Student Handbook - New England Culinary Institute

Intervention
NECI considers it has an obligation to intervene in
the activities of a student any time there is concern
about the physical or psychological welfare of that
student or other students, or any time the student’s
academic performance is suffering due to
detrimental behavior. This may include, but is not
necessarily limited to drug and alcohol abuse. The
main objective of intervention is to help individuals
face their problems so they can effectively function
within the program.
Intervention is a way for the school to identify the
problem, to negotiate a plan to rectify the situation
in the most constructive manner possible, and to
follow through in support of the agreed-upon plan.
The plan is written in the form of a contract that the
school approves and the student signs. Failure to
follow the plan may lead to suspension from the
program. A crisis intervention counselor and/or
drug testing/alcohol assessment may be
recommended or mandated. NECI respects the
privacy and individual rights of students, yet must
also be responsive to the dangerous or destructive
behavior of an individual toward others or
him/herself and to applicable local, state, and
federal laws. If the school receives complaints from
the community regarding irresponsible acts of a
student, the student may be held accountable by the
school. Such acts may include, but are not limited
to: writing bad checks, disorderly conduct, theft,
and liquor law violations. Such acts may be grounds
for student violations, fines, suspension, and
dismissal.
To ensure fairness, continuity, and cohesiveness, an
administrative team will manage the intervention
program. The team is normally made up of Director
of Academic Services, the Academic Advisor, the
Coordinator of Student Services, the Coordinator of
Student Programs, and the Department Chair for the
student’s program.
Referral
Confidential referrals can be made for students who
believe they may have an alcohol or drug abuse
problem. An appropriate referral may be made after
consultation with the Coordinator of Student
Services or the Coordinator of Student Programs.
Possible referrals include a private counselor,
psychologist, medical physician, state-subsidized
agency or counseling service, support group,
residential treatment program, or preferred religious
agency or individual. Names and services of
referrals are available through the office of Student
Services. Evidence of regular participation with an
approved professional counselor or service may be
required in order for the student to remain enrolled
in the program. Every effort will be made to keep
all referrals as non-punitive as possible.
Regular support in Montpelier is provided by such
agencies as the Washington County Mental Health
Services (229.0591) in Montpelier, Maple Leaf
Farm (899.9211) in Underhill (providing regional
residential treatment), Central Vermont Substance
Abuse Services (223.4156) in Berlin, and the
Washington County Youth Services Bureau (up to
age 22, 229.9151) in Montpelier.
Training
A group drug and alcohol awareness program is
presented during the first term in the Professional
Development class. In addition, drug and alcohol
awareness training is provided for Resident
Assistants and faculty. This training may, at times,
include presentations conducted by professionals
within the local community.
Summary and Review
Federal law requires all institutions receiving
federal financial assistance to implement and
enforce drug and alcohol prevention policies. NECI
strongly supports this initiative. Any violation of
drug and alcohol law, even for a first offense, may
result in penalties up to and including termination
of enrollment.
Possession, solicitation, sale, or use of alcohol and
illegal drugs is prohibited. NECI refers individuals
who violate the law regarding illegal drugs to the
appropriate law enforcement agencies. The misuse
and or abuse of alcohol, public intoxication or
illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
Misuse and/or abuse of alcohol or drugs will be
dealt with in a serious, swift, and direct manner
following the guidelines of this policy. NECI
reserves the right to take appropriate action on any
violation, including intervention, referral and
administrative action which could result in
suspension, dismissal, and/or referral to law
enforcement officials.
NECI, while upholding the law and while
discouraging illicit drug and alcohol use, also takes
the initiative to inform and educate all students
(users and nonusers alike) on drugs and alcohol and
their effects, and confidentially advises drug and
alcohol abusers. The school wishes to promote early
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