Administrative Policy
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Policy Statement
The University is committed to providing a healthy learning and working environment for all students and employees and strives to meet this commitment through prevention and awareness programs. Alcohol abuse and illegal drug use endangers the health and safety of all students and employees.
Students, faculty, and staff are prohibited from engaging in:
- the illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia on all University premises, in University-supplied vehicles, and as part of University activities and business; and
- the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on all University premises, in University-supplied vehicles, and as part of University activities and business.
University students, employees, and others who conduct research and teaching activities with controlled substance must comply with Administrative Policy: Using Controlled Substances for Research in order to ensure that they follow all applicable regulations and safely handle and prevent diversion of controlled substances.
University community members are expected to refer suspected illegal situations to University police or local law enforcement agencies for criminal investigation leading to possible prosecution.
Education and Treatment Programs
The University demonstrates its commitment to maintaining appropriate campus environments by offering a variety of drug and alcohol abuse prevention and education services for students and employees, including: confidential diagnosis and assessment, short-term counseling, referral, and support groups
Supervisors who are concerned that employees may have alcohol or drug-related problems should consult with the Employee Assistance Programs. Disciplinary sanctions will not be taken against students for seeking assistance from student health services or against employees for seeking assistance from the Employee Assistance Programs.
Each campus is expected to provide information to students, faculty, and staff regarding available educational and treatment programs and related services.
Risks and Sanctions
To make informed choices about drug and alcohol use, students and employees should educate themselves about the serious health consequences of the use, misuse, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs as described in the Drug and Alcohol Health Risks Chart.
Students and employees also should be aware that they may be subject to criminal prosecution under federal, state, and local laws that specify fines or imprisonment or loss of federal financial student aid for conviction of alcohol and drug-related offenses as described in the Drug and Alcohol Legal Sanctions Chart. These legal sanctions are in addition to disciplinary sanctions by the University.
Students – Disciplinary Sanctions
Students who violate the prohibitions in this policy are subject to discipline as described in Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code: warning; probation; required compliance; confiscation of goods; restitution; restriction of privileges; University housing suspension or expulsion; suspension or expulsion; withholding of diploma or degree; and revocation of admission or degree.
Employees – Disciplinary Sanctions
Employees who violate the prohibitions in this policy are subject to discipline ranging from an oral warning, written warning, or unpaid suspension up to termination consistent with policies, rules, and contracts governing the terms and conditions of their employment. Supervisors also may require an employee provide documentation of satisfactory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
Employees who are convicted of any criminal drug statute violation in the workplace must report it to a supervisor within five days of the conviction. Supervisors, department heads, and principal investigators who are aware of any drug crime convictions of individuals (students or employees) who work on sponsored projects for violations that occurred in the workplace must report them to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) within three calendar days of their notice of the conviction.
Medical Amnesty
Medical Amnesty To ensure that minors at medical risk as a result of alcohol intoxication receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, Minnesota law provides immunity from prosecution for minors under certain circumstances. Refer to Minnesota Statutes 340A.503 subd. 8 for further details.
The University of Minnesota maintains the discretion to refer these individual(s) for appropriate educational intervention(s).
Reason for Policy
This policy implements the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (as articulated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 86), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701), and Minnesota Statutes 340A.503 subd.8. The policy also supports Board of Regents Policies: Student Conduct Code, Code of Conduct, and Health and Safety. The University, in partnership with its students and employees, strives to prevent the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs on our campuses. This policy provides guidance for responsible behavior related to drugs and alcohol use and information regarding available resources.