances as a condition of employment; and
  5. Random testing under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) is also subject to the act's provisions, including, but not limited to, random drug and alcohol testing for those observed under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Notification of the DAAPP

Student Notification

This information is provided to students during their enrollment process, including our high school dual-enrolled students participating in any of our education programs at OTC.

Students receive annual notification via phone and e-mail regarding the contents and availability of the DAAPP. This communication provides information to access the guide and a direct link to the DAAPP, and instructions on requesting a paper copy to community members who do not access e-mail.

Additionally, the DAAPP is available online on the OTC Campus Safety Hub for ongoing reference.

Employee Notification

All OTC employees receive an annual notification via phone and e-mail regarding the contents and availability of the DAAPP.

This communication includes information on how to access the guide, a direct link to the DAAPP, and instructions for requesting a paper copy for community members who do not have access to e-mail.

Additionally, the DAAPP is available online on the OTC Campus Safety Hub for ongoing reference.

Oversight Responsibility

OTC Senior Leadership, including OTC Deans of Discipline and/or the Office of Professional Standards, have the responsibility of overseeing the handling of any discipline or sanctions due to not abiding by the OCPS Code of Student Conduct or OCPS Drug-Free Workplace Policy (GBEC).

Document last updated: December 2025

Area Information is located: Digital Version available on the OTC Campus Safety Hub

Policy and Procedure last updated: ACD, October 27, 2020; GBEC, September 27, 2016; JB (Clery Act), July 30, 2024; JIC, July 16, 2025; JICH, July 28, 2009

All above board policies can be found on the OCPS Board Policies page.

Biennial Review

To ensure compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) (34 CFR § 86.100), OTC will conduct a biennial review of the college's drug and alcohol program.

This review will evaluate the program's effectiveness every two years, ensuring it remains relevant to our students and identifies areas for improvement.

Strategies for addressing the findings from this survey will be discussed and analyzed later, and the results will be included in the overall report of the biennial review. The documentation of this assessment will be completed by Fall 2026.

References