V615 Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy
It is Valley City State University's desire to provide a drug-free, healthful, and safe workplace. To promote this goal, employees are required to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their jobs in a satisfactory manner.
While conducting business-related activities on and off Valley City State University's premises, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use of a controlled substance, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
is prohibited. Alcohol may be permitted at university-sponsored events if it is specifically authorized by the university President in accordance with SBHE Policy 918. The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted on the job only if it does not impair
an employee's ability to perform the essential functions of the job effectively and in a safe manner that does not endanger other individuals in the workplace.
Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, and/or participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation or treatment program. Such violations may also have legal consequences.
A supervisor will require an employee to leave the workplace if the supervisor, in their discretion, determines the employee has reported to work in an inappropriate mental or physical condition and cannot perform the essential functions of the job effectively
and in a safe manner that does not endanger themselves or others. The employee will be required to use sick leave first, then annual leave, and then unpaid leave.. If the supervisor determines the employee should not operate a motor vehicle, the supervisor
may arrange transportation for the employee. If the employee refuses to accept transportation and insists on operating a motor vehicle, the supervisor will inform the employee that law enforcement officials will be notified that the employee appears
unfit to operate a motor vehicle. Law enforcement officials should then be appropriately notified.
An employee who suspects that a colleague or co-worker is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs should contact his/her department chair or supervisor immediately. An employee who suspects a supervisor or department head is under the influence
of alcohol or other illegal drugs should contact the next level of supervision or administration immediately.
To inform employees about important provisions of this policy, Valley City State University has established a drug-free awareness program. The program provides information on the dangers and effects of substance abuse in the workplace, resources available
to employees and consequences for violations of this policy. Each new employee, at the time of hire, shall receive a copy of SBHE Policy 615 and Procedure 615 and acknowledge in writing that they received and reviewed the policy and procedure. Institutions
and the university system shall document on an annual basis that each benefited employees has received a copy of SBHE Policy 615 and Procedure 615. This may be done as part of an annual evaluation, in-service training, electronically, or other appropriate
procedure.
Employees with questions or concerns about substance dependency or abuse are encouraged to use the resources of the Employee Assistance Program. They may also wish to discuss these matters with their supervisor or the Human Resources Department to receive
assistance or referrals to appropriate resources in the community.
Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, an employee who performs work for a government contract or grant must notify Valley City State University of a criminal conviction for drug-related activity occurring in the workplace. The report must be made within
five days of the conviction. Failure to inform the supervisor or department head will subject the individual to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for the first offense. Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 involving employees
on federal grants or contracts, VCSU will notify the appropriate federal contracting officer within 10 days of receiving such notice from a faculty or staff member on a federal grant or contract or otherwise receiving notice of such a conviction.
Supervisors or department heads who are notified of a criminal drug statute conviction by an employee shall immediately inform Human Resources for staff or Academic Affairs for faculty. Notification to a federal contacting agency will be through Human
Resources.
Employees with questions on this policy or issues related to drug or alcohol use in the workplace should raise their concerns with their supervisor or the Human Resources Department without fear of retaliation.
Sponsored by: Vice President for Student Affairs
Reviewed: Winter 1996
Reviewed: Winter 2005
Revised: Winter 2005
Revised: Spring 2015