| Date: | May 3, 2011 |
| To: | Members of the University Community |
| From: | Allison M. Vaillancourt, Vice President of Human Resources |
| Subject: | The University of Arizona Statement on Drug Free Schools and Campuses |
Under Federal legislation entitled The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (“Act”), no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The Act requires the annual distribution of the following information to students and employees.
Policy and Prohibition
To achieve the policy and objective of providing a drug free environment for all University students and employees, the University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities. Further, the University prohibits employees while on duty from consuming or being under the influence of a) alcoholic beverages while on duty or b) a controlled substance not prescribed for the employee by their health care provider. University of Arizona students and employees are subject to all applicable drug and alcohol policies including policies set forth in the University's Staff Personnel Policy Manual, University Handbook for Appointed Personnel, Arizona Board of Regents Code of Conduct, the University of Arizona Alcohol Policy and Regulations, or other applicable rules when adopted.
Sanctions
- Local, state, and federal laws make illegal use of drugs and alcohol serious crimes. Conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines and assigned community service.
- In order to assure fair and consistent treatment of all students or employees who are accused of illegal use of drugs and alcohol, the University will handle all cases which come to its attention within the guidelines of the applicable policies and procedures of the University (e.g. Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures, Staff Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Action, ABOR Code of Conduct) and where appropriate, local, state, and federal regulations.
- Sanctions will be imposed on students or employees who violate Arizona Board of Regents or University drug and/or alcohol policies. Sanctions may include suspension or expulsion for students and, for employees, disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Health Risks
There are definite health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illegal substances. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability, and death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest with cocaine use, or more subtle and long term, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. In addition to health related problems, other concerns relating to substance abuse include the following:
- Regular abusers of alcohol and other drugs often have erratic lifestyles which interfere with sleep, nutrition, and exercise
- Alcohol and substance abuse may lead to financial difficulties, domestic violence, deterioration of the family structure, motor vehicle accident injuries, and reduced job performance
- Repeated abuse of alcohol can lead to dependence
Support Systems and Resources for Employees
If you are experiencing problems with alcohol and/or other drugs, there are campus and community resources available to assist you.
Services are available through the University of Arizona health plans to assist staff, faculty or appointed personnel who are experiencing problems with chemical dependency. Individuals can speak with their primary care physician or their health carrier's Member Services Department to access those resources. Additionally, the University's Life & Work Connections Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation service provides free, voluntary and confidential short-term counseling when appropriate, or supervisor consultation, information and referrals to individuals requesting assistance for drug and/or alcohol problems. Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation also provides ongoing consultation and supervisory training each semester in conjunction with Human Resources to educate about signs and symptoms of alcohol/drug problems, ways to help troubled employees, and resources available on campus and in the community. For more information or to schedule an appointment, pleas! e call (520)621-2493.
Reporting Responsibility
Employees and students are required to report to the University if they are convicted of any alcohol or drug-related offense arising from the use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. Appointed personnel and classified staff employees must report such information to the Vice President for Human Resources (520-621-1684); student employees must report such information to the Dean of Students Office (520-621-7060). These individuals are also available to answer any questions pertaining to the legislation or the University's compliance.
Statement on the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Proposition 203)
Arizona voters recently approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Proposition 203) which, under certain circumstances, permits individuals to possess and use limited quantities of marijuana for medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, however, the University has and will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose.
Under Federal legislation entitled The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, "no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees." Federal law, entitled The Controlled Substances Act, prohibits the possession, use or production of marijuana, even for medical use. Therefore, the University will continue to enforce its current policies prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities.
Employees and students who violate University policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus will continue to be subject to disciplinary action.
If you have any questions regarding this email, please contact Campus Health at 520-621-6489.
Related Links
University Classified Staff Policy Manual
http://www.hr.arizona.edu/09_
University Handbook for Appointed Personnel
http://uhap.web.arizona.edu/
Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual
http://www.azregents.edu/
University of Arizona Alcohol Policy and Regulations
http://policy.web.arizona.edu/
Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures
http://deanofstudents.arizona.
Classified Staff Rules of Conduct
http://www.hr.arizona.edu/
Life & Work Connections
http://lifework.arizona.edu/
Life & Work Connections - Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation
http://lifework.arizona.edu/ea
