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PROHIBITED CONDUCT
The employees of Worcester State College shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use controlled substances or alcohol on College property, in conjunction with any College activity or in the College workplace. Any individual who violates this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with any applicable collective bargaining agreement. Such disciplinary action may include suspension from employment, mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug assistance or rehabilitation program, and termination of employment as well as referral of the matter for prosecution in an appropriate law enforcement agency.
As a condition of employment, all employees will abide by this statement of policy. Employees will notify the College’s Director of Human Resources within five (5) days of being convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the workplace. The employer will notify a grantor agency that an employee has been convicted of a drug-related offense within ten (10) days.
C. SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAM
1. Training. An Abuse Prevention Program shall be developed and administered by the Director of Human Resources who shall oversee a periodic training program for supervisors. The College will endeavor to identify referral agencies and counselors who may work with supervisors and employees of the College concerning potential alcohol or drug problems.
Employees violating the policy may be required to attend an evaluation session with a professional staff member as part of a disciplinary sanction.
The Substance Abuse Awareness Program emphasizes education and prevention. Throughout the academic year, the College will endeavor to make available to employees information concerning cocaine/crack, alcohol, PCP and marijuana. Local consultants and/or appropriate audiovisual materials concerning substance abuse prevention and treatment will be utilized by the College. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol will be available to employees through the office of the Director of Human Resources.
2. Health Risks Associated with Drug and Alcohol Use. The use of drugs and alcohol, even infrequently, may damage one’s health. The College’s Counseling Center, the Director of Human Resources or your health care provider can inform you of the effect specific substances have upon your health.
Excessive use of alcohol is associated with liver damage, hypertension, brain damage and a weakened immune system.
Cocaine or crack use may be fatal, depending upon the cardiovascular response of the user. This drug is highly addictive, and withdrawal results in severe depression and fatigue.
Tranquilizers and sedatives are also highly addictive, even at low dosages. Use of these drugs In conjunction with alcohol is extremely dangerous, and may result in the user becoming comatose.
The intravenous use of drugs carries the additional risk of infection due to shared needles. AIDS and hepatitis are transmitted in this way.
3. Criminal and Legal Sanctions Associated with Drug and Alcohol Use. The Human Resources Office maintains a complete list of the legal sanctions associated with alcohol and drug abuse. A copy of such list will also be provided to each employee.
In general, severe sanctions may be imposed upon an individual who unlawfully manufactures, distributes or possesses controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, crack or prescription drugs.
The illegal purchasing of alcohol, the illegal possession of alcohol, or the providing of alcohol to minors carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.
D. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
Help concerning drug and alcohol related problems is available from several sources. If you need assistance, or know of someone who needs help, or if you have questions concerning alcohol and drug abuse, you may contact in confidence any of the following:
1. Director of Human Resources
Worcester State College
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
2. College Counseling/Health
Service
Worcester State College
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
3. Department of Public Health
Substance Abuse Division
Information and Referrals
1 - 800 - 327-5050
4. Your health insurance provider
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