5.1.5 Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act/Drug-Free Workplace Act Policy

Policy

Illinois State University is committed to sustaining an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of all members of the University community.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, and University policies, Illinois State University reaffirms its commitment to prevent and prohibit the use of controlled substances and misuse of alcohol on property (broadly defined as any property, facilities, and/or vehicles) owned, operated, leased, or controlled by the University, or in association with any University-related duties or activities.

Improper use of drugs or alcohol can cause serious injuries or health problems, impair performance, and endanger the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public.

It is essential that all employees and students recognize that the use of controlled substances or the misuse/abuse of alcohol constitutes a threat to the educational mission of the University.  Illinois State University seeks to promote a healthy and safe campus environment that includes individuals taking responsibility for their own actions.  All members of the University community are responsible for being fully aware of the requirements of University policies as well as local, state and federal laws regarding alcohol and other drugs. 

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is strictly prohibited on any property owned, operated, or controlled by Illinois State University or in association with any University-related duties or activities. This includes University vehicles or personal vehicles when being used for University-related duties or activities.  It is not a violation of this policy to be using a controlled substance in compliance with applicable laws, if under the direction of a licensed physician.  The sale, delivery, possession, or consumption of a controlled substance, if prohibited under applicable laws, is prohibited on University property or in association with any University-related duties or activities (i.e. cannabis is prohibited under federal law even though in some states, it is permitted under state law). 

The sale, delivery, possession, and consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited on any property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the University except as otherwise provided in University Policy 5.1.20 and/or this University Policy 5.1.5.  The unlawful sale, delivery, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in association with any University related duties or activities.

Students or employees who violate federal, state, or local laws, or University policies concerning drugs or alcohol are subject to criminal prosecution and/or institutional sanctions.

Employees

Employees may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, for any violation including but not limited to: unauthorized consumption of alcohol on institutional time or property; unauthorized possession, sale or distribution of drugs, narcotics, or intoxicants; reporting to work and/or engaging in activities related to employment with one’s mental or physical ability, alertness or judgment impaired by substances (i.e. alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or intoxicants) in a way that makes it impracticable or unsafe to perform one’s job duties; and inability or failure to perform assigned duties and/or represent the University in a competent and satisfactory manner.

The University encourages employees who are dependent on or addicted to alcohol and/or controlled substances and/or other substances that may be detrimental to their health to seek professional advice and assistance through the University's Employee Assistance Program or from non-University professionals.  While participation in the Employee Assistance Program is encouraged, it may not preclude normal disciplinary action nor relieve an employee of responsibility for performing assigned duties in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.

Students

Students who violate this policy, University Policy 5.1.20, and/or the Code of Student Conduct are subject to disciplinary action/sanction, up to and including dismissal from the University.

The University encourages students dependent on or addicted to alcohol and/or controlled substances and/or other substances that may be detrimental to their health, to seek confidential professional advice from Illinois State University Student Counseling Services (309) 438-3655 or from non-University professionals.

Notifications required of employees/Criminal Background Checks

As a condition of continued employment, any employee directly engaged in work pursuant to a federal contract or grant or grant from the State of Illinois in the amount of $5,000 or more must comply not only with this policy, but must also notify the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) of any conviction under a criminal drug statute where the criminal act upon which the conviction is based occurred upon  property owned, operated, or controlled by the University within five (5) business days of the date of the conviction. The University will notify the federal or state grant or contract authority within ten (10) business days after receiving the notice from a covered employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.

In addition, pursuant to University Policy 3.1.30 (Criminal Background Investigation) any employee who is convicted of a criminal offense, regardless of the location at which the offense occurred, after their initial hire date must inform Human Resources of this information the next business day you report to work. Failure to provide information to Human Resources may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Accommodations

If you believe you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to complete the essential functions of your position, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309)438-3383 or Equalopportunity@illinoisstate.edu 

Annual Notice

Annual notice containing all required disclosures related to the University's alcohol and drug education and prevention programs are provided to all members of the University community, including faculty, staff, and students.