Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace Policy

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, SUNY Plattsburgh adopts the following policy to prevent the unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees. SUNY Plattsburgh’s policy is in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.

Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs has a detrimental effect on the productivity, attendance, and health of our work force. As a public employer, we must be vigilant to protect the safety and welfare of the students, the public with whom we interact and the employees with whom we work. When this policy refers to ‘employees’, it includes student employees.

Standard of Conduct

• It is the policy of SUNY Plattsburgh that employees, including student employees, will be subject to criminal, civil and disciplinary penalties if they distribute, sell, attempt to sell, possess or purchase controlled substances while at the workplace, while performing in a work-related capacity or at any campus activity. In those work locations where it is permitted, an employee may possess and use a controlled substance which is properly prescribed for him or her by a physician.
• While prescription drugs are not prohibited, they should not render an employee unfit for duty. The employee should bring situations of this nature to the attention of the supervisor or Human Resource Services. These situations are to be addressed confidentially on a case-by-case basis and it may be necessary for the employee to provide certification from the physician that the prescription substance does not adversely impact fitness to do the job.
• Employees are prohibited from on-the-job use or impairment from alcohol or controlled substances.
• No person, student, employee, or visitor, shall sell, deliver, give away, cause or permit alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21 years.
• Employees are prohibited from personally catering alcohol events.  The campus food service vendor has been designated the caterer as well as the caretaker of the College Auxiliary Service (CAS) liquor license on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus.  Samuel D’s, the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Department managed restaurant is also in possession of a liquor license to serve Alcoholic Beverages to customers in conjunction with its educational mission.
• All alcohol events must be formally requested in advance through the campus food service vendor with a Facility Reservation Form (Available from the Office for Student Involvement).
• Alcoholic beverages, other than those arranged through CAS or Samuel D’s, will not be allowed at any function.

Policy Regarding Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace

• In accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, dispensation or distribution of controlled substances in all SUNY Plattsburgh work locations is prohibited.
• Employees who unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance in or on property owned by or under the control of SUNY Plattsburgh will be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
• "Controlled substances" refers to the hundreds of chemicals listed in the Controlled Substances Act by the federal government. All so-called "street drugs" (heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, speed, acid) are controlled substances.
• A person using a prescribed drug under a doctor's supervision is not breaking any law. However, the use of prescribed drugs without a physician's prescription is illegal.
• Addiction to or misuse of prescribed drugs could subject an employee to medical testing under New York State's policy governing alcohol or substance abuse in the workplace.
• Employees must abide by the terms of this policy and must notify Human Resource Services of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at the workplace, or at a work site, no later than five (5) working days after such conviction.
• SUNY Plattsburgh will notify the appropriate federal agencies, if applicable, within ten (10) days of receipt of a notice of an employee drug conviction.
• SUNY Plattsburgh will make every effort to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace. That effort will include drug and alcohol awareness education programs, an Employee Assistance Program and the implementation and strict enforcement of this policy.
• If you discover a violation of any provision of the Policy, it is your duty to notify your supervisor and/or Human Resource Services.  Contact University Police immediately if you discover illegal activity.
• An Employee Assistance Program is available on campus for employees who wish to seek assistance in addressing drug or alcohol related problems, as well as other personal and family matters. Please call 518-564-3277 for information. Questions concerning this policy should be referred to Human Resource Services at 518-564-5062.

Distribution and Review

This program will be distributed annually to all employees and reviewed biennially to determine its effectiveness, implement needed changes and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Certification

SUNY Plattsburgh will further comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 by submitting a certification that a drug-free workplace will be provided as a precondition for receiving federal funds for contracts and grants awarded or substantially modified after the effective date of the Act.

In order to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Public Law 101-226, the Higher Education Act of 1965, and the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, this policy supersedes all pre-existing alcohol and drug policies.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at SUNY Plattsburgh is staffed by a coordinator who refers for assessment employees with alcohol and drug abuse problems to community based treatment and rehabilitation programs. The EAP also offers workshops on many health related topics throughout the year, including alcohol and drug abuse and takes part in the benefits information day.

The Student Health Center annually conducts a Health Fair and periodically publishes a widely distributed newsletter, both of which emphasize the health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse.  Additionally the Alcohol and Other Drug Coordinator serves as the point person for alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse assessment, counseling, education, intervention, and programming on campus.

In addition, the college sponsors numerous educational programs throughout the year that are specifically concerned with information and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse and are open to all members of the college community.