2012-13 Academy Student Handbook.pdf - Interlochen Arts ...

tobacco violation. State law, state and local fire codes, and our wooded environment, as well as detrimental physical
effects to the user and those exposed to its use, mean there is no safe or legitimate place for students to smoke at
the Academy. The first tobacco/smoking violation will result in a one-week on-campus suspension. A second tobacco/
smoking violation will result in a one-week off-campus suspension. Further violations will be grounds for expulsion.
Because of the fire risk involved, evidence of smoking or burning any substance in the residence hall will result in an
off-campus suspension for the first offense (Open Flame Violation). (Illegal substances are treated below)
Alcohol: Purchase, possession, transfer, use, or evidence of use of alcohol will result in suspension or expulsion for
the first offense and expulsion for any additional offense. Possession of empty alcohol bottles and cans is not allowed
and will be considered an Alcohol Violation. Smelling of alcohol or associating with others while they are using
alcohol will also be considered an Alcohol Violation. As a condition of reinstatement, students suspended for an
alcohol violation are required to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment, attend counseling sessions and submit to
periodic testing. The cost for these services shall be the responsibility of the student's parents. The transfer or sale of
alcohol to other students will be grounds for expulsion.
Other substances: Misuse, abuse or evidence of use of prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, aerosol
products or inhalants (“huffing”), other substances used as an hallucinogenic or for the purpose of getting high,
including the transfer or sale of such materials, or associating with others while they are involved with these activities
is strictly prohibited. Disciplinary action up to and including expulsion will result. If the student is allowed to remain
enrolled, drug assessment, counseling and periodic testing, each at the expense of the student's parents, may also
be required.
Illegal drugs and substances: Purchase, possession, use, evidence of use, transfer or sale of drugs, or any drug
related paraphernalia, including but not limited to anabolic steroids, marijuana (including medical marijuana),
synthetic cannabis or other mood altering substances (such as K2, Spice, “herbal incense,” or “herbal smoking
blends”), cocaine, narcotics, LSD, amphetamines or other illegal, un-prescribed drugs or controlled substances, will
result in expulsion. Associating with others while they are involved with illegal drugs or substances will also be cause
for expulsion.
Substance Abuse Intervention: (Also see Student Support Policy)
The Academy strives to heighten the community's awareness about alcohol/drug abuse and dependency as a
societal problem. Alcohol/drug assessment and testing may be used as a supportive and healthful response to a
student's problems in certain non-disciplinary situations. Behavior and/or concerns indicating possible substance
abuse can be brought to the attention of the licensed professional counselor, school psychologist or health services
nurse prior to the occurrence of a disciplinary incident. On these occasions, personnel from these offices will attempt
to intervene with the student. The process will include parent contact. Approval for assessment and/or testing may be
sought. When used as an intervention tool, the results of testing and assessment are used to determine the need for
further assistance rather than disciplinary consequences. Assistance may include leaving campus for extended
treatment. (See “Medical/Emotional or Academy Mandated Leave Policy”)
Referrals to specialists in the Traverse City area are handled through the licensed professional counselor or
psychologist. Support groups may be available periodically on campus. Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics
Anonymous, are available in Traverse City for recovering students. Students with questions and concerns regarding
alcohol/drug use should feel free to discuss them in confidence with members of the health services staff or the
licensed professional counselor or psychologist.
However, it is important to distinguish between students who are caught or confronted in violation of our
Substance Abuse Policy and students who seek help voluntarily. Students caught violating school policies
will face disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Counseling or medical intervention is only
possible when information becomes known to Academy personnel voluntarily and before there is a
disciplinary incident. (See “Level 4 Infractions”)
DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES:
The purpose of Interlochen's discipline system is to support the policies of the Academy and to set the tone for
acceptable and appropriate behavior. Consequences are normally assigned on an individual basis after consideration
of the nature of the infraction, the student's attitude toward the infraction, and the accumulation of infractions
exhibited in the student's past behavior during each school year. The Academy’s process is designed to address
behavior, while providing clear consequences. Our goal is to foster the personal development of our students by
addressing behavior and providing an opportunity to learn from choices.
Infractions are divided into four groups that reflect the severity of the infraction. Infractions range from Level 1 to
Level 4, with Level 4 representing those that are most serious.
- COMMUNITY STANDARDS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES - 41