Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, implemented at 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F for Grantees, as defined by 34 CFR Part 85, Sections 85.610, requires that the University certify that it will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:

1. Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the University’s workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against the employees for violations of such prohibition.
2. Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:
   1. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.
   2. The University’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
   3. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs.
   4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

Drug and Alcohol Policy:

The Limestone University alcohol and drug policy seeks to maintain a safe and healthful environment for the entire University community: students, faculty employees, staff employees, and authorized visitors to the campus. All members of the University community are expected to comply with federal and state laws governing the use of drugs and alcohol as well as the University policy outlined in the following statements.

Regulations Concerning the Use of Alcohol and Drugs:

The use, consumption, ingestion, possession, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of alcohol and illicit drugs is prohibited on University-owned or controlled property unless preapproved by the administration. This prohibition applies to the entire campus and to leased sites in other locations where University programs of instruction are offered.

Violations of the Alcohol and Drug Policy:

Faculty and staff employees found guilty of violating the University’s policy or federal or state laws are subject to penalties, including immediate discharge or suspension from the University. Conduct that is unbecoming, disorderly, or destructive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be referred to the appropriate department head for investigation and recommended disciplinary action by the appropriate Vice President.

Drug-Free Workplace Awareness Program:

Department heads are enjoined to present the Drug-Free Awareness Program to their employees upon commencement of employment and during January and August of each year. Employees should be informed that the University intends to maintain a drug-free workplace, the dangers of drug abuse, the availability of drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace. Employees should also be informed that it is their responsibility to notify the immediate supervisor in writing of any conviction of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction.

The University must notify the Director, Grants Service, U.S. Department of Education of such conviction within ten calendar days. The University is further required to take some appropriate action against the employee within 30 calendar days and make a good-faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Drug and Alcohol Employee Assistance Program:

Employees who violate the University’s alcohol and drug policy may be referred to the University nurse and the Counseling Center for counseling and rehabilitation to effect a modification in behavior. It is the desire of the University to assist employees who may have engaged in substance abuse to the detriment of themselves, their families, and the University to restore them to productive employment and to make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through the assistance program. If the internal counseling resources of the University are not sufficient to affect the situation, outside service agencies within Cherokee and Spartanburg counties may be engaged to offer further assistance.