Drug Free Campus Committee — April 9, 2025
WebEx
Members Present
- Rosemary Coffman; Executive Director, Student Success & Wellbeing; LC, Student Success and Belonging
- Linda Torrez-Mann, LPC-S, LCDC; Mental Health Therapist; LC, Student Success and Belonging
- Cynthia Barrios; HR Director; LC Human Resources
- Emely Barragan; Southeast Coalition; BACODA
- Nick Wade; Chief; LC Security
- Jordan Smith; Program Manager; LC, Workforce & Community Development
- Sterling LaBoo; Suicide Prevention; LC, SAMHSA Suicide Prevention Grant
- Tiffany Winchester; Coordinator, Veterans Center; LC, Student Success and Belonging
- Scott Bennett; AVP; LC, Student Services
- Reanna DeGeorge, LCDC, LPC Associate; Faculty Member; LC, Addiction Counseling
- Sarah Cummings; Coordinator, Employee Relations; LC Human Resources
Review of Membership and Purpose of the Committee
There was time for introductions of those present. This committee consists of college employees, students, and community partners. The purpose of the group is to provide education and support to the campus regarding our Drug Free Campus policy and statement and to provide oversight of the goals and activities for the Biennial review.
- We welcome Sarah as the College’s new coordinator for employee relations.
- We also welcomed Emely Barragan. Emely is the new coalition coordinator with BACODA. We look forward to working with Emely and continuing our great partnership we have had with BACODA and the work with our previous coordinator, Amber Carter.
Events and activities for the 2024/25 academic year
The committee reviewed events for the 2024/25 academic year. This included the Fentanyl Town Hall meeting, Mental Health First Aid training, the installation of Narcan dispensers, and a number of tabling events. In the fall, the Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug policy was updated and included in the Biennial Review.
Ongoing events and programs include:
- Information provided at the New Student Orientation (Fentanyl and Drug Free Campus information) which is presented to all students who are first time to Lee College.
- Annual training (each fall) for the student athletes. This includes the review of the Substance Abuse Education and Testing Program policy in which each athlete is required to acknowledge.
- Since 2018, Lee College has partnered with The Harris Center for Mental Health First Aid for trainings each semester (fall, spring, and summer). The next training will be in June.
- The Peers Against Tobacco student group continues to support our Tobacco-Free campus policy with financial support from The University of Texas. This includes a variety of branded swag to give out and $1,000 annual stipend. They will be presenting a workshop later this month on the intersection between mental health and nicotine use.
- The Summer Bash is set for June 12. Rosemary will be working with several members of this committee to include Student Engagement in planning the event.
Biennial Review
Rosemary reviewed information regarding the Biennial Review including a review of the recommendations for this next two year to include the following:
- Create a system for accountability to assure that emails are sent out to all employees annually.
- Develop activities to address information sharing and reporting of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug violations. This will include meetings with key stakeholders with representation from Security, Conduct, and Athletics.
- To assist with the conversation regarding reporting issues, the Drug Free Campus Committee membership will be reviewed to ensure key personnel are participating.
Open Discussion
There was a discussion on how we can provide better reporting of violations of our Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug Use policy.
- Melissa requested more signage in the game room on the tobacco free campus.
- We reviewed the violation of college policies for alcohol tobacco and other drugs.
- Chief Williams reports that security continues to be firm but cordial if there are individuals violating the tobacco policy. There was a discussion of staff at night who smoke without going to the perimeters (city sidewalks) due to concerns of their safety. As a reminder, this remains a violation.
- There is the understanding that it is an addiction and approach it as such when working with students or staff.
- There have been no recent reports of violation from student conduct or employment. o Coach Wade reported that there is a policy in place for student athletes and no recent violations have been reported.
- There have been incidents regarding students who smell strong of marijuana. It was suggested that if other students are bothered or impacted that a conduct report be submitted.
- Cessation resources — As a reminder, the Texas Quitline provides free resources for any individual age 13 or older. Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches or gum) is available for individuals aged 18 years or older. Information will be provided to security to be provided to those individuals who are caught violating the policy and HR for employees.
Adjournment / Next Meeting
This committee will meet again in the fall semester with a date and time to be announced. We continue to strive for membership from key stakeholders and will work to get student participation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rosemary Coffman, PhD, CRC
Executive Director, Student Success and Wellbeing