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Alcohol and Drug Policy
Date of Original Implementation: September 2006
Date of Last Revision: October 2011
Purpose
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendments of 1989, this policy shall govern the use of drugs and alcohol at Cambridge College.
Cambridge College will enforce all applicable laws concerning illegal drugs and alcohol.
Scope
As a condition of employment and of continued employment, all employees of Cambridge College are required to adhere to this policy.
Policy
While on the premises of any Cambridge College location, and while conducting business-related activities off Cambridge College premises, including at all College-sponsored events, no employee may use, possess, distribute, dispense, sell, manufacture, transfer, purchase or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, intoxicants or controlled substances. Illegal drugs include all drugs of which the use, possession, transportation or sale is prohibited by any federal, state or local law. In addition, the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
The use of legal drugs, including 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. The misuse of prescription drugs, including drugs not prescribed to the employee is prohibited while working. These prohibitions cover arriving on College premises while impaired by the effects of such drugs, including those obtained by prescription under medical direction.
Employees who have been informed by a physician, pharmacist or other authorized medical personnel that the use of a legal drug may present a safety risk or inappropriate behavioral side effects, are required to submit a physician's statement to the Director of Human Resources that the prescription drug use will not affect job safety.
All Cambridge College faculty and staff are expected to abide by all federal, state and local laws, including those regulating the use, possession, sale distribution, manufacture and cultivation of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Cambridge College has a zero tolerance for the abuse of this policy. Members of the College community charged with violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action through the established disciplinary procedures of the College and its collective bargaining agreements. Employees may face disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of employment, in addition to criminal prosecution under applicable laws. The College may also require satisfactory completion of an appropriate substance abuse rehabilitation or treatment program, counseling or education program as a condition of reinstatement or continued employment.
Employees receiving federal grants or contracts are required to certify to the funding agency that they are drug-free before receiving any awards. This certification may also be required of other employees whose employment is partially or fully federally funded.
An employee who is convicted of a criminal drug statue violation occurring in the workplace must, within five (5) days after the conviction, notify the Human Resources Office of such conviction. Further action may be taken to the extent allowable by law, and in accordance with applicable federal funding contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
Persons who are not employees of Cambridge College, but who perform work for its benefit (such as independent contractor, temporary employees provided by agencies, visitors engaged in joint projects, etc.) are required to comply with this policy. Violation by such persons is likely to result in their being barred from the workplace, even for a first offense.
As a member of the Cambridge College community, it is your responsibility to know and abide by all campus rules and regulations, to understand the risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs and to assist in creating an environment that promotes health-enhancing attitudes and activities.
Individual Responsible for Revision and Implementation: Vice President for Finance and Administration and Director of Human Resources.
