Pubdate: Wed, 13 Sep 2006
Source: Gamecock, The (SC Edu)
Copyright: 2006, The Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina
Contact:  http://www.dailygamecock.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2319
Author: Chelsea Hadaway
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?219 (Students for Sensible Drug Policy)

STUDENTS WITH DRUG OFFENSES LOSE FINANCIAL AID

Students who checked "yes" on the FAFSA application saying they have 
been convicted of a drug-related offense automatically lost federal 
financial aid in the form of Pell Grants, Stafford Loans and 
potentially state financial aid as well, but they may be able to win it back.

For charges of possession, the first offense is loss of financial aid 
for a year. Second offense is two years and for a third offense, 
financial aid is suspended indefinitely.

The policy has been in effect since 2000, when an amendment was added 
to the Higher Education Act, which was passed in 1965.

The last time Congress reevaluated the act, an amendment was tacked 
on that takes away any federal financial aid if the student has been 
convicted in state or federal court of possessing or selling illegal drugs.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) was formed to oppose the new 
policy at the national level.

"The policy causes more drug abuse and not less by blocking access to 
education," said Tom Angell, campaigns director for SSDP.

The federal financial aid is only taken away if there is a state or 
federal conviction, so unless the student is charged in court, there 
isn't a risk of losing aid.

At USC, if a student violates the drug policy of the Student Code of 
Conduct, officials could conduct an informal administrative hearing, 
a formal administrative hearing and a formal university conduct hearing.

Scott Lewis, director of the Office of Judicial Affairs, emphasizes 
the distinction between going to court in a criminal process, where 
you could lose financial aid, and going through USC's judicial system.

When a student is reported by Housing or USC Police to have violated 
the drug or alcohol policy, the student is usually referred to the 
Office of Judicial Affairs as part of an administrative process 
separate from the criminal process.

Usually, for a first-time minor drug offense, the student pays a 
fine, is put on probation and is assessed by the counseling center, 
Lewis said. Sometimes, the student is given a series of random drug tests.

"We tailor the sanctions to help students learn from the experience," 
Lewis said.

The only exception is if a student is charged with distributing 
drugs, which entails immediate suspension, Lewis said.

Last year, 111 cases of students allegedly violating drug policy were 
reported. Ninety-eight were found responsible for information only, 
which is when the charges are virtually dismissed.

For state financial aid such as the Palmetto Fellows or Life 
scholarships, a completely separate form that has its own 
certification process is used, said Sharon Lindler, a financial aid 
office employee.

Students have to sign a form saying they haven't been convicted or 
pled guilty of a felony or been convicted of a drug-related 
misdemeanor in any state within the past year.

In the last academic year, 11 students couldn't sign the 
certification statement, Lindler said. It is usually a low number, she said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman